The Unexpected Costs of Maintaining Mini-Split Air Conditioners

The Unexpected Costs of Maintaining Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Mini-split heating and air-conditioning systems, while energy-efficient, come with hidden costs that can impact both your wallet and health. A recent Boston.com article highlights how these units often accumulate dust and mold due to inadequate filtration, leading to expensive and complicated cleaning procedures.

As brought out by the article Jeffrey C. May, an indoor air quality expert, states, "Mini-splits don’t have an air filter... They just have that little insect screen... and those don’t filter very much." This minimal filtration allows dust and mold to build up inside the unit, reducing efficiency and posing potential health risks. Deborah Gordon, a mycologist, notes, "Mini-splits are just notorious. It’s becoming a more common problem as mini-splits and heat pumps are becoming much more popular."

The environment inside a mini-split unit is perfect for mold growth. As Gordon explains, "The fan blades are plastic, and they collect dust. And then you have this humid environment, and it’s dark. The mold starts growing." This damp, dark environment, combined with dust, creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.

The article continues to explain that cleaning these systems is neither easy nor cheap. Chris McDonough, a mold remediation specialist, explains, "If it’s just dusty, we charge in the ballpark of $500 to $600 to clean it. If it’s moldy... then it could be thousands of dollars." The complexity and cost of maintaining these systems can be burdensome for homeowners.

It further bring outs from Nelson Sandoval of Better Breathing Environmental, "Mold needs three things to survive: humidity, the right temperature range, and food, which is dust." Given that mini-splits inherently provide the right conditions, it is crucial to keep them clean.

This is where PureAC offers a revolutionary solution. PureAC is not a filter or a mini-split unit itself; it’s an innovative device designed to disinfect the inside of mini-split air handlers using ozone. This advanced technology effectively targets mold, mildew, bacteria, and more by oxidizing them. Oxidizing agents, such as ozone, work against mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microorganisms by breaking down their cell walls. This process disrupts the cellular structure, effectively killing or neutralizing the microorganisms. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that penetrates and purifies areas that are hard to reach with traditional cleaning methods, such as the interior components of mini-split air handlers and behind the blower wheel.

Deborah Gordon also highlighted the difficulty of cleaning mini-split systems, stating, "The fan blades are difficult to access and clean. The unit needs to be partially disassembled... and spraying chemicals inside the unit risks damaging the interior components." PureAC bypasses these challenges, offering a user-friendly solution that requires minimal intervention. It operates without water or harsh chemicals, making it easy for anyone to use and ensuring that the entire inside of the mini-split is disinfected effectively.

Investing in PureAC means opting for a system that enhances comfort while protecting against the hidden costs associated with traditional mini-split systems. PureAC not only disinfects but when used regularly also inhibits the growth of mold and other harmful organisms, providing a cleaner, healthier air conditioning solution.

For more information on how PureAC can benefit your home click here to learn more.


Reference: Jim Morrison -- Boston.com Correspondent, https://www.boston.com/real-estate/home-improvement/2024/02/21/hidden-costs-mini-split-heating-ac-system/

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