Another Arizona summer means more Monsoon Madness!! The monsoon season has hit hard and it’s a dusty one. Your house should be protecting you from the nasty Arizona dirt, not inviting it in! Keep your HVAC unit clean and working with peak efficiency with these tips from our Polar Bear Leader, William:
Keeping Your Outdoor Unit Clean
“With brutal dust storms, harsh winds, and heavy rain, we want to make sure we keep our outdoor unit as clean as possible. This is where we release the heat from your home to keep you chill and dry”. -William Fiegel, Phoenix General Manager at Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating
Clear Obstructions Around Your Unit
“You want to keep about 18 inches clear of obstructions (bushes, yard tools, trash, etc.) on at least 3 sides of your outdoor HVAC unit. This is to ensure less dirt and debris to stir up and gather in your unit, allowing the unit to breathe and perform efficiently”.
Imagine your HVAC unit as a marathon runner. It needs space to move, breathe, and perform its best. Overgrown bushes, forgotten yard tools, or even stray trash can block its path, making it work so much harder to do the same task. By simply giving it more breathing room, you’re ensuring it can keep you cool without breaking a sweat.
Rinse Your Unit
“I know it sounds scary, but you can and should regularly wash your outdoor unit to clear built-up dirt. It is okay to take your garden hose and gently rinse that unit. Start at the top, go left to right, or your preference, and work your way down. You want to see the water come all the way through; we should be able to look inside and see the dirt rinse out. Do not use a high-pressure or jet setting on the nozzle, the shower setting will do the job well”.
“A little tip from the Polar Bear Pros, turn off your unit while cleaning, or you could be giving yourself a bit of a shower as the water comes out the top from the unit’s fan”.
Think of this as giving your HVAC unit a spa day. A gentle rinse can do wonders to wash away grime and keep everything running and looking clean.
Check and Replace Your Air Filter
Since so much dirt stirs up during these monsoons, it’s inevitable that some will enter your HVAC unit and make its way into your house. The last thing you want to be doing is inviting that dirt in without proper filtration. Locate your air filter and make sure that it’s looking nice and clean, and replace it if needed.
Your air filter is the unsung hero of your HVAC system and your clean breathing in your house. It catches all that dirt and dust that the monsoons love to pick up and tries to sneak into your home. During this time of the year, the filter is working overtime, so be sure to check it regularly. If it looks like it’s seen better days, swap it out for a fresh one. Your lungs (and your HVAC system) will thank you!
Give Your Unit Some Polar Bear TLC
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your HVAC unit remains efficient and effective throughout the monsoon season. Keeping it clean and obstruction-free not only helps maintain peak performance but also extends the life of your unit. So take a few moments to give your HVAC system the care it deserves, and enjoy a cool, comfortable home even during the dustiest of Arizona summers.
When in doubt, get your system checked with an Alaskafication! Every Alaskafication comes with a professional coil cleaning, ensuring your system is ready to beat the Arizona heat and dust. Stay chill, Arizona!