Why Dust Is Your Air Conditioner’s Worst Enemy

We rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable, so we want to ensure they work well when we need them to. However, many of us overlook one crucial factor that can wreak havoc on our AC units: dust. That seemingly harmless substance that accumulates in every nook and cranny of our homes can turn into a formidable foe for our cooling systems. In this blog, our HVAC experts at Total Air & Heat will explain how dust can negatively impact an air conditioner and what you can do to prevent that.

5 Ways Dust Can Impact Your AC

Restricted Airflow

Dust has a knack for finding its way into the smallest crevices, including the delicate components of your air conditioner. Over time, these particles can accumulate on air filters, coils, and vents, which will obstruct airflow. Reduced airflow lessens the cooling capacity of your AC, which causes it to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. This not only puts unnecessary strain on your unit but also leads to higher energy consumption, resulting in increased utility bills.

Decreased Efficiency

As dust particles settle on your AC’s evaporator and condenser coils, they create a layer that acts as an insulator. This prevents efficient heat exchange between the coils and the surrounding air, diminishing your AC’s ability to cool the space effectively. Consequently, your AC will have to work longer and harder to achieve the desired cooling, leading to increased wear and tear on the system and potentially shortening its life span.

Impaired Air Quality

Dust doesn’t just affect the functionality of your air conditioner. It also poses risks to the quality of air it circulates. When dust-laden air passes through your AC unit, it can carry allergens, mold spores, pet dander, and other harmful particles along with it. If not properly filtered, these contaminants can be recirculated in your home, leading to exacerbated respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.

Increased Maintenance & Repair Costs

When dust accumulates within your AC unit, it places undue stress on its components, putting them at higher risk for damage and malfunctions. Dust-coated fan blades can become imbalanced, leading to noisy operation and potential motor failures. Additionally, clogged air filters can cause freezing of the evaporator coil, resulting in reduced cooling performance and even system breakdown. The accumulation of dust can also lead to corrosion of critical parts, resulting in expensive repairs or, in severe cases, the need for a complete system replacement.

Extended Downtime

A neglected air conditioner laden with dust is more prone to breakdowns and malfunctioning. These unexpected failures can leave you without cooling during the sweltering summer days, which nobody wants to deal with.

How To Prevent Dust Problems

Dust has the potential to cause a wide range of issues with your air conditioner, so you’ll want to make sure you’re taking steps to prevent that. Make sure to regularly clean the unit, change air filters, and schedule professional maintenance to help combat these issues, ensuring your AC operates at its best and delivers optimal cooling performance. Also, don’t overlook the importance of dusting around your home. Regularly take a dusting cloth or a damp towel across areas that are prone to dust accumulation, like open shelves, TV stands, and the tops of fan blades. Regular vacuuming can also help prevent the buildup of dust.

Call Total Air for AC Services

For residents in the Dallas Metro Area, Total Air & Heat is the name you need to know for all your air conditioning service needs. We’ve served this area since 1957, providing exceptional results and customer service to every job. Whether you need to schedule routine maintenance or need repairs for your air conditioner, we’ve got you covered. We also provide top-quality Carrier air conditioners when you need to replace your system.

Call Total Air at 972-881-0020 to schedule air conditioning services in Dallas, Plano, or the surrounding areas.