Sniff, Cough : Your Air Con May Be Making You Sick – Air Conditioning Perth

When the cooler weather rolls in, there’s nothing better than curling up indoors, switching on the air con, and enjoying a toasty warm home. But if you’ve been noticing a lingering cough, dry eyes, sniffles, or even wheezing — it might not just be cold season or allergies. Your air conditioner could be the culprit.

At Dacs Air Conditioning Perth, we’re all about creating comfortable, healthy homes. And one thing we’ve learned over the years? An unserviced air conditioner can quietly wreak havoc on your indoor air quality, especially during the cooler months when we’re all inside a little more. Let’s take a closer look at how your air con might be making you feel under the weather — and what you can do to fix it.

Indoor Air Pollution: The Invisible Enemy

It might surprise you to learn that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dust, pet dander, mould spores, bacteria, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners and furnishings can all build up inside a closed space.

In winter, we tend to shut windows and doors to keep the heat in. But that also means poor ventilation, recirculated air, and more exposure to airborne nasties. Your air conditioner is meant to help — but only if it’s clean and working properly.

How Your Air Con Could Be Making You Sick

An unserviced or poorly maintained air conditioning system can circulate dust, mould, and bacteria throughout your home. Here are some signs your air con might be affecting your health:

• Persistent sneezing, coughing, or sore throat
• Dry eyes or skin
• Headaches or fatigue
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms
• A musty smell when the system runs
• Visible dust or mould on vents or filters

If these sound familiar, it’s definitely time for a check-up.

The Usual Suspects: What Builds Up in Your System

1. Dust and Pollen – These are drawn in and trapped by filters, but if the filters are clogged, they’ll just be blown right back into your home.
2. Mould and Mildew – Moisture can collect in drip pans or ducts, creating the perfect environment for mould. Breathing in those spores? Not ideal.
3. Bacteria and Viruses – Particularly in ducted systems, germs can settle and spread via airflow.
4. Pet Hair and Dander – Especially if you’ve got furry friends, hair and allergens can clog filters fast.

The Dacs Difference: Why Regular Servicing Matters

At Dacs Air Conditioning, we don’t just install systems — we maintain them to ensure peak performance and healthy air. Our expert technicians offer thorough servicing that includes:

• Filter cleaning or replacement – Essential for removing trapped dust, pollen, and particles.
• System sanitisation – We can treat internal parts and ducts with specialised solutions to kill bacteria and mould.
• Drainage checks – Prevents water build-up that can lead to mould growth.
• Airflow and thermostat checks – Ensures efficient circulation and balanced temperatures throughout the home.
• General performance review – Catching small issues before they become expensive breakdowns.

It’s amazing how much better the air can feel after a professional service. Clients often report immediate improvements in comfort and breathing.

How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

For most homes, we recommend:

• Once a year for split systems
• Twice a year for ducted systems — before winter and summer
• Every 3-4 months if you have pets, allergies, or use the system daily

We also suggest cleaning filters every 4-6 weeks yourself in between professional services. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry — Dacs is happy to set you up with a tailored maintenance schedule.

DIY Tips to Keep Air Con Air Healthy

Between professional check-ups, here are some handy ways to keep your air con clean and your air quality high:

• Vacuum vents and wipe them down regularly
• Change filters if they’re disposable or wash them if reusable
• Avoid blocking indoor units with furniture or curtains
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity
• Let fresh air in on mild days to ventilate your home

And if you’re ever in doubt, just give us a ring. No question is too small when it comes to your comfort and health.

Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

If your system is older or not coping well, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern air conditioners from Dacs come with features like:

• Advanced air purification technology
• HEPA or ionising filters
• Humidity control
• Wi-Fi connected monitoring and alerts

These newer systems do more than just heat or cool — they actively improve your indoor air, helping to reduce allergens and irritants all year round.

Breathe Easy with Dacs

Your home should be your safe space — not somewhere you feel sniffly or run down. At Dacs Air Conditioning Perth, we’re committed to helping families across WA enjoy clean, fresh, healthy air whether it’s hot, cold, or somewhere in between.

If you’ve been noticing signs that your air con might be making you sick, don’t wait. A simple service could make all the difference.

Book your seasonal service with Dacs today and breathe a little easier tomorrow.