We bring the baby home in 2 weeks – the bedroom unit has not been sanitised for 3 years
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.
Pipera, new flat in a residential complex, 9,000 BTU Daikin in the bedroom, installed 3 years ago, never sanitised. No obvious smell, maybe a hint at start-up. The baby arrives in two weeks, summer, we will need the unit. Is it worth sanitising 'preventively' or is it new-parent paranoia?
What is really happening
This description suggests a possible cause that needs checking at the unit. Age, price or symptoms alone cannot confirm the fault, contamination or work required.
- A picture can document visible deposits.
- Colour and appearance do not reliably identify microorganisms.
- The appropriate assessment depends on the issue; a photo is not a laboratory test.
- In children, home dampness and mould are associated with more respiratory infections and symptoms, according to recent meta-analyses. [Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, 2023]
- In child-care centres, air conditioning (versus natural ventilation) was associated with 20–40% increases in cough and lower respiratory illness in children. [LBNL Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findi, 2023]
- 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]
- On filters of residential split units, Cladosporium (~32%), Aspergillus (~9%), Acremonium and Alternaria dominate – genera known as allergens. [Building and Environment, 2025]
What we do on site
- We schedule this week so the unit is ready days in advance.
- Collection cover, film over the cot and bedding.
- Cleaning solution on evaporator, roller and pan; pressure wash in place.
- Sanitising solution, correctly dosed, then an extra rinse – in a baby's room we want zero residue.
- Full drying on 'Fan' before we leave.
- Outdoor unit on the balcony, washed in place.
- See current rates on the Prices page.
What you can do yourself
- Set 25–26 °C, no direct jet at the cot, louvre pointed up.
- A hygrometer on the nightstand: aim for 40–60%.
- 'Fan' 20–30 minutes before shut-off, filters every two weeks – you have time while the baby sleeps.
What NOT to do
- Do not spray anything 'for babies' into the unit – there is no safe spray for an evaporator.
- Do not run it at 20 °C all night: too cold and it produces more condensate, so more biofilm.
- Do not sanitise with the baby at home – schedule it before.
Prevention
In the child's room: annual sanitising at the start of summer, no exceptions. Clean filters and daily drying do the rest.
When to call us
Call 0764 012 943 (WhatsApp), Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00 – tell us it is for a baby, we prioritise.
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Read also
Sources (8)
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526054223000398
- www.osti.gov/biblio/1004161
- academic.oup.com/aje/article/194/12/3492/8249775
- iaqscience.lbl.gov/increased-use-air-conditioning-and-potential
- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/8984619
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132325010303
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3709462/
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11350112/
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.