Will Falling Leaves Affect My Air?

Will Falling Leaves Affect My Air?

October 10, 2019

We all love the changing seasons, especially when summer finally decides to give way to fall. The air is crisper and cooler, the colors get brighter, and the drudgery of the hotter months of the year finally gives way. It’s one of our favorite times of year here at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric. One of the best parts of this season is when leaves start changing color – painting the trees in gorgeous dynamic hues. But did you know that leaves can easily impact your life at home if you’re not careful. “Will falling leaves affect my air?”  Is a question we get in the fall. The answer is “yes,” but with some dedicated attention to detail they won’t be a problem at all. Let us help explain why!

Leaves Suffocate Your HVAC Unit

Your home’s air system is made up of an indoor and outdoor component. The indoor part contains, ducts, tubes and coils, while the outdoor part is comprised of the compressor. When leaves start collecting around the compressor, this component starts to have a tougher time doing its job.

It needs plenty of space to get rid of excess air and to take in new air, and when there are too many leaves around it the compressor struggles. If your compressor has difficulty performing for an extended period, you’ll start to notice some issues around the home.

What Issues?

 For starters, you’ll definitely see a sudden uptick in energy bills. When the compressor is having trouble, it works harder — just like anything else does. And when it kicks up the power level, it will naturally use more energy in the process, leading to some higher bills than you’re probably used to.

If you’re lucky, higher bills will be all you deal with. Should you let the leaf-strangling problem go on for too long, then your HVAC system could be at risk of failing thanks to overexertion. When the system has to work too hard for too long, it reaches a breaking point, which can result in total failure and a much more expensive problem on your plate.

Any Other Things to Keep an Eye Out for?

 In addition to creating problems for your compressor, falling leaves can also block your exhaust and intake pipes, if your home has them. These pipes are outside, and leaves can easily block them, leaving your air system generally inoperable.

Thankfully, these problems are all fairly avoidable. Just take some time to rake around your intake pipes and the compressor to ensure that all the leaves around these appliances are gone. If you’re feeling extra dedicated, you can invest in a year-round cover for your compressor. It will ensure enough space around it to function properly, but also keep leaves and other obstructions well out of the way.

Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric: Your Fall HVAC Experts

 Are you as excited for the fall months as we are? With Halloween, Thanksgiving and other fun times just around the corner, we want all our Tampa neighbors to enjoy them as much as possible. Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is committed to providing friendly expert service for all your fall heating needs. For the most reliable service in the area, give us a call at 800-937-6736 today!

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