Air conditioners collect dust, bacteria, and fungi from the air that they suck into the system. The air filter is the first line of defense to keep contaminants out. Change out the filters regularly to keep dust out.
The filters, however, can’t keep out all contaminants. Dust and debris sticks to the moist coils that create condensation. Dirty condensate runs off the system and into the pan. Bacteria, algae, and fungi thrive in the moist, dark environment that an air conditioning system creates.
Usually, the condensate quickly exits the pan through the condensate line which exits the home or building. However, clogs within the condensate line can keep the bacteria-laden condensate in the system for longer periods.
The Discovery of Legionella
Contaminated cooling towers of an air conditioning system were the cause of a deadly disease outbreak a few decades ago. The American Legion held a convention for thousands of their members at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 1976. Afterwards, numerous attendees began to feel ill at the convention and days later. Hundreds of people were sickened and dozens of people died from this outbreak.
An investigation launched to find the source of the outbreak. It was determined that a strain of bacteria living in the air-conditioning system was the cause. Subsequently, the bacteria was named after the convention: Legionella. The severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella is referred to as Legionnaires Disease.
A study done by scientists from Kogakuin University, Tokai University School of Medicine, and Duskin Co., Ltd. in Japan tested multiple components of air-conditioning systems to see what organisms were present. The study concluded, “Bacterial contamination in air conditioning units affects the health of occupants. The establishment of bacterial flora in air conditioners is influenced by the location of the residence, occupant activity, frequency of air conditioner use, and air conditioner maintenance. The five top-ranked phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) were detected in high relative abundance on the filters, coils, fans, and air outlets of all AC units. In this study, bacteria of the genera Staphylococcus, Paracoccus, and Streptococcus were detected with a higher relative abundance on the fan than on the cooling coil.”
How to Have a Clean System
There are steps to take to decrease the amount of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms in your air-conditioning system. Regularly change out your air filters, allow fresh outdoor air into the home occasionally, schedule routine maintenance to check for any system issues, and consider installing eTrapp Condensate Treatment System.
eTrapp is a permanent solution to kill bacteria, fungi, and algae in the condensate liquid. It keeps the condensate line clear of clogs so condensate doesn’t build up in the system. Get in touch with the eTrapp Team at info@edeltainc.com to learn more.