Fall is in the air, and with this beautiful time of year comes falling leaves. For many, the changing colors and cooler temps are more than welcome, but when it comes to your outdoor HVAC unit, falling leaves aren’t typically so ideal.
Leaves can block vents, cause your system to work harder, increase your energy bills, and more. How? We’ve got all the details below.
How Do Leaves Affect Your HVAC Unit?
There are a number of ways leaves can have a negative impact on the efficiency and lifespan of your outdoor HVAC unit.
1. Leaves Can Increase Your Energy Bills
When leaves fall into your HVAC unit, they can block the flow of air, get in the way of moving components, and force your system to work harder and longer than necessary. This ends up using more energy, which can then lead to higher energy bills. Some basic maintenance ahead of time can help you save money over time.
2. Clogs Can Lead To Costly Repairs
Aside from blocking the flow of air, leaves can also clog up your system and cause damage to the condenser coil, A/C compressor, and more, especially if they get wet and continue to draw in moisture. All of these issues can lead to costly repairs and may even require you to replace parts of your HVAC system – or maybe the entire unit.
3. Leaves Can Attract Pests
Leaves can attract pests, such as rodents and insects, which can invite some major hiccups when it comes to your HVAC system – think odors, clogs, chewed up components, and more.
4. Damage Can Shorten Your System’s Lifespan
Everything we’ve mentioned puts a toll on your unit, as a whole. The more issues your system experiences over the course of its lifespan, the shorter its lifespan will become. So, not only will you be investing in repair after repair, but you may need to replace the unit much sooner than expected too – which is no cheap purchase.
In the end, a lack of maintenance and preventive care can invite a lot of hazards and expenses. Book a tune-up now to avoid the hassle this fall.
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What Can Be Done To Prevent These Issues?
Now that you know how falling leaves can affect your HVAC system, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Below are some helpful tips.
âś“Â Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean
The best way to prevent falling leaves from causing problems is to continuously keep your outdoor unit clean. You should regularly check your exterior system for leaves and other buildup on or around it, and if you notice that leaves are starting to accumulate, you should remove them as soon as possible.
You can remove leaves from your vents by using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Be sure to turn it off first, though! You can also use a leaf blower to remove leaves from your unit.
âś“ Cover Your Vents When Necessary
If you live in an area where leaves are a consistent problem, you may want to consider protecting your unit with a cover. This will help to prevent leaves from entering and causing problems.
You can purchase covers for your HVAC system at most home improvement stores. You can also make your own covers by using a piece of plywood or a tarp.
âś“ Keep Your Yard Tidy
Doing things like regularly raking your leaves (so they can’t blow in) and keeping your branches trimmed up and away from your home will decrease your likelihood of experiencing buildup in your outdoor HVAC unit. It’d also be best to avoid planting trees, bushes, or other big plants nearby, as well.
âś“ Rely On the Pros
If you’re having trouble keeping leaves out of your HVAC system, or if you have yet to schedule your pre-season maintenance, then it’s time to call a professional. Experts in the field can help you to identify the problem and find a solution that will work for your unique needs. Companies like us offer a wide range of services that can help you to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
In most situations, it’s better to leave any problems to professionals. This way, you can be sure that the job will be done correctly and that your HVAC system will run efficiently and safely season after season.
Schedule a Fall Tune-Up With Airbusters Today
Airbusters is a leading provider of HVAC services in the Nashville area. Customers who work with us can expect to receive the best service money can buy. Our team has over 15 years of experience in installation, repair, and system design, and we’re North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 Universal certified.
In other words, we know our stuff when it comes to HVAC systems! And, because we’re licensed and insured, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. If you’re looking for quality fall HVAC maintenance, look no further than our team of experts.
Call 615-845-4648Â or reach out online to schedule a tune-up today.
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