It’s 43 degrees out in the Pilbara. The red dirt is blowing sideways, the machinery is humming at full capacity, and your on-site office or switch room AC is the only thing standing between your team and heat exhaustion. But what happens when that trusty split system fails? Worse—what if it’s circulating dust, diesel fumes, and mould spores instead of clean air?
If you're part of Western Australia's mining industry, especially around Perth and regional hubs like Newman, Port Hedland or Kalgoorlie, maintaining industrial HVAC systems isn’t just a best practice—it’s a compliance issue, a safety concern, and a worker retention strategy.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Why industrial HVAC cleaning matters in WA mining operations
- How to clean split systems on-site
- Tools and techniques that actually work in WA's harsh climate
- Our top HVAC product recommendations
- Signs your system needs service or replacement
- A real story from a Perth mining facility who sorted their airflow and their headaches
Why It Matters: HVAC Cleaning in Perth's Mining Industry
Mining environments are tough on everything—equipment, people, and yes, your HVAC systems. Split systems operating in mine sites or regional offices cop a constant beating from:
- Dust and red dirt (hello, Pilbara grit)
- Humidity and temperature spikes
- Exposure to chemical vapours or industrial fumes
- High-use demand in 24/7 operations
The result? Clogged filters, mould in the coils, musty smells, and systems that simply stop cooling when you need them most.
And in an industry where safety and compliance are king, that’s not a risk worth taking. According to WA's Department of Mines, Industrial Regulation & Safety (DMIRS), air quality in enclosed workspaces must meet certain standards—which means poorly maintained HVAC systems can leave you exposed to both discomfort and compliance breaches.
How Split System Cleaning Works in Industrial Settings
Good news: You don’t always need a third-party contractor to clean your AC units. With the right tools and know-how, your site team can get it done between scheduled professional servicing.
Here’s how it works:
- Power off and isolate – Never work on live equipment.
- Remove and clean filters – Soak in warm water and scrub off dirt and grease.
- Fit a split system cleaning bag – These capture all runoff during the clean.
- Apply coil cleaner – Spray into the evaporator coils and allow to soak.
- Flush and rinse – Use clean water and drain through the bag hose.
- Wipe external surfaces and controls – Prevent cross-contamination or smudges.
👉 Everything you need is in our Split System Cleaning Collection.
Aussie Tips: HVAC Survival on WA Mine Sites
- Clean monthly, not seasonally – Dust build-up out here is brutal.
- Use a drain hose – You don’t want dirty rinse water soaking into concrete or cables.
- Label & log your cleans – It helps meet DMIRS inspection and audit requirements.
- Train one crew member per shift – Makes ad-hoc cleaning easy without downtime.
- Store cleaning kits in waterproof containers – Protect them from red dust and UV exposure.
WA conditions are unique. So your HVAC cleaning routine should be too.
Best Product to Try: Site-Ready HVAC Cleaning Kit
We recommend:
- Heavy-duty cleaning bag with adjustable straps and drain hose
- Biodegradable coil cleaner that cuts through industrial grime
- Protective goggles and gloves
- Cleaning brush and wipes for external surfaces
Available now in our Split System Cleaning range — trusted by FIFO teams and facilities managers from Karratha to Kalgoorlie.
Maintenance Must-Knows for Industrial HVAC
Warning signs your AC needs urgent attention:
- Low airflow even at max setting
- Unusual odours (burnt, musty, chemical)
- Excessive condensation or leaks
- Frequent circuit trips
- Spikes in energy usage
Create a maintenance schedule:
- Monthly: Clean filters and wipe external surfaces
- Quarterly: Deep coil clean and drainage check
- Annually: Full system service and safety check
When to Upgrade Your Split System
Time to replace your unit if:
- It’s over 8 years old and exposed to heavy dust
- Breakdowns are happening more than twice a year
- It’s cooling unevenly or constantly short cycling
- It’s no longer supported by the manufacturer
Newer systems offer better energy efficiency and easier compliance.
Client Story: Mick from a Site Outside Newman
Mick manages accommodation and switch rooms at a camp 90 minutes out of Newman. Last summer, two of the split systems in their control rooms failed within the same week. The cause? Filters clogged with red dirt and internal mould from poor drainage.
He ordered three HVAC cleaning kits from HVAC Shop. Within a weekend, his team cleaned all site units, logged everything in their compliance software, and avoided calling in external techs.
The result? Fewer breakdowns, happier workers, and an easier tick during the annual safety audit.
Tidy Your Trade, Stay Compliant
Want to keep your site clean, compliant, and cool?
Explore our full range of industrial split system cleaning gear.
It’s trusted by Aussie miners, built for WA dust, and delivered nationwide.
Whether you’re in Perth or the Pilbara—HVAC Shop has your back.
FAQs
How often should mining split systems be cleaned?
Monthly for filters, quarterly for coils. More often in high-dust zones.
Can our own team clean the units?
Yes, with the proper kit and safety training.
Do you ship to regional WA?
Absolutely. We deliver to Perth, Newman, Kalgoorlie, and FIFO drop points.
Is the coil cleaner safe for enclosed rooms?
Yes—low-VOC and biodegradable options are available.
Do your kits include instructions?
Yes, every kit includes step-by-step usage and safety guides.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Mining HVAC systems face extreme conditions — red dust, high heat, and 24/7 operation mean your split systems need more frequent attention than standard setups.
- Cleaning can be done in-house — with the right gear like coil cleaner, a drainage bag, and safety PPE, your crew can maintain split systems safely and efficiently.
- WA compliance matters — regular cleaning logs and safe indoor air help satisfy DMIRS requirements and keep your workplace audit-ready.
- Monthly cleaning is the new standard — filters and coils should be cleaned at least monthly on-site, with deeper servicing done quarterly.
- HVAC Shop offers site-ready kits — perfect for Perth-based operations or remote FIFO camps, built tough for Aussie conditions.