As we enter the summer months, the promise of triple digit heat, rain and occasional wind and thunder storms are sure to be in the future forecast. These elements can do a number on your outdoor AC unit causing it to work much harder to cool your home and puts it at risk for possible damage or breakdown if not mainteanced regularly.

Let’s take a look of some of Mother Nature’s annoyances and how they can cause damage over time.

Ants and other pesky pests:

If you follow our Facebook page, you will see just how appealing an air conditioner’s outdoor condenser is to insects, rodents and other slithery invaders. Too many times our skilled technicians have been called to diagnosis a problem only to find a dead rat stuck in the fan, a dead snake coiled around a fan or a colony of ants throwing a party in a contactor which short circuited the entire system.  Animals and insects are naturally going to investigate and occasionally pitch a tent since it’s outdoors and on their turf.

Bushes, flowers, and decorative enclosures:

You may want to decorate your boxy AC unit or enclose it with a decorative fence or enclosure. Problem is, the unit needs consistent airflow in order to work properly.  Trees, bushes or flower gardens can over grow into the unit causing major damage. Rule of thumb is to leave several feet around your AC unit to allow proper the breathing room.

Leaves, dirt and debris:

You may be comfortable and safe in your home during a rain storm, but your AC, as tough as it’s built to be, can get hit hard by Mother Nature over time. Leaves can accumulate. Dirt and debris can build up over time and if left untouched, can lead to the demise of your air conditioner.

These issues can be just some of the reasons your AC is taking longer to cool your home. The best thing you can do to protect and prolong the life of your HVAC system is making sure it is maintenance regularly. It is a small fee to pay that can save your hundreds and maybe thousands in the long run.

If your air conditioner is due for a good cleaning, tune up and a little TLC, give us a call to schedule one of our skilled, friendly and professional HVAC technicians. You will not regret it.