We've heard the horror tales of Legionnaire's disease coming from commercial air conditioning, but what about the air conditioner in your own home? Some of them are poorly designed while others are simply not maintained at regular intervals. Dust filters that are not cleaned regularly become germ catchers and breeders. Mould spores can grow wherever dampness occurs, and this can be in an air conditioner that is dirty inside.

An air conditioner is designed to trap dust particles from the air before it is cooled. However, they don't trap those tiny particles that you can inhale. While the air filter traps the larger particles and they then form a layer that helps to trap those other tinier particles, this also interferes with the airflow and so the efficiency of the air con. And if that mess of dust becomes damp, then mould and fungi will grow in it, and be transported to every nook and cranny of your home, along with the cool air.

When air is cooled at the coil, condensation (moisture) occurs which then falls onto the coil itself. In many cases it drains away or evaporates, but if the coil is not cleaned regularly and moisture builds up, then it becomes a breeding ground for germs, mould and fungi that are dangerous to your health.

Once you have one installed, it's important to look after it properly to get the best efficiency. In doing that important job of filtration, the filters naturally become clogged with dust. If not cleaned regularly they become inefficient, thus increasing running costs and allowing dust into your home. One of the most important things to do is to clean your air conditioner every month. They may eventually need replacing.

The next most important air conditioning maintenance job is to make sure the drain channels don't get clogged up. The drain channels reduce the humidity and if they are blocked, then the job won't be done. You can push a piece of stiff wire through to make sure they are clear. If this is not done, the excessive moisture can cause discoloration to walls and carpet.

If your air conditioner is a wall model, make sure the seal between wall and metal is tight. If there are even minute holes, cool air will escape and be wasted, costing you money and decreasing the efficiency of the unit.

Last but not least, inspect your system regularly and have it cleaned by a professional at least once a year. This will preserve your health and the life of your air conditioner.