| A 2006 study on an a 111,500m2 office building, utilising 4 large air handler units reported an annual saving of $40,000 after restoration and improving maintenance plans. Hands-down one of the most common issues we come across in Queensland is dirty cooling coils, and one of the main factors that contributes to this is simply our hot, humid climate. When the summer temperatures start to soar we tend to bump up the cooling on our air con, and when we make those components work harder, they generate excess condensation all that condensation starts to drip and pool in areas of your HVAC system, particularly in the drop trays and areas around your cooling coils. If you have lots of biofilm (dust, and bacteria, pollen, skin cells and the like) build-up on your coils, it’s going to decrease the amount of heat those coils can transfer, but that biofilm coupled with water is a wonderful feasting ground for mould. Which is rather disgusting when you consider that mould is being constantly bombarded by air… the same air that flows throughout your building. Good maintenance practices will help to combat any issues you’re having with mould and can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your air handling units. Here’s our top tips in the lead up to summer: Dust and biofilm build-up commonly starts in centre of unit, it’s important to clean coils on a regular schedule, even if the coil looks clean from the outside. • Reduce energy consumption • Reduce odours associated with mould • Improve air quality • improve de-humidification and comfort levels |