With the beach just a few minutes away, Tampa, Florida, provides an idyllic environment for homeowners. Unfortunately, the proximity of the beach, along with other environmental hazards such as leaves and cut grass, can cause big problems for your HVAC system. This debris can easily clog your external unit, reducing your system’s efficiency and creating a fire hazard. Here are a few helpful tips on protecting your HVAC system from sand, grass clippings, fallen leaves, and other types of debris.
Use a Cover
There are several kinds of special covers you can purchase for your outdoor compressor to prevent debris from blowing into the unit. These covers are usually a fine mesh that collects particles without limiting airflow. Off-season covers are also available, and they are a little more heavy-duty, featuring water-repellent fabric that completely covers the surface of the unit. However, if you have a heat pump, you should never use an off-season cover because these units run year-round for both heating and cooling.
Clean Regularly
When putting together your list of weekly chores, add cleaning off your outdoor unit. Regularly brushing any debris away can prevent these clumps from getting inside your HVAC system. Use a broom to sweep away fallen leaves or cut grass. You’ll also want to perform a deep cleaning every few months when you remove the top cover to clean the fans. Just make sure all power is completely off before doing so.
Move Your Gardening
If you have plants growing around your unit, these can eventually grow into the unit, blocking it with stems and branches. While it might be difficult, try to relocate your green space to another area. Once the area is cleared, you might even consider installing a small fence to protect your unit.
Keeping your HVAC system clean in Tampa can be tricky, but with a little work, you shouldn’t have any issues. If you think you’re too late and debris is already affecting the performance of your HVAC system, give Nuccio Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call. We offer numerous HVAC maintenance plans to get your system back on track. Contact us today at 813-961-7895.
