Frequently Asked Questions
What
is Gelair?
How
does Gelair work?
How
much do I use?
Is
it safe?
How can I tell if it's working?
How
do I know if I need Gelair?
There are two major Gelair products:
-
Gelair Air-conditioning Blocks (Gelair ABs) - these are a biodegradable gel which contains tea tree oil. The tea tree oil in the gel is released as the gel disperses into the air of the air conditioning system during normal operation. The tea tree oil acts to control mold and bacteria in the air conditioning air handling units, ducts and rooms serviced by the air-conditioned air.
Gelair Solution – this is a concentrated solution of solubilised tea tree oil in conjunction with cleaning agents. Gelair Solution can be used to clean cooling coils of air handling units, ducts that may have contamination and any other surface that needs to control biological contaminants.
Gelair works by releasing tea tree oil into the air through the air-conditioning system. The high flow of air over the surface of the Blocks in the air handling unit is the secret to its success. The tea tree oil comes in contact with infecting organisms in the air conditioning system and attacks them, either in the vapour form or minute droplets. Tea tree oil is a broad spectrum anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent. This means it works against a wide range of organisms where other essential oils may only be useful against bacteria. The constant release of minute doses of tea tree oil over an extended period acts as a control for mold, yeast and bacteria.
In ducted air conditioning systems, dust and water droplets from the cooling coils tend to impact in the same spot within the ducting, allowing mold and bacteria to grow (moisture and food). The Gelair tea tree droplets will also impinge in these parts of the air conditioning system providing ideal control of the mold and bacteria.
The real answer is 'that depends'. Gelair is supplied in four sizes. With correct placement, each Gelair AB lasts approximately 30 days, when it will need to be replaced. Typically, a Gelair AB0.5 (0.5 litre) would be used with a small split system or single room air conditioner; a Gelair AB1.0 (1 Litre) would be used in a larger single room air handler such as would be found in an hotel room or small ship's cabin; a Gelair AB2.0 would be used in applications with an airflow of about 2-4cubic metres/second, and a 4-litre Gelair is used in applications with an airflow of about 4-6cubic metres/second. In larger ships and office areas multiple Gelair AB4.0s are used on a ratio as described above.
Any chemical, natural or synthetic, can impact on your health or the environment if the dose is high enough. Very small quantities of tea tree oil are released over a long period of time. Typically, the maximum exposure to tea tree oil is 45 micrograms/cubic metre of air in the first 24 hours. A new carpet or new desk in your room will 'outgas' a higher level of volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde (to which many people react adversely) for a longer period than Gelair product. The most concern about Gelair, either Blocks or Solution would be if someone ingested the material. Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested. In the situation of the Blocks they are only handled by adults and cannot be accessed by children when installed. An analogy could be chlorine in drinking water – chlorine is very toxic, but in small doses in water it is considered to be of low risk.
If Gelair products are used as directed they will not cause health effects and will stop hazardous mold and bacteria from multiplying.
How can I tell if it's working?
When Gelair is first inserted into your system you may notice a faint tea tree odour which most people describe as “clean” and “fresh”- you'll know its there and releasing tea tree oil and controlling mold and bacteria. You probably won't know that Gelair is working until you begin to remark on the improved odour in your room, office or house until you notice that your sinuses are starting to clear up, and that your eyes don't water at the office any more. Sick building syndrome is quite often identified when people in the building continuously suffer these kinds of allergic reactions to mold and bacteria. As Gelair works to attack the mold and bacteria, these symptoms will reduce. It won't happen over night - but it will happen with patience.
How do I know if I need Gelair?
If you constantly suffer from headaches, sinus problems, eye irritations and unpleasant odours, or if there is obvious black mold seen in your air conditioning vents and system, then you should be using Gelair in your building or office.
