“Cottonwood season” spans from late spring to early summer. This is considered one of the warmer times of the year. One aspect of cottonwood season that can cause problems with your home’s HVAC system is the white, fibrous strands that come off cottonwood trees when their seeds are dispersed. Below is a quick look at how the season can affect your HVAC system’s performance
Fibers on coils. Cottonwood seeds’ fibers are designed to catch the air and transport the seeds. Unfortunately, these fibers can easily be sucked into your HVAC system’s outdoor unit. They can wrap around the condenser coil, limiting the amount of air coming into contact with it. Cooling then becomes less effective, forcing the HVAC system to use more energy.
Fibers tangled around fans. Air conditioner service experts say that the fibers can also get caught on the cooling fan found in your outdoor unit. Unfortunately, this can pose a serious threat to your HVAC system. Fibers that get caught around the fan’s shaft can eventually cause the fan motor to seize up, causing serious mechanical damage.
Corrosion and mold. Cottonwood fibers can also accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your HVAC system. When this happens, they tend to trap a lot of moisture and dirt. This can increase the risk of rust on the screws holding the HVAC components together. On the other hand, mold can spread to the air ducts and create a foul odor.
Protecting Your HVAC System
While cottonwood season does come with a few risks, you can always do something to minimize the risks associated with it. The best way to do this is to get in touch with certified air conditioner repair experts and have your system checked during and shortly after cottonwood season. This way, problems are spotted and dealt with as soon as possible.
Keep your HVAC system safe during cottonwood season. Modern Air Solutions Inc is the leading HVAC contractor in the area. You can call us at 630-884-4181 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.
