Imagine this: while you’re sweating through the blazing summer heat, the air conditioner that’s supposed to cool you down might actually be your worst enemy! Yes, you read that right. The bacterium Legionella, first diagnosed in the 1970s after hundreds of military veterans developed respiratory tract infections, can lurk inside your air conditioner and seriously threaten your health. But let’s be clear – not every AC is dangerous, but if you don’t clean and service it regularly, the risk grows.
Legionella loves warm conditions – water temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius are its paradise. While mass outbreaks of this bacterium are rare in Serbia, improvised water heaters and poorly maintained air conditioners can become breeding grounds for this threat. Kids are especially vulnerable because they have weaker immune systems and narrower airways, and they run around and breathe deeply, increasing the chance of inhaling tiny water droplets carrying Legionella. Luckily, it doesn’t spread from person to person, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore the problem.
Experts warn the biggest issue is people waiting until the last minute to service their AC – right when they need it most! Technician Miroslav Simić says the best time to service is off-season, so you can prevent outdoor unit fires and other breakdowns. The recommended indoor temperature is 26 or 27 degrees Celsius, and doctors advise keeping the room about five degrees cooler than outside.
So, if you want to avoid health problems and expensive repairs, call a pro on time and don’t let your AC become a bacteria hotspot. And if you’ve had nasty experiences with your AC, feel free to share – maybe your story will save someone’s health! Who knows, maybe it’s time we all make some noise about this silent but deadly problem.
