Maintenance neglected amid economic constraints

Economic challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in many companies’ “skimping” on air-conditioning maintenance, as it is viewed as an unnecessary additional expense, says cleaning chemicals developer and supplier O3 Chemicals.

O3 Chemicals marketing manager Dave Papenfus explains that companies often forgo air conditioning system maintenance because air conditioning systems continue to work.

However, unmaintained air conditioning systems have a multitude of side effects which can be more costly over time as well as pose health risks.

Air conditioning systems use significantly more electricity when the systems have to work harder. Electricity consumption becomes even more significant in big buildings that use more or multiple air conditioning systems.

Papenfus notes that the mandatory energy performance certificates required, according to the National Energy Act, will ensure that companiesmonitor and track their building energy performance. This comes into effect in December 2022.

The certificate aims to “steer the industry towards better efficiency for improved economic growth and environmental impact mitigation”, according toSouth African National Energy Development Institute.

Therefore, companies will be more inclined towards reducing energy consumption, which can be partially achieved by ensuring that air-conditioning systems are consistently maintained and are, therefore, working efficiently.

Repair costs become more expensive if the system has been working harder than it should, owing to the level of dirt that has built up.

Papenfus adds that mold starts to grow within about 48 hours of an air conditioning system being cleaned, as it tends to thrive in the moist environments of such systems. Mold can cause respiratory tract diseases, infections and sinusitis, among other respiratory health problems.

Green Chemicals

O3 Chemicals’ products are designed to remove mold and bacteria from the air conditioning system. O3 Chemicals CEO Michael Blow recommends that air-conditioning coils are cleaned four times a year.

The company’s alkaline-based, concentrated chemical products are designed to clean without causing pollution or corrosion. The products are also certified for use in food preparation and medical areas.

The O3 AlkalineDcoil cleaner is designed to remove mould, bacteria and fungi growing in grease and cooking oil, as well as the fat that can accumulate in air-conditioning systems used by restaurants, bakeries, fast food outlets and kitchens. It serves as a sanitiser, with a built-in degreaser, and can be diluted up to 15 times, also making it very cost effective.

The O3 Green coil cleaner is designed to remove mould, bacteria and fungi growing in general dirt and moisture in air handling units.

O3 SmartAir-D, and O3 SmartFinish are used together to remove mould, bacteria and fungi in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, split units, cassettes and consoles. These products do not require water and can be applied without removing the HVAC from the wall.