Hot Air Conditioning Tips in Brisbane’s Humidity

Brisbane is well known for its high temperatures and stifling humidity. When the air gets hot and sticky, you know it’s time to put on the air conditioner. Despite their usefulness in cooling and dehumidifying rooms, did you know that air conditioners work less efficiently and can even become damaged by excessive humidity?

How does humidity affect your air conditioner?

It’s certainly true that one purpose of air conditioning in Brisbane homes is to dehumidify the air. Air conditioners suck in air from the outside, remove heat and moisture and release it into your home in an effort to cool it down. However, when exposed to high humidity levels, air conditioners have to work extra hard. This is especially so if your air conditioning unit is too small for the area it is servicing. You may even find that the room remains at an uncomfortable temperature because of this.

On top of this, if your air conditioner has to deal with high levels of humidity, your air unit will be using a lot of energy. This is because your air conditioner will have to stay on for longer in order to cool your home down. The major consequence of this is a big energy bill for you and an air conditioner that doesn’t function well in humidity!

Mould

Large amounts of moist air inside your air conditioner can also lead to the growth of mould. When your air conditioner is turned off, residue from the humid air can create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. This nasty stuff can spread throughout your air conditioner and make it stinky. It can also have horrible effects on people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.

How can you tell if your air conditioner is at risk? Check for the warning signs of mould. If you get a musty smell when your air conditioner is in use, chances are you have a mould infestation. Another more obvious sign that your air conditioner has been affected are black round marks on or around your air conditioning unit.

Geckos

Overworked and over humidified air conditioners can also attract a certain house guest. Geckos are attracted to the warmth given off by electronic appliances, so a warm air conditioning unit can be seen as a perfect home for them. If they get too cosy with the electronics, geckos can actually fry the circuit boards of an air conditioner. This damage is often irreversible and some manufacturers won’t offer refunds for air conditioners that have been fried by geckos.

Dripping water

You may see your outdoor unit dripping water during days of high humidity. If you notice this don’t be alarmed—it is completely normal. This has just been caused by condensation. However, if you find that your indoor unit is dripping water, you should definitely call a professional.

Handy tips for humid days

With all the hazards that exist, you may be worried about the potential risks of running your air conditioner on a humid Brisbane day. Don’t panic though—we’ve created a list of handy air conditioning tips for a hot and humid day:

• Make sure you own an air conditioning unit that is suitable for the size of your house. This will ensure the humidity level inside your house remains low and that your house stays cool. For more information on the right air conditioner for your home, consider contacting Mercury Services for a quote right now!
• To avoid mould growing on your air conditioner, keep it clean by wiping down your air conditioner with a specific air conditioner cleaner or natural products such as tea tree oil. Alternatively, contact Mercury Services for professional assistance with getting rid of mould.
• Keep mothballs and vapour rub around your air conditioning unit to ensure that geckos stay away.
• Be sure to get your air conditioning unit serviced at least once during summer!

Summer is an important time for your air conditioner, so be sure to look after it so it doesn’t get affected by Brisbane’s humidity! If you have any questions about your air conditioner or wish to get a service, feel free to contact us and we’ll be there to help!