As the fall season arrives, you’ll find the leaves make their way from the tree branches to the ground. The leaves will also find their way to the top of your outdoor HVAC unit. Even though these colorful leaves may look pretty, they can have an impact on how your HVAC unit operates, especially if they’re left to collect as the fall months progress. Here are some impacts leaves can have on your HVAC system and why it’s important to remove them as soon as possible.
How Leaves Affect HVAC Systems
The outdoor unit of your HVAC system is often vulnerable to the elements, including falling leaves. Leaves that fall from the surrounding trees can damage your HVAC system or cause it to not work as it should. These natural elements can clog the outdoor units which will affect the air intake and your HVAC system won’t run well. Also, the moisture and decomposition from the leaves will cause the various HVAC components to deteriorate which means you may have to replace these items, which can be costly. In addition, when your HVAC system is covered in leaves, this may lead to inaccurate thermostat readings.
Preventative Measures and Maintenance
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent leaves from impacting how your HVAC system operates. You can combat the bad effects of falling leaves by completing regular checks of the HVAC unit to ensure the top of it and the surrounding areas are clear. In addition, you can obtain regular HVAC maintenance from an industry professional to ensure that the system continues to work as it should. Also, you may want to put up physical barriers surrounding the HVAC unit outside to keep as much of the leaves, branches, and other debris away from it as possible. Lastly, pursue various landscaping solutions, such as mowing and tree trimming, to keep this area of your yard debris-free. When you take all of these steps, you can keep your HVAC system running properly and in good shape.
Don’t risk your HVAC system not working to its full potential due to falling leaves collecting on top of the outdoor unit. Make sure you clear the leaves away and have your HVAC system maintained on a regular basis. Air Design can help!
