International. The Southern Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation (Asbrav) shared some recommendations to keep in mind about the maintenance of air conditioning systems.
With its intensive use, it is necessary to take care that the device does not cause respiratory problems. Although they do not generate contaminants, the air movement of the equipment can spread a virus, and can serve as a vector for bacteria. According to the technical director of the Association, Ricardo Vaz de Souza.
- "To avoid health problems, you should always have the filter clean, because that is where dirt accumulates and can contain bacteria. Basic maintenance is to clean the filter once a month, remove it from the device and pass water to it. After three or four years, you can do an internal cleaning, which is better when the air is removed, cleaned in the workshops and installed again, "explained the manager.
Another prevention is to untie the air conditioning when carrying out a cleaning in the environment. Thus, the device does not accumulate the dust that rises. In addition, it is important to take into account the temperature caused by the equipment. According to pulmonologist Diego DJones Brandenburg, common sense is the key, because many changes in temperature and dry, cold air irritate the airway.
"The air conditioning must keep the environment between 23ºC and 24ºC. The closed environment with a connected device facilitates the transmission by contact of viruses and bacteria, so the time spent in refrigerated areas must be controlled," explained Ricardo Vaz.
For people who have allergic rhinitis, bronchitis or asthma, double care should be taken, because the airways are more sensitive. Staying hydrated during exposure to air conditioning is one way to protect the body in a dry environment.
