As anyone who lives in Arizona can tell you, the Grand Canyon State is no stranger to dust storms. Also known as haboobs, dust storms occur when powerful winds blow loose dirt, clay, dust, and sand up into the air, creating a large cloud of debris and dust.
In addition to reducing visibility, damaging the environment, and aggravating respiratory conditions, dust storms also have a nasty tendency to cause problems with your air conditioning equipment. These issues can sometimes be severe enough to require professional air conditioner repair in Chandler.
In order to help you keep your AC units running properly and prevent dust from reducing your indoor air quality, we’ve written a brief guide on how to minimize the effects of dust storms on your AC unit. Keep reading to learn more.
Why is my AC blowing dust?
Giving your home an in-depth cleaning, only to find dust on your furniture some minutes later is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. If this happens to you, check your air conditioner to make sure it isn’t malfunctioning in some way.
AC problems that can cause it to blow dust include:
- Ductwork leaks. Heating and cooling ducts are typically located in the basement, attic, or behind walls. Any leaks in the ductwork will cause your HVAC system to suck the dust right out of these naturally dirty areas and distribute it into the other parts of your house.
- Problems with filters. All air conditioners contain internal dust filters. If these filters are damaged or of low quality, you’ll likely have a lot more dust in your home. Replacing them with first-rate filters that have a high MERV rating is the best solution to this problem.
How do I protect my air conditioner from dust?
If a dust storm hits your neighborhood, there’s a considerable chance that it’s going to muck up the coil inside your AC unit. Unless addressed, this dirt buildup will gradually reduce the efficiency of your AC unit and may cause its outside fan motor to overheat.
Here’s what you can do about it:
Turn off your air conditioner during a dust storm
This may be inconvenient, but it will keep your AC system from sucking in even more dust than necessary.
Change the filters after a dust storm
A dust storm can clog up an AC’s dust filters in no time. This reduces or even completely blocks air flow, which makes your AC less efficient and may result in it breaking down entirely. Replacing or (if applicable) washing the filters after every dust storm is highly recommended.
Wash the exterior unit after a dust storm
Once a dust storm has passed, turn off the outside AC unit and give it a good rinsing with a garden hose. Pay special attention to the tiny air fins, as that’s where dust tends to accumulate the most.
Examine your ductwork
Strong winds can damage your AC’s ducts, so give them a quick checkup to make sure everything is as it should be.
Who provides dependable air conditioner repair in Chandler?
Modern air conditioning systems are complex devices that are considerably more efficient and durable than their older counterparts. Unfortunately, this increased complexity means they can also malfunction in a variety of different ways, many of which are impossible for a layperson to diagnose.
If your AC unit is acting up or otherwise underperforming, don’t hesitate to call Hughes Air. As the leading cooling and heating contractor in Chandler, we’ll be happy to deal with any AC-related problems you may have while you relax at the Environmental Education Center with your loved ones. Call us today.