Changing your HVAC unit’s filters is something most people remember to do because it’s an obvious maintenance component of an expensive home system that’s easy to perform. Draining add-on humidifiers and changing UV bulbs also fall into that category. But few people consider the importance of cleaning the condenser unit, which is the outdoor portion of your HVAC system.
While airborne particles can get into your air handler or furnace (particularly if you don’t change your filters regularly), the effect of the outdoor air quality on your condenser unit is more immediate and potentially more damaging. That’s because your condenser unit contains both the compressor for your refrigerant and the condenser fan that moves air across your condenser coils, which allows the dissipation of heat. And both of these can be negatively affected by pollen buildup. Alder, birch and oak trees generate pollen in the spring. You can usually recognize when if you live in a moderately wooded area because one morning you’ll go out to your car and it will be covered in a fine green dusting of pollen, which will continue to happen for up to a few weeks.
Tree pollen forms a layer not only on your house, driveway and car, but unfortunately on your condenser unit as well. And unlike your car’s engine that’s somewhat contained and covered, the layer of pollen buildup on your condenser unit gets into every nook and cranny. Ultimately, this makes the unit work harder because the pollen layer reduces the airflow required for it to operate efficiently.
This is why when you have an HVAC technician perform routine maintenance on your unit, they will usually wash or power wash your outdoor condenser. It’s not just to keep the unit looking good. It’s to wash away the pollen layer and any other layers of sediment or airborne particles that can settle on the unit.
If your unit needs service, give us a call. We’ll be happy to take a look and our technicians are experts at keeping units running longer and running optimally. And yes, we do offer annual maintenance plans that include condenser cleaning if you have a heavy pollen problem in your neck of the woods.
