If you want your central air conditioning and heating system to work properly, you must maintain it well. This involves regularly cleaning the unit, something that is often overlooked. If you don’t clean it, the performance and efficiency of the unit will decrease, costing you more money in the long run. What’s even more important is the effect on the air quality in your home.

Regular cleaning is important to avoid the following scenarios:

1. Clogged Evaporator Coils

Even with the regular replacement of disposable filters, the evaporator coils will eventually become clogged with dust and pet hair. In indoor environments where shedding and dust buildup are common, the air that escapes around the filters will trap residues of grit and hair against the coils themselves.

Each time the unit is in cool mode, the coils will sweat and create a soggy, matted mass that prevents the air from flowing through the coils and cooling properly. This will cause the unit to run longer and become much louder in cool mode. The evaporator coils are located at the top of the unit and are visible when the grill is removed.

2. Condenser Failure

The outdoor condenser unit has a large fan that cools the condenser and the fan motor. The motor can fail because it becomes clogged with grit, the contactor points become rusted, or the capacitor unit fails. Maintenance on these units is critical to avoid condenser failure during periods of extreme heat.

If the condenser becomes overheated, it will shut itself off. In effect, the air will no longer be cooled by the refrigerant. To avoid recharging the refrigerant and replacing the condenser motor, have this system inspected and cleaned at least once yearly.

3. Dirty Air Filters

This is a common scenario that affects the air quality in your home. The air filter is designed to capture any dust and pet hair that would circulate in the home. Over time, the filters become clogged with dust, making it harder for the system to function. As the system continues to work, it becomes louder, and the airflow decreases, often leading to overcooling and the need to replace the air filter more frequently. Keep your air filters clean to avoid these problems.

4. Poor Air Flow

This situation is caused by airflow restrictions due to dust, dirt, and pet hair. The unit works harder to circulate the same amount of air because of the restrictions. This causes the unit to run longer and louder, reducing the system efficiency. You’ll notice that the airflow decreases gradually over time because of the dirt and debris in the grill, coils, or air filter. As the system becomes less efficient, the air filter needs to be replaced more often, and the coils may need to be cleaned.

5. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Any pollutants or bacteria in the air filter itself or on the evaporator coils and condenser fan will circulate through your home after the filtration process. This will cause such problems as allergies, sinusitis, and other respiratory ailments. The cleaned air will no longer be filtered and will include everything in the outdoor air that isn’t removed by the filter. This is especially true if the evaporator coils, condenser fan, or air filter are in poor condition.

Conclusion

The indoor air quality in your home is affected by the condition of your central air conditioning and heating system. The system has many parts that must be inspected, cleaned, or replaced yearly to ensure everything is working properly. Regular inspection and maintenance will also ensure that the system operates at peak performance and isn’t wasting energy.

CG Heating and Cooling is a licensed and insured HVAC company servicing Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Westminster, Colorado. With over 20 years in business and NATE- and EPA-certified technicians, we have the experience to handle all your heating and cooling needs. Get in touch with us if you need HVAC unit cleaning services in Castle Rock! Call (720) 284-2849 now!