The cottonwood trees growing near the Fox River in towns like Algonquin, Barrington, Carpentersville, Cary and Fox River Grove provide an idyllic backdrop in many neighborhoods, giving us shade in the summer, perfect habitat for warbling birds, and if we’re lucky, even a few eagles during the winter. However, during the month of June these ubiquitous trees seem to turn on us, causing no end of trouble. For it is in the late spring that the cottonwood sends its seeds out to make more trees. The problem is that the seeds are contained in fluffy stuff that flies through the neighborhoods. This fluff not only sparks allergies, makes a mess in our yards and clogs gutters, but also can wreak havoc on central air conditioning units.
When the fluff gets sucked into the condenser coil, it reduces airflow across the coil. While this may result in the loss of efficiency, and cost more in operating expense, the bigger problem is that the air conditioner compressor may become over heated. Imagine the thermometer hits 100 degrees and the air conditioner is working hard, keeping you cool. What you don’t notice is that the cottonwood fluff is being sucked into the coils, causing the condenser to burn out. The repair bill will undoubtedly be more than the cost of a simple air conditioner clean and check.
A/C Maintenance is the most economical alternative
Even without cottonwoods in the neighborhood, yearly clean and checks for your air conditioning unit will keep the unit in top-notch condition. Early detection can prevent potential breakdowns. Changing a part that is about to wear out can save money in the long run. Regular service will not only prolong the life of the equipment and keep your house comfortable, but could save you a lot of discomfort when the unit breaks down at the peak of the season, leaving you sweltering in the summer heat, while you wait for the technician to repair the unit.