If you live in Arizona, you will experience dust storms from time to time. In addition to protecting your home and vehicle, you also need to protect your air conditioner (AC) from these storms. With a few simple maintenance tasks, you can prevent long-term damage to your AC.
How Often Do Dust Storms Occur?
Mesa residents can generally expect dust storms to occur about three times a year. These storms are more likely to happen in July and August, but they can occur at any time. While they are more common in agricultural areas, they can happen anywhere.
Fortunately, dust storms rarely last for very long. While some storms can last for up to an hour, most dust storms are over within just a few minutes. They are typically produced from thunderstorm winds. A dust storm watch is sent out in areas where these storms are likely to occur, so you will typically have some advance warning that a dust storm may be about to happen.
The Impact of Dust Storms on Your Air Conditioning Unit
For drivers, dust storms are incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, dust storms are also hazardous for your AC as well. These large clouds of dirt and dust can span hundreds of miles of land. They pick up more debris as they go, which increases how dangerous they are for your air conditioning unit.
While the type of AC and how it is set up can impact the level of damage, a dust storm normally affects the following components in an AC unit.
1. Dirty Filters
One of the first ways that a dust storm impacts your AC is through clogged filters. Normally, air is pulled through the air filter to prevent dust and other debris from getting into your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. During a dust storm, all of this added dust gets into your air filter.
The added dust prevents air from flowing through your AC properly. This reduces your home’s energy efficiency. In the short run, it leads to a more expensive energy bill. Over time, it also increases the likelihood that other components will break down.
2. Dirty Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Your condenser coils are located in your outdoor unit. They can become dirty from direct exposure to a dust storm. This can decrease your AC’s performance and make it work harder to reach the same temperature. Dirty condenser coils can also cause the fan motor to overheat.
Meanwhile, your evaporator coils are located inside your home. They can become dusty if your air filter gets too dirty. Besides reducing your AC’s efficiency, this dust accumulation can cause your AC to freeze. The only way to fix this problem is by getting the evaporator coils cleaned.
3. Trapped Dust in Your Ductwork
Unfortunately, a dust storm can also impact your ductwork. Dust can get drawn inside the ductwork, which can cause performance-related issues. Likewise, rodents, raccoons, mice, and other pests may access small openings in the ductwork to escape the storm or seek out food.
4. Faulty Components
When there is a lot of dust flying around, it can negatively impact the components in your AC. Dust can wear down moving parts, so they are more likely to malfunction. Additionally, this type of wear can reduce the lifespan of the components and your entire HVAC system.
How to Protect Your AC From Dust Storms
If you’re dealing with dust storms in Mesa, there are a few things you can do to protect your air conditioning unit. Dust storms can cause dust and debris to build up, which can cause your AC to overheat. To avoid extra repairs and sudden breakdowns, use the following steps.
1. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment
One of the most important ways to protect your AC is by scheduling a maintenance appointment with CAM Air. Our AC installation and maintenance services ensure your family can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Regular maintenance inspections are important because they help to clean your AC and prevent unexpected breakdowns. During the inspection, the HVAC technician will pay attention to signs of damage. Then, they can make recommendations about the best solutions for your AC issues.
2. Change Your Air Filter
If your AC has recently experienced a dust storm, it is a good time to inspect and replace your air filter. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to clean or replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days. When there is extra air pollution in your area, it is important to replace your air filter more frequently.
The air filter is your AC’s first line of defense against dirt and dust. Changing it on a regular basis is the best way to prevent long-term damage and expensive repairs.
3. Clean the Condenser Coils
Following major storms, you can reduce dust in your AC by cleaning the condenser coils. You can clean these coils by using a water hose that is set to a gentle setting. You should avoid touching the fins while you are cleaning the coils. In addition to being quite sharp, the fins are extremely delicate and you should never bend them.
You should pay close attention to the tiny slits around the outdoor unit. These slits are designed to let heat out. If they are blocked by dust or dirt, they will be unable to do their job. Eventually, your AC will start to overheat if these slits aren’t cleaned out.
4. Flush Your Condensate Drain Line
After a dust storm, the condensate drain line can become clogged by dust and dirt. An easy way to fix this problem is by flushing the line. You can also try removing clogs using a wet or dry vacuum. If you don’t have the right tools handy, one of our HVAC technicians can help you clean out your drain line.
5. Inspect Your Ductwork
When wind speeds increase, it can cause your ducts to become loose. Eventually, this can cause small openings to develop. These openings allow dirt and dust to get into your system.
Besides reducing your AC’s efficiency, this dust can also impact your home’s air quality. These holes are also problematic because they allow air to escape. If air escapes, your AC has to work harder to cool your home. Eventually, this additional wear can cause higher repair costs.
After a dust storm, inspect your ductwork for any openings. If there are gaps or holes, you can seal them with caulk. Loose ductwork can be reattached to the wall.
Get Professional HVAC Help After a Dust Storm
If you have recently experienced a major dust storm, CAM Air can help. We provide Mesa residents with superior AC repairs, heating installations, AC maintenance, and water heater repair services. Dust and dirt can wreak havoc on your HVAC system, so you need professional maintenance and repairs to prevent long-term damage and expensive replacement costs.
To learn more about AC maintenance after major dust storms, reach out to CAM Air for additional information.
