Given the heat in Singapore, most are frequent users of aircon.
However, have you heard about the Sick Building Syndrome[1]?
Studies show people are infected with chronic diseases from the building they work or reside in. This could be a result of inadequate or inappropriate cleaning methods of ventilation systems. Common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, ears, and throat. Furthermore, air conditioning units have been vectors in the transmission of SARS[2] and noroviruses[3].
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is an estimated 2 million annual deaths worldwide, attributable to indoor air contaminants. [4] This phenomenon is also ranked by the WHO as the tenth avoidable risk factor in importance for the health of the general population. [5]
Aircon units incorrectly maintained will collect high concentrations of dust, pollen, and mould. This exacerbates asthma and allergies. Worse cases include infections of pneumonia and Legionnaire’s disease.
These environmental allergens may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is a lung disease causing inflammation of the lung tissue, causing breathing difficulties. Exposure to these allergens over time could lead to chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. [6] In rare events, this leads to irreversible, permanent scarring of the lung tissue and bronchi over time. Those affected could eventually be unable to breathe.
Local studies[7] done by Enterprise Singapore have also proven a link between perceived indoor air quality and productivity. Obviously, the health risks of a poorly maintained air-conditioning system are not overstated.
How then, do we prevent all these issues from affecting us? Clearly, air-conditioning is still a necessity in our climate. A healthy living environment starts from a well-maintained aircon system. Regular maintenance of the fan coil units at home and in your office works to protect you.
Of course, it is natural to be wary of flushing unknown chemicals through the fancoils.
Whissh unique REFRESH Aircon Servicing Method
Whissh has specially curated an aircon servicing package that will cover all bases. It includes chemical washes, gas top-ups, and regular aircon servicing at a better rate than booking them separately. Now, you no longer have to scramble to find someone to fix your malfunctioning aircon. Regular aircon servicing pre-empts any such issues while also prolonging the lifespan of your aircon – we count that as a double win.
We have also worked with our American counterparts to import and customize a package for Singapore. It is our proprietary aircon REFRESH servicing method. Specifically,
Regular Servicing : Based on our studies, to have a properly functioning and healthy aircon, it is recommended to service your aircon on a regular basis.
- For regular usage (i.e. maximum 12 hours of usage per day, and less than 2 years of aircon lifespan), it is recommended that you have 3 times a year of servicing.
- For heavy usage (i.e. more than 12 hours of usage per day, and more than 2 years of aircon lifespan), it is recommended that you have 4 times a year of servicing.
Environmentally Friendly – Biodegradable Chemical Solutions : Whissh uses biodegradable solutions for our aircon services as well. So even residual solutions will degrade naturally.
Fragrant and deodorise : Damp & musty aircon systems will often emit a pungent and stale odour. This is indicative of the bacteria, fungi, and mould harboured in the filters. This is more than a cosmetic issue as it is detrimental to one’s health. Book a chemical overhaul with Whissh to ensure a pleasant-smelling environment.
REgulated – US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved: Whissh has done much research in sourcing for solutions that we believe in. The solutions that we use are listed in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice Direct Release Program.
Rest assured that our company goes above and beyond to abide to acceptable industry standards.
As such, we have absolute trust in our chemical overhaul service. The EPA-approved disinfectant used ensures most bacteria and viruses are eliminated after 1 to 10 minutes of contact. It is particularly relevant in the current pandemic. However, it is of equal import in common times to avoid common illnesses.
Safe and Metal-safe, Non-corrosive: Our solutions are metal-safe and non-corrosive to the components within fan coil units. Book our chemical overhaul services with a peace of mind; any residue will not damage your fan coil unlike other solutions. This helps you save on replacement costs in the long term.
Healthy and Removes Mould: Whissh’s eco-friendly solutions do more than just remove mould. The solutions used have been proven effective against bacteria and viruses such as avian flu, coronaviruses, staph-causing bacteria, and even hepatitis A.
[1] “Sick Building Syndrome” (PDF). World Health Organization. n.d.
[2] McKinney, K. R.; Gong, Y. Y.; Lewis, T. G. (2006). “Environmental transmission of SARS at Amoy Gardens”. Journal of Environmental Health. 68 (9): 26–30, quiz 51–2.
[3] Robilotti, Elizabeth; Deresinski, Stan; Pinsky, Benjamin A. (2015). “Norovirus”. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 28 (1): 134–164. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-14
[4] Global health risk: mortality and burden of disease attributable to select major risk.
WHO, (2009), World Health Organization.
[5] The World Health Report 2002: reducing risks, promoting healthy life.
World Health Organization, (2002).
[6] Fink, J N et al. “Interstital lung disease due to contamination of forced air systems.” Annals of internal medicine vol. 84,4 (1976): 406-13. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-84-4-406
[7] Singapore Standards Council (2016). Singapore Standard: Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality for Air-Conditioned Buildings.
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