Air conditioning (A/C) systems play a critical role in maintaining hygiene and product safety, especially in controlled production environments such as food manufacturing and pharmaceutical facilities. Over time, these systems can accumulate biofilm, bacteria, and mould that compromise air quality and increase the risk of cross-contamination across production zones.
Conventional disinfection methods often rely on strong chemical agents that leave residues, lengthen maintenance cycles, and raise safety or environmental concerns.
Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO) technology provides a safer and more sustainable alternative, delivering effective microbial control without the drawbacks of chemical disinfectants.
What is Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO)?
Stabilised Aqueous Ozone is created by converting oxygen into ozone (O₃) and infusing it into cold tap water. The resulting solution acts as a powerful oxidiser, breaking down organic matter and inactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mould.
Once its cleaning process is complete, SAO naturally reverts to oxygen and water, leaving no chemical residue. This makes it ideal for facilities where hygiene, safety, and regulatory compliance are essential.
Advantages of Using SAO for A/C System Disinfection
To help facilities teams assess the benefits, the following table outlines key operational and safety differences between conventional chemical disinfection and SAO:
| Conventional Chemical Disinfection | Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO) | |
| Residue | May leave chemical traces that require rinsing | Reverts to oxygen and water, leaving no residue |
| Operator Safety | Can cause irritation or health risks | Non-toxic and safe for maintenance staff |
| Material Impact | Potentially corrosive to metal and sensitive components | Non-corrosive and equipment-safe |
| Environmental Impact | Requires storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals | No chemical storage or disposal required |
| Air Quality | May introduce volatile compounds into airflow | Improves air quality by reducing microbial load |
| Regulatory Alignment | Needs strict control to ensure compliance | Supports hygiene and sustainability standards |
Comparison of Conventional Chemical Disinfection vs Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO)
Key Benefits of Using SAO for A/C System Disinfection:
- Effective microbial control
Eliminates a broad range of microorganisms found on cooling coils, filters, and ducts, helping maintain cleaner air and safer operations.
- Improved indoor air quality
Regular use reduces microbial load and odours, supporting cleaner and safer environments for production.
- Safe for operators and equipment
Non-corrosive and non-toxic, SAO protects both maintenance personnel and system components.
- Environmentally sustainable
Removes the need for chemical transport and disposal, reducing environmental footprint and supporting ESG objectives.
Applications in Food and Pharmaceutical Facilities
In food manufacturing, SAO can be used to clean evaporator coils, air handling units (AHUs), and condensate trays, areas prone to microbial growth due to moisture and organic residues. Regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene standards, minimise downtime, and extend equipment life.
In pharmaceutical facilities, where air cleanliness directly affects product integrity, SAO enables thorough disinfection without introducing volatile compounds that could affect cleanroom conditions or compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
Supporting Sustainable and Compliant Operations
Integrating Stabilised Aqueous Ozone into preventive maintenance programmes strengthens hygiene control, improves air quality, and reduces environmental impact. For manufacturers operating under strict safety and quality frameworks, SAO provides a proven, compliant, and sustainable method to maintain hygienic and efficient A/C systems.
Connect with us to find out how PCS supports hygiene-critical environments through safer, science-led FM solutions.