June, 2023 / Furnace and Air Conditioner repair in Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, and Gardner

Is Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling Well? It Could Be Clogged with Cottonwood Seeds

admin announcements June 25, 2023June 26, 2023

As the scorching heat of summer arrives, our reliance on air conditioners becomes paramount to stay cool and comfortable indoors. However, if you’ve noticed that your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as efficiently as it used to, the culprit might be something unexpected: cottonwood tree seeds. These seemingly harmless seeds can wreak havoc on your air conditioning system, particularly the outdoor unit.

Understanding the Cottonwood Seed Issue

Cottonwood trees, which are everywhere in Olathe and Johnson County, produce copious amounts of lightweight seeds that are easily carried by the wind. Unfortunately, these seeds have a knack for finding their way into outdoor air conditioning units. Due to their small size and fluffy nature, they can easily penetrate the outer cabinet of the unit and get trapped between the coil and the cabinet.

When cottonwood seeds accumulate between the coil and the cabinet, they obstruct the airflow and disrupt the proper functioning of your air conditioner. This blockage hampers the heat exchange process, preventing efficient cooling. As a result, your AC unit may struggle to reach the desired temperature, causing discomfort and potentially leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

The Importance of Scheduling an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

To address the issue of a clogged air conditioner caused by cottonwood seeds, the most prudent course of action is to schedule an air conditioner tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician. During a professional tune-up, the technician will thoroughly inspect and clean the system, paying particular attention to the outdoor unit. They will have the expertise to safely remove any cottonwood seed clogs without causing damage to the unit.

Air conditioning units are complex systems that require specialized knowledge and tools for proper maintenance and repair.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Beyond resolving the cottonwood seed issue, regular air conditioner maintenance offers several additional advantages. By scheduling periodic tune-ups, you can:

Improve energy efficiency: Clean coils and unobstructed airflow allow your air conditioner to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
Extend system lifespan: Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, thus prolonging the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Enhance indoor air quality: Cleaning and servicing your air conditioner helps eliminate dirt, dust, and allergens, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Ensure optimal performance: A well-maintained air conditioner performs at its best, delivering consistent and reliable cooling to keep you comfortable throughout the summer months.

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home as effectively as it should, it’s possible that cottonwood seeds have clogged the unit. It is recommended by most manufacturers to schedule an air conditioner tune-up with a professional HVAC technician. They possess the expertise and tools necessary to safely and effectively clean the system, ensuring optimal cooling performance and preventing further damage. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently, providing you with the comfort you deserve during the hot summer season.

THE Most Important Thing a Homeowner Can Do To Make Sure Their Air Conditioner Doesn’t Stop Working in Olathe, KS

admin announcements, Top HVAC Tips for Homeowners or Beginners June 3, 2023June 3, 2023ac repair, air conditioner, air conditioner repair, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

one hour heating and air conditioning performing air conditioner maintenance

Regular maintenance for your air conditioner is the most important thing an Olathe homeowner can do to ensure your air conditioner doesn’t stop working. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

a dirty filter can cause your air conditioner to not cool enough

Clean or replace air filters:

Clogged or dirty air filters restrict airflow and reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner. Clean or replace them regularly, typically every 1-3 months. If you have a pet, you’ll want to change your furnace filter more often.

Also, dirty furnace filter can also cause the air conditioner or coil to freeze up and stop working.

Most air filter have an arrow on the outer edge. To install the filter correctly, the arrow always points toward the furnace.

Clear debris around the outdoor unit

Ensure that the outdoor unit is free from leaves, grass, dirt, and other debris. Adequate airflow is essential for the proper functioning of the system. We recommend trimming back bushes and trees at least 6-8 feet.

Check and clean the condenser coils

Over time, the condenser coils can accumulate dust and debris, reducing their efficiency. Clean them every year or as needed to ensure optimal heat transfer. That warm air you feel coming off the top of your air conditioning unit is all the hot air from inside your home! It needs space to get rid of all that heat!

For a brief explanation of how to check if your condenser coil is dirty, view this video.

Keep the area around vents clear

Make sure your furniture, curtains, or other objects do not obstruct the vents. Obstructions can disrupt airflow and affect the cooling performance.

Schedule professional residential HVAC maintenance with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Consider hiring a One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician to inspect and service your air conditioner. They can identify potential issues, clean the system thoroughly, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Monitor refrigerant levels

With routine air conditioner maintenance, the One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Technician monitors refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or other issues. If you notice a decline in cooling performance that could be a sign that the refrigerant level has dropped or there may be a leak that needs to be repaired.

If you encounter any significant issues or suspect a malfunction, it’s best to contact a qualified One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC professional in Olathe for proper diagnosis and repair of your air conditioner.