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Air currents flow inside the supply and return ducts of an air conditioning system, which can carry all kinds of contaminants and bacteria from one area of a building to another. If we add to this the fact that natural ventilation of rooms (through the opening of exterior windows by the building’s occupants) is sometimes not practiced as frequently as recommended, the need for proper maintenance of air conditioning systems is further emphasized to prevent viruses from finding perfect transmission sites in the equipment and air ducts.
This fact is emphasized in more avant-garde buildings, especially in the tertiary sector, in cases where some of the exterior carpentry is not practicable. It is known as sick building syndrome. In this type of building, where the natural air renewal system may be deficient, stale air becomes trapped and can cause chain reactions of diseases, highlighting the need to comply with increasingly stringent HVAC system maintenance regulations.
UNE 100012 is a current regulation that establishes the cleaning requirements for air conditioning systems and regulates, among many other parameters, maintenance frequencies, effective methods to be used, and pre- and post-cleaning analysis.
The Importance of Good Maintenance of the Ducted Air Conditioning System
Ducted air conditioning systems are an effective way to cool large homes and commercial spaces.
Maintaining a ducted air conditioning system is essential for several reasons:
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Ensure the system operates efficiently, as failure to do so can negatively impact cooling performance, increase energy consumption, and have a negative environmental impact.
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It helps identify any deficiencies in the air conditioning system in a timely manner, avoiding costly repairs and extending its useful life.
We must keep in mind that particles such as dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the air conditioning system, which can reduce its effectiveness.
How often should ducted air conditioning be serviced?
It’s advisable to tune up your air conditioning system before the summer season, and have it serviced by a professional HVAC specialist at least twice a year to extend the life of your equipment and increase its performance and energy efficiency.
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Among the elements that require maintenance, we highlight:
Cleaning the air filters
The filters in a ducted air conditioning system are responsible for capturing dust particles and other allergens. Over time, if not cleaned regularly, these filters can become clogged, which can cause the following consequences:
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Poor air quality and bad odors.
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Poor functioning of air conditioning systems for refrigeration.
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Possible compressor failure due to overheating.
Cleaning the ducts
Duct cleaning is the most complicated task and should be performed by qualified HVAC personnel. Duct cleaning is recommended at least once a year. However, increased maintenance frequency is necessary in the following cases:
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Location of the property in an area with high environmental pollution.
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Existence of any occupant of the property with any respiratory condition or allergy.
A bad smell coming from the air conditioning system’s intake air may indicate the presence of bacteria and the need for disinfection by an air conditioning specialist.
Cleaning the vents
The supply and return grilles of a ducted air conditioning system are the easiest to maintain and should be cleaned more frequently to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt.
