Three steps to better indoor air quality

Why your air conditioner matters

For many people the condition of the air conditioner that moves air through the home goes unquestioned.

An air conditioner can spread bacteria and mould, and it can breed them too. There is no need to panic. A well-maintained air conditioner keeps cleaning the air your family breathes.

Three simple steps keep your system in good order: look after the filters, keep up the maintenance, and replace the unit when it reaches the end of its life.

Step 1: clean or replace the filters

Air conditioner filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly. A blocked filter cuts the performance of your air conditioning, and it is also an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Talk to your air conditioning dealer about filter upgrades, including G4 filters and HEPA rated filters, if you want the system to filter and clean the air in your home further.

Filters differ from one system to the next. If you are not sure how to clean yours, an accredited dealer can show you. For more on filter types, read filters explained.

Step 2: keep up the maintenance

Air conditioners are often forgotten, and a forgotten system leads to problems. Mechanical breakdown is one. In cold and flu season, what is living inside the air conditioner is the bigger concern.

Dust, bacteria, mould and other microorganisms can bypass the filter and thrive inside the unit. From there they make their way into the air you breathe.

Regular maintenance by a licensed air conditioning technician includes cleaning the areas where mould and bacteria can thrive. See what a service should include for what to expect from a visit.

Step 3: replace it when it is time

Like most things, air conditioners have an expected life. In most cases that is 15 to 20 years. After that you are likely to see breakdowns, big energy bills and a much greater chance of mould and bacteria breeding inside the unit.

A new air conditioner comes with a manufacturer's warranty, lower running costs and better performance. It is also perfectly clean, and it will provide clean air for many years if you follow steps 1 and 2 above.

If you are weighing it up, read how to know it is time to replace your air conditioner.

Get advice for your own home

There is a wide range of air conditioner and filter types to suit different homes, so this information is general. It is best to seek experienced specialist advice for your own system.

ACDA accredited members can give tailored information for your own air conditioning and indoor air quality needs, for both existing systems and new installations. Use the dealer locator to find one near you, or verify a member if a dealer tells you they are accredited.

Indoor air quality checklist

• Filters cleaned or replaced regularly
• Asked your dealer about G4 or HEPA rated filter upgrades
• Regular maintenance booked with a licensed technician
• System age checked against its 15 to 20 year expected life
• Specialist advice sought for your own home and system

Every ACDA accredited member can advise on filters, maintenance and replacement for your home. Find one near you with the dealer locator.