It’s not just ordinary maintenance that has an impact on your HVAC system. The way you maintain your lawn and landscaping can also affect HVAC performance and longevity. Taking great care of your yard not only increases your home’s curb appeal, but it can also help your HVAC system perform better and last longer.
The Perils of an Unkempt Yard
Letting your lawn become a jungle can have plenty of unexpected consequences for your HVAC system. For instance, tall grasses can block air from flowing into the HVAC cabinet, allowing your HVAC system to over heat. Falling twigs and branches from nearby trees can fall into the path of the condenser fan, potentially causing damage to the fan blades and motor.
Dirt, pollen and grass clippings can collect all over the condenser coil, preventing it from working properly. All of these issues can result in a HVAC system that doesn’t work as well as it should, or even not at all.
Important Tips to Remember
As you do your yard work, you should take steps to keep your HVAC system from being exposed to potentially harmful debris. Here are some ways you can do just that:
- Cover up your HVAC unit with a sturdy tarp while mowing or trimming in close proximity to the unit. This will keep grass clippings and other debris from getting inside.
- If possible, use a lawn mower equipped with a bagger attachment to mow your lawn. The bagger will collect and hold grass clippings that’ll otherwise be left all over your yard.
- Once you’re done with your yard work, make sure there’s no debris inside the outdoor HVAC unit. If you find any, use a shop vacuum to remove said debris safely.
- If you see any dirt or pollen on the HVAC unit’s condenser coil, hose it down with clean water and give the coil enough time to dry before turning the unit back on.
To learn more about keeping your HVAC system in great shape, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, helping Yuma homeowners with their heating and cooling needs since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about yard work and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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