Blaine, MN – Cottonwood leaves fall into condenser coils of an AC unit. Those same coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant inside the coil. If those coils become clogged with debris (in this case cottonwood), then they cannot release heat. As such, when the AC runs, it will run longer than normal as well as work harder than normal. This will add wear and tear on your equipment.
You do NOT have to live next door to a cottonwood tree to be impacted by these seeds. They can spread over one hundred yards in all directions; so if there is fluffy material blowing around in your area (i.e. the neighborhood) then your AC unit is most likely experiencing exposure.
Why it matters more than most people think
Cottonwood leaves fall into condenser coils of an AC unit. Those same coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant inside the coil. If those coils become clogged with debris (in this case cottonwood), then they cannot release heat. As such, when the AC runs, it will run longer than normal as well as work harder than normal. This will add wear and tear on your equipment.You do NOT have to live next door to a cottonwood tree to be impacted by these seeds. They can spread over one hundred yards in all directions; so if there is fluffy material blowing around in your area (i.e. the neighborhood) then your AC unit is most likely experiencing exposure.
Energy use
Up to 2×
harder your AC works with clogged coils
Efficiency loss
Up to 50%
reduction in cooling capacity from buildup
Common result
Mid-season failure
compressor and fan motor burnout in neglected units
Simple steps homeowners can take right now
Wong says a little attention during cottonwood season goes a long way. Here’s what he recommends:
1 – Rinse the outdoor unit with a garden hose
Once a week during peak fluff season, gently rinse the sides of the condenser with low-pressure water. Avoid power washers — the high pressure can bend the fins and cause more harm than the cottonwood itself.
2 – Check your air filter more often than usual
Cottonwood accelerates how quickly filters load up. A clogged filter restricts airflow from the inside out, compounding the strain from a dirty outdoor coil.
3 – Keep the area around the unit clear
Trim back any overgrown plants and clear away debris. A two-foot clearance on all sides helps your system breathe — and gives cottonwood fewer places to accumulate.
4 – Have a technician look it over before peak summer heat
“The best time to find a problem is before it’s 90 degrees outside,” Wong says. A seasonal tune-up typically includes a coil cleaning, refrigerant check, and inspection of components like the capacitor and contactor that bear extra stress during heavy-use periods. It’s a much smaller bill than an emergency repair in August.
Many of the calls that Wong’s team receives in the summertime can be traced back to the delays of spring maintenance. The call could have been avoided with just a simple spring checkup for most homeowners.
Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is taking appointments now for spring air conditioning checkups. Springtime is here so don’t wait until cottonwood season starts, fill out your appointment today!
About Twin City Heating, Air and Electric
Twin City Heating, Air and Electric serves homeowners across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and surrounding communities, providing heating, air conditioning, and electrical services year-round. To schedule a spring tune-up or ask a question, visit https://twincityheatingandair.com or call 612-361-4567.
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