Whether you work, are raising kids, or have countless other obligations, one thing you don’t want to avoid is cleaning your HVAC system. Skipping maintenance for just one season can have dire consequences down the road. Those long South Carolina summers can take a toll. From changing the filter to cleaning the coils, to scheduling regular maintenance with your HVAC provider, you can avoid many problems. Here are a few reasons you don’t want to avoid HVAC cleaning in Lyman, Spartanburg, or Greenville:
Lots of Dirt and Dander
If you don’t clean the filter, dust, pollen, dander, and other particulates will build up and may pass through and circulate in your home. Breathing these in can cause discomfort and a range of issues, from sneezing and coughing to itchy eyes, sore throat, or even asthma. You might also notice dust building up more on furniture, counters, and other surfaces. Brushing dirt and dander off your clothes all day may become routine.
Poor Air Quality
Not cleaning your AC won’t just make your home dusty. An HVAC system can harbor bacteria, fungi, mold, and a variety of microorganisms. If these are constantly circulating around your home, there are endless opportunities to catch viruses, infections, and respiratory diseases.
An Uncomfortable Home
Dirty AC coils become insulated rather than able to release heat the system extracts from the air. The system will therefore struggle to cool your home. Indoor air can become more humid too, as the system won’t be able to extract as much moisture, making things extremely uncomfortable in the summer.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A dirty evaporator coil cannot absorb warm air that flows over it. Instead, the cold refrigerant running through the coil causes it to freeze. If you see ice around the refrigerant line or puddles of water near the blower, turn off your AC. A frozen coil can cause the compressor to overheat and burn out. Also turn the AC off and call a professional if it’s blowing warm air or running constantly.
Rising Energy Bills
Your energy bill should be roughly the same from month to month. If it suddenly spikes, don’t assume the utility company just decided to charge you more. Your AC may be running less efficiently. This can be due to a buildup of dirt on the coils or lack of airflow caused by a dirty filter or duct. The system will run longer to compensate, using more energy, which of course will cost you more.
Refrigerant Leaks
If the condensate drain is blocked by dirt and debris, or the hose is clogged, you may eventually deal with a water leak, which can cause water damage and mold. Dirty coils and components can lead to damage that may even cause a refrigerant leak. A lack of refrigerant can cause major damage. Refrigerants are also toxic; Freon is a chemical gas that can cut off oxygen to your body if inhaled, which is another reason not to avoid HVAC cleaning.
Power and Electrical Issues
Power relays, wires, and other electrical components are crucial for your AC system to work. Poor maintenance, a lack of cleaning, and restricted airflow can cause power components to be damaged. A failure to clean the system can result in frequent shutdowns, tripped breakers, and power fluctuations as well as a complete HVAC breakdown.
Costly Repairs and Replacements
Cleaning your AC system can avoid many problems. The issues that can occur often warrant expensive repairs. Replacing a coil, evaporator, or compressor can be quite costly when you consider the prices of equipment and labor. Regular cleaning can increase your HVAC system’s lifespan as well by preventing wear and tear. It can possibly add years to its operating life, and that much time before having to pay to replace the unit.
Contact Waldrop Plumbing – Heating – Air
We strongly recommend scheduling an annual HVAC inspection. Failing to clean the system can result in any of the problems described above and even void your warranty. Our NATE-certified technicians provide AC cleaning and tune-ups, which allow them to clean outdoor condenser coils, indoor evaporator units, condensate drains, blower units, and filters. Don’t avoid HVAC cleaning in Lyman, Greenville, or Spartanburg. Instead, schedule AC maintenance online or call Waldrop at 864-536-0887.
