What is the difference between 'cleaning' and 'sanitising' an AC? Everyone uses a different word
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Drumul Taberei, Compozitorilor street, 12,000 BTU Gree, 4 years old. They all seem to do something different or the same thing under another name. What should a proper intervention actually include, and why does order matter? See current rates on the Prices page.
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.
- A typical split recirculates room air.
- Ventilation introduces outdoor air through a suitable solution.
- EPA principle: mould must be physically removed, not merely 'killed'; biocides are not recommended as routine practice. [US EPA, 2024]
- Mould remains allergenic even when dead, so merely 'killing' it with a spray does not solve the problem – it must be physically removed. [US EPA, 2024]
- Washing with alkaline detergent, brushing and high-pressure rinsing reduces fungi inside the unit by more than 99%. [Indoor Air, 2023]
- EPA warns that the effectiveness of biocides sprayed into air systems has not been demonstrated and their health effects are uncertain. [US EPA, 2024]
What we do on site
- What our intervention includes, so you can compare: inspection and photos; sealed cover/collection bag under the unit.
- Solution 1 – alkaline cleaning on evaporator, roller, pan, contact time.
- Pressure wash, in place, no dismantling, until the water runs clear; drain hose flushed.
- Solution 2 – sanitising on the clean surfaces.
- Outdoor unit washed in place, in the same visit.
- Drying, reassembly, test. See current rates on the Prices page.
What you can do yourself
- Ask any company three things: do you use a cover and water? do you wash the fan roller? do you wash the outdoor unit too? If the answer is 'no' to any, move on.
- Ask for before/after photos.
- You between visits: filters every two weeks, 'Fan' before shut-off.
What NOT to do
- Do not choose by word ('disinfection', 'ozonation', 'nano') – choose by method.
- Do not pay for an 'antibacterial treatment' applied over dirt.
- Do not accept removing the unit from the wall 'for cleaning' – not needed and it risks the refrigerant line.
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
If you want to see the method live: 0764 012 943, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00.
Maintenance does not replace medical care. CDC: mold and health · EPA: moisture and mould
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Read also
Sources (5)
- www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-chapter-3
- www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/8984619
- www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4483703/
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.