Top Reasons to Not Ignore Cleaning an Outdoor AC Unit
Air conditioners are so widely used people take them for granted. Keeping in mind that these are complex systems that require regular maintenance is crucial.
If not cleaned regularly, the outdoor AC unit can cause various complications. There are many reasons not to ignore taking care of it.
Dirt and debris coating
The AC unit employs air circulation to cool or warm up the indoor space. The air that circulates carries all sorts of dirt and debris. These unwanted particles get sucked into the condensing unit of the outdoor AC, gradually coating it. The more dirt and debris that gets caught in the coil, the more the condenser coil struggles to work.
Dirt leads to increased energy consumption and reduced AC cooling ability.
Physical deterioration
Aging is a natural process with all AC systems. But the less often you clean its exterior, the quicker the outdoor AC unit will deteriorate. Smog, pollen, and dirt will cause the unit’s outdoor shell to diminish faster. As dirt builds up in some key areas, it will affect the air circulation, which directly impacts its efficiency.
Every outdoor AC unit’s exterior requires regular surface cleaning. Fortunately, doing this is as simple as taking a damp cloth and wiping it down.
Compromising the indoor AC system
The indoor AC system is dependent on the outdoor unit. The latter does the majority of the legwork. The air quality (including the dirt and debris) that flows through the outdoor unit and into the indoor system depends on how well the outdoor element is maintained. Leave the outside unit unmaintained for long enough, and the entire indoor AC system gets compromised.
Increased fire hazard
Outdoor AC units and the entire AC system are highly unlikely to catch fire just because it lacks proper maintenance. Unlikely, however, doesn’t mean impossible. As dirt accumulates inside the coils and vents, it starts obstructing the airflow. Most of the debris that gets caught inside outdoor AC units is flammable and can cause the unit to choke, which is a genuine fire hazard.
Most AC fires are a result of faulty wiring, short-circuits, and improper installation. An unmaintained outdoor AC unit only increases these hazards.
Pollution
The modern AC systems filter out the “bad air” and ensure a certain degree of air quality. The lack of proper cleaning and maintenance diminishes the outdoor AC units’ filtration factor, letting in polluted air and pollen. Even if no household member is allergic to pollen, no one wants air pollution inside their home.
The importance of regular maintenance
Yearly professional maintenance and a seasonal tune-up is the best way to ensure a clean outdoor AC unit. Regular checkups and cleanups are much cheaper than having to replace an entire AC system.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!
