The Hidden Health Risk Lurking in Your Home
When was the last time you had your air conditioner cleaned?
If it’s been more than a year, chances are you could be breathing in more than just cool air.
Behind the vents and filters, your air conditioner could be harbouring mould, bacteria, and allergens that slowly circulate throughout your home every time you switch it on. It’s one of the most common yet overlooked indoor air quality issues in Australian homes—especially in humid climates like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
At Mould Pro, we’ve seen first-hand how mould inside air conditioners can impact health, comfort, and even energy bills. This article breaks down why you should never ignore mould in your air conditioner, how to spot it early, and what you can do to keep your family safe.
🦠 What Causes Mould to Grow in Air Conditioners?
Your air conditioner is designed to cool air by pulling in warm, moist air and passing it over cold coils. During this process, condensation naturally forms inside the unit. If not cleaned or dried properly, that moisture becomes the perfect breeding ground for mould.
Common causes include:
- Humidity and poor ventilation: Especially in coastal or humid cities like Brisbane.
- Dirty filters: Dust and organic debris feed mould spores.
- Infrequent cleaning: Mould grows rapidly in dark, moist environments.
- Blocked drainage: When condensate drains get clogged, water pools inside the system.
- Poor installation: Inadequate airflow can cause condensation to linger.
Once mould starts growing inside your air con, every time you turn it on, those spores are released into the air you breathe.
😷 The Health Risks of Mould in Your Air Conditioner
Mould spores are microscopic—but their effects can be anything but small. When inhaled, they can irritate the lungs, trigger allergies, and cause chronic respiratory issues.
Here are the most common health problems linked to mould in air conditioners:
1. Respiratory Issues & Asthma Flare-Ups
Airborne mould spores can inflame the airways, triggering coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with asthma are especially sensitive, often experiencing worsened symptoms indoors.
2. Allergic Reactions
Frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, and sinus congestion are tell-tale signs that your air conditioner might be circulating contaminated air.
3. Fatigue & Headaches
Mould exposure can cause general fatigue, brain fog, and headaches—especially after prolonged use of a contaminated air conditioning system.
4. Skin Irritations
Mould spores can cause rashes or itchiness, particularly in sensitive individuals.
5. Weakened Immune System
Over time, constant exposure to airborne mould can suppress your immune system, making you more prone to infections.
If you’ve noticed that your symptoms improve when you’re outdoors, your air conditioner may be the culprit.
🔍 How to Tell If There’s Mould in Your Air Conditioner
Mould isn’t always visible. Often, the only clues are smell, performance changes, or health symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Musty or damp odour when you turn the system on
✅ Black or green spots near vents or filters
✅ Condensation or water leaks around the unit
✅ Unexplained allergies or coughing that worsen indoors
✅ Reduced cooling efficiency or airflow
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them—get your system inspected by a certified professional.
💡 Why DIY Cleaning Isn’t Enough
Many homeowners try to clean their air conditioners themselves using store-bought sprays or wipes. While that might remove surface dust or odour temporarily, it doesn’t solve the real problem.
Mould often grows deep inside the coils, drain pans, and internal ducts, where it’s impossible to reach without the right tools and training. DIY cleaning can even make things worse—loosening spores and spreading them further.
Professional cleaning by certified specialists ensures the mould is removed safely, thoroughly, and permanently.
🧰 Why Choose Certified Air Con Hygienists
At Mould Pro, our technicians aren’t just cleaners—we’re Certified Air Con Hygienists (Cert II in Air Conditioning Hygiene).
That certification matters. It means our team has undergone formal training to:
- Identify contamination sources safely
- Use hospital-grade hygiene treatments
- Prevent cross-contamination during cleaning
- Improve air quality and system performance
Our process isn’t just about making your unit look clean—it’s about creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
⚙️ The Mould Pro Air Con Cleaning Process
When you book an air con cleaning service with Mould Pro, here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Comprehensive Inspection
We begin with moisture and thermal imaging to detect hidden mould and contamination inside the system.
Step 2: Protective Setup
We carefully isolate the cleaning area with containment bags to avoid spreading spores.
Step 3: Coil & Filter Cleaning
Using specialised detergents, we clean the coils, filters, and internal components to remove dust and mould.
Step 4: Antimicrobial Treatment
We apply a hospital-grade sanitising agent to kill mould spores and prevent regrowth.
Step 5: Final Rinse & Airflow Test
Your system is flushed, deodorised, and tested to ensure it runs efficiently and safely.
For severe contamination, our Gold and Platinum packages include HEPA-filter air scrubbers and fogging treatments for full-room sanitisation.
🌿 Benefits of Professional Air Con Cleaning
A professional, certified clean offers multiple long-term benefits:
✅ Improved air quality: Eliminate spores, dust, and bacteria.
✅ Better energy efficiency: A clean unit runs smoother and uses less power.
✅ Extended lifespan: Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs.
✅ No odours: Enjoy clean, fresh-smelling air again.
✅ Healthier environment: Protect your family from respiratory risks.
When done properly, a professional clean doesn’t just restore your air con—it improves your whole living environment.
🌦️ Mould Problems Are Common in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne
Australia’s coastal climate makes homes particularly vulnerable to mould.
In Brisbane, humidity levels stay high most of the year, creating ideal mould growth conditions inside air conditioners.
In Sydney, seaside moisture and winter dampness contribute to air con mould.
And in Melbourne, seasonal temperature changes often lead to condensation inside systems.
That’s why regular professional cleaning every 12 months is essential for every household and business.
🧠 The Cost of Ignoring Mould in Your Air Con
Ignoring mould might save you a little now, but it will cost you far more later.
Here’s what can happen:
- Higher electricity bills: Mould restricts airflow, forcing your unit to work harder.
- Costly repairs: Corrosion and clogs caused by mould can damage coils and fans.
- Health costs: Doctor visits and medication for mould-related symptoms.
- Decreased property value: Persistent mould odour or damage can devalue a home.
In short, ignoring mould doesn’t just affect your health—it affects your wallet too.
🧼 How to Prevent Mould from Coming Back
Once your air conditioner is cleaned, a few simple steps can help prevent mould from returning:
- Keep filters clean (wash monthly during heavy use)
- Use your air con’s “dry mode” occasionally to reduce moisture
- Ensure good room ventilation
- Get professional servicing every 12 months
- Fix leaks or drainage issues promptly
Prevention is always better—and cheaper—than cure.
🏡 Choose Mould Pro – Certified Hygiene You Can Trust
At Mould Pro, we specialise in both mould removal and air conditioning hygiene cleaning across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Our certified team doesn’t just clean—we inspect, treat, and prevent. With over 12 years of experience, we’re trusted by homeowners, property managers, and businesses to deliver lasting results.
📞 Call Mould Pro on 1300 662 938
or visit mouldpro.com.au to book your certified air con hygiene service today.
Because when it comes to mould, what you can’t see can hurt you.