Leaves are among the most common debris that falls into an air conditioner’s outdoor unit. They either get sucked in or just blow in. They can damage the internal parts by blocking the air circulation or preventing the condenser coils from working properly. Homeowners have to spend money on air conditioning repair in Palm City due to them.
It’s especially a huge concern during the autumn season when trees tend to shed leaves to prepare for winter. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent leaves from falling into the unit and deal with them if they do.
Clean Area
You can save a considerable amount on air conditioning repair in Palm City by simply brushing all the fallen leaves away. The area around the outdoor unit should be neat and tidy.
Cut Grass
The outdoor unit might suck in some grass that may come loose. That’s why you should clear an area with a 2 ft radius around the outdoor unit during fall. If you already cleared the area, then watch out for new grass growing, especially during spring and summer when the warm climate favors growth.
Trim Overhanging Branches
An overhanging branch tends to shed a lead or two on the outdoor unit. You need to trim them to protect your unit and prevent a costly air conditioning repair in Palm City. Be sure to watch for new branches growing over the unit.
Use Right Cover
If you plan to keep your unit shut throughout autumn and winter, then you should cover it after shutting down. You can’t just cover it with any sheet, it may have gaps through which leaves can enter or pests may infest. You need to use the cover provided by the manufacturer because it’s designed to fit the unit perfectly.
If you can’t find the manufacturer cover, then you can look for alternatives to prevent needing an air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie. Avoid plastic or vinyl, because they prevent airflow which can cause condensation to form and lead to rusting. You should use a breathable material like a canvas cover that won’t allow leaves to enter but will prevent condensation and rusting.
Clean The AC
Despite your best efforts, some of the debris might still make it inside your unit. You should clean the unit to get rid of them. This step is especially important before winter when you won’t use your AC. You can start by opening the AC panel and brushing the debris out of the outdoor unit. Then wash the unit with a garden hose gently. Do not forget to switch it off before cleaning.
Cover With Leaf Mesh
Leaves don’t wait for autumn to fall on the outdoor unit, they can drop throughout the year. You can protect your unit from fallen leaves and prevent a costly air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie by using a leaf guard. It’s a mesh screen that prevents a leaf from getting into the unit without blocking the airflow.
It can also prevent grass, pine, twigs, etc. from falling into the compressor. Be sure to remove the leaves that get stuck on the screen to maintain the airflow.
Install Shed Over Compressor
You can shield the compressor from fallen leaves and save on air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie by installing a shed over it. Install it in a sloping position so that any leaf that drops on it will slip down onto the ground. It can also protect the compressor from rain and snow.
Install Outdoor Unit Away From Foliage
One way to protect your unit from a leaf is to install it away from the foliage. This means installing it in places like the roof or a cemented area instead of the yard.
Choose What To Plant Carefully
You should only plant trees that grow upright to prevent branches from hanging over. Avoid deciduous, flowering and thorny plants.
Comments