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Grandma has COPD and lives in the room with the AC – what must I do with the unit?

Editorial guide · Updated 18 September 2026

In short: Finding microorganisms in a study of air conditioners does not show that this particular unit caused an infection or symptoms. The condition of the unit, moisture, ventilation and other indoor sources need to be assessed separately. Cleaning is maintenance, not a medical treatment or a guarantee of sterile air.

This page explains a situation in an editorial format. It is not an open discussion board or a verified customer review. Contact us on WhatsApp about your own appliance.

Situation discussed

Titan, Theodor Pallady boulevard, 1986 block. Grandma (81, COPD, occasional oxygen) lives in the room with a 5-year-old 9,000 BTU Gree. In summer she cannot do without it. The doctor said 'clean air' but did not elaborate. The unit has a slight smell. What does 'clean air' concretely mean from the unit's point of view?

Editorial explanation · Revizie AC

What is really happening

Finding microorganisms in a study of air conditioners does not show that this particular unit caused an infection or symptoms. The condition of the unit, moisture, ventilation and other indoor sources need to be assessed separately. Cleaning is maintenance, not a medical treatment or a guarantee of sterile air.

Explanatory diagramRecirculation and ventilation are different
Recirculation and ventilation are different
  1. A typical split recirculates room air.
  2. Ventilation introduces outdoor air through a suitable solution.
What the studies say
  • CDC: mould exposure can cause nasal stuffiness, wheeze, eye and skin irritation, and more severe reactions in asthmatics and allergic people. [CDC, 2024]
  • When a contaminated air conditioner starts, airborne fungal concentration in the room can jump from 40–920 to 5,500–100,000 CFU/m³. [Indoor Air, 2023]
  • WHO concludes that indoor dampness and mould significantly increase the risk of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma. [WHO, 2009]
  • The fungal genera dominant in split units – Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus – are recognised triggers of allergic asthma. [Building and Environment, 2025]

What we do on site

  1. We schedule when grandma can spend 2 hours in another room – we do not sanitise with her present.
  2. Collection cover, film over the bed and the oxygen concentrator.
  3. Cleaning solution on evaporator, roller, pan; pressure wash in place.
  4. Sanitising solution, correctly dosed, then an extra rinse and full drying on 'Fan' before we hand the room back.
  5. Outdoor unit, washed in place.
  6. We set it together: 25–26 °C, louvre up, low fan speed. See current rates on the Prices page.

What you can do yourself

  • Hygrometer by the bed, target 40–55%.
  • Filters every two weeks – or weekly if there is construction dust in the neighbourhood.
  • 'Fan' 20 minutes before shut-off; daily 10-minute airing while grandma is in another room.
  • Do not aim the jet at her; maximum 6–8 °C difference from outdoors.

What NOT to do

  • Do not use sprays, air fresheners or 'ozone/ion purifiers' in her room – all are irritants for COPD.
  • Do not pour bleach or disinfectant into the unit – chlorine fumes are linked to more respiratory symptoms even in healthy people.
  • Do not postpone sanitising 'because it is only a slight smell'.

Prevention

Plan maintenance according to the appliance manual and what is found during inspection. Keep any medical follow-up separate; cleaning does not guarantee that symptoms will resolve.

When to call us

0764 012 943, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00. Tell us it is for someone with COPD; we come with time and without rush.

Close-up of black mould spots on the edge of the louver
Close-up of black mould spots on the edge of the louver

Maintenance does not replace medical care. CDC: mold and health · EPA: moisture and mould

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The information on this page is educational and based on cited sources; it does not replace medical advice. We do not do repairs, installation or refrigerant circuit work.