The leaves of Autumn can be beautiful, but not when they're clogging up your HVAC system. Too much debris will reduce the functionality of your air conditioning unit. That means that your utility bills will increase until you get this fixed. The worst-case scenario is that your entire system will become a fire hazard. Cleaning and covering your unit will reduce the risk of this issue getting worse. Other types of debris can also include grass clippings and sand.

Cleaning the System

Open up the unit and clear away twigs, leaves, and anything else that shouldn't be there. You can use a broom to sweep away that debris. This is something you should do weekly. Every few months, you should perform a deep cleaning on the system. That includes cleaning the fans or other parts much further into the unit. Don't forget to turn the power off before you do this.

You should also cleaned the vents each season. You could discover signs of leakage and fix it before it results in real damage.

Cover the Unit

Covers will stop debris from getting into the system. This type of protection comes in many forms, like off-season. The off-season covers use waterproof material and covers the entire unit. It's okay for Autumn, but don't use it during winter. There's also the covers made with a thin mesh that allows for airflow. This works well against much larger debris, like leaves. It might let things like sand and water slip through a bit.

Exterior Problems

You might not be able to protect your HVAC system from natural wastes 100% of the time. You can help to reduce the outside factors. One such cause is surrounding plants. If you can, try to move nearby bushes to other parts of your yard. Not only can debris like leaves and twigs end up in your unit, but the plant could grow its branches into the machine. Cover your HVAC system, making sure it's not currently in use, for when you plan on mowing the lawn that day. Another suggestion is to put a barrier around your unit to protect it even more.

There are plenty of other strategies you can use to shield and preserve your HVAC system. Remember that some might apply only to the fall, but not other seasons. If you have questions or want our HVAC team to look at your unit, contact Harwich Port Heating and Cooling.