Cottonwood Threatens HVAC Systems and Comfort
As warmer weather arrives, so does one of the most overlooked threats to your HVAC equipment: cottonwood season, typically late May through early July
Each spring and early summer, cottonwood trees release seeds covered in fluffy, fibrous material. It looks harmless floating through the air—but when it reaches your rooftop or ground-mounted HVAC equipment, it can cause serious problems fast.
At Pleune Service Company, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly cottonwood can plug coils, block economizer filters, strain fans, and increase energy costs. Maintenance during this short season is essential to avoid costly downtime.
How Cottonwood Affects HVAC Systems
When cottonwood seeds accumulate on condenser coils and intake screens, they restrict airflow and reduce heat transfer. This forces your system to work harder, resulting in:
- Increased energy consumption
- Decreased capacity
- Elevated head pressure
- Overheating compressors
- Short cycling and system shutdowns
If left unaddressed, cottonwood buildup can lead to mid-season equipment failure—especially during peak summer demand when repair timelines are longer and comfort is critical.
Preventive Steps That Make a Difference
Here’s what Pleune’s technicians recommend during cottonwood season:
1. Increase Inspection Frequency
Regular inspections of outdoor units during peak cottonwood season can catch buildup early—before it significantly affects performance.
2. Clean Condenser Coils Carefully
Cottonwood doesn’t just coat the surface; condensers fans pull the cottonwood deeply into coils. We use manufacturer-approved cleaners and low-pressure rinse methods to remove it safely and thoroughly.
3. Monitor System Pressures
Checking head pressure during maintenance is critical, increasing pressure is an early sign that cottonwood is restricting airflow within the condenser coils. Addressing the issue early helps prevent bigger problems later.
4. Document and Schedule Service
Log every service, document coil condition, and plan service intervals to keep your system running efficiently—not reactively.
Protect Your Investment This Season
Cottonwood is a seasonal threat—but with the right service strategy, it doesn’t have to be a costly one. Pleune’s preventive maintenance services will help keep your air conditioning system running at peak performance and your space cool! Whether you have a few rooftop units or a full-scale mechanical system, our team is ready to support you through every season—fluff included.
Contact us, pleuneservice.com, to talk to someone about a condenser coil cleaning service or a maintenance program to give you piece of mind about your building.
