Cottonwood in Cleveland: A Warning for Your HVAC System
If you’re in Cleveland, you may have noticed the cottonwood trees blooming recently. And while the fluffy white things may look harmless, they can cause some big problems for your building’s HVAC system.
The blooms only last a few weeks, but the seeds can impact your air conditioning for an entire summer. Here are a few things to consider to keep your HVAC system in top-notch condition this summer.
How Cottonwood Clogs Your HVAC System
If you have an HVAC system, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that cottonwood can cause. Taking a few simple precautions can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
When the trees start blooming, the seeds are pulled into the condenser and start clogging it, which slows down the airflow and diminishes cooling capacity. It makes your unit work harder, which causes wear and tear on the system.
Without the proper airflow, the condensation of the unit’s refrigerant will slow down and hinder the HVAC system’s ability to provide your property with cool air.
Over time this can lead to major problems, like a complete breakdown of your HVAC system.
Signs Your HVAC System Isn’t Working
- White fluff has attached itself to the unit.
- Your HVAC system is making unexpected noise.
- Your indoor air quality has diminished.
- The air coming out of the vents is not as cold as it used to be.
- You’ve seen an increase in your energy bills.
How to Prevent Cottonwood from Clogging in Your HVAC System
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent cottonwood seeds from clogging your HVAC system.
- Make sure that your HVAC system is clean and in good condition.
- Keep the area around the air conditioner free of cottonwood trees and other debris.
- Consider investing in a screen or cover for your condenser unit. This will help to keep the seeds out of your system altogether.
- Clean the condenser coils monthly, especially during peak season. You should avoid using a pressure washer as that can further damage the coils.
- If your HVAC system is already clogged to the point of no return, you’ll need to have it cleaned by a professional.
- Develop a routine maintenance schedule to have your HVAC system serviced regularly. This will help ensure that it is running properly and can help to identify any potential problems before they become serious.
Need Help Improving Your Indoor Air Quality?
As the exclusive provider of Vertiv, Liebert, Starline, and Hitachi, Donwil’s expertise with air quality and HVAC services will ensure your continuous business operations are always running. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our products can help improve your IAQ and impact your bottom line.