As the leaves change color this autumn, it’s important to think about keeping your HVAC system safe from them when they fall. Fallen leaves can end up causing big problems for heating and air conditioning equipment. Keep the following information in mind this season.
Problems with Fallen Leaves
Leaves that fall over or near your HVAC system can land inside it and raise the risk of serious damage. If these leaves get into your heating and air conditioning equipment, they can affect the compressor and make your system run less efficiently. This can end up shortening the life span of your HVAC equipment and increasing your energy bills, especially as the temperatures drop during fall. Your home’s interior might also be colder than usual if your heating system is having trouble running. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent leaves from falling into your HVAC system.
Preventing HVAC Damage
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your HVAC system from fallen leaves. This includes removing debris from your system before it has a chance to build up. Removing this debris helps protect the compressor and ensures that your HVAC system will continue to run efficiently all season long. To get debris out of your HVAC unit, shut the power to it off first. You can then open it up and clear out debris carefully. You should also clean off the walls of your HVAC unit to prevent grime from building up.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of damage from fallen leaves is by clearing foliage away from your HVAC unit. You should remove foliage and other debris that are within two feet of your unit on each side. This allows the compressor to work as it should without being hindered by debris and overheating. Keep in mind that if you don’t want to do these steps on your own, you can schedule routine maintenance on your HVAC unit.
If your HVAC system needs repairs or maintenance this fall, please contact Ace Hardware Home Services in Dayton.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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