You’ve probably heard how air quality affects your air conditioner, but have you ever stopped to think about your water quality?
It might not be obvious, but the water in your home can quietly affect how well your AC system works, especially if you have a whole-home humidifier or an evaporative cooler (also known as a swamp cooler). So what’s the connection, and why should California homeowners care? Let’s check out.
Wait, How Does Water Affect My AC?
If your HVAC system includes components that use water, like humidifiers or evaporative coolers, then the quality of your water directly impacts performance. Here’s how:
- Hard water (loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium) can leave behind deposits.
- These deposits build up in the components that use water, such as valves, nozzles, or filters.
- Over time, that buildup can clog parts, reduce airflow, and force your AC to work harder than it should.
And when your AC is overworked? That means higher energy bills, less comfort, and more wear and tear.
Humidifiers + Hard Water = Trouble
Many homes in California have dry indoor air, so humidifiers are often used to bring balance. But here’s the problem: if your water is hard, your humidifier can suffer.
Mineral deposits from hard water can coat the internal parts of your humidifier, reducing its efficiency and even causing it to break down. When that happens, your air becomes drier, which makes your AC work harder to cool the space. That’s right, bad water can lead to bad air, which can lead to AC strain.
Evaporative Coolers Need Clean Water Too
In drier regions of California, evaporative coolers are popular because they use water to cool air efficiently. But poor water quality can gunk up pads and lines, reducing cooling performance and shortening the system’s lifespan.
If your cooler smells musty, runs less efficiently, or needs constant maintenance, your water might be the root of the problem.
What Can You Do?
- Install a water softener: This reduces mineral buildup and protects both plumbing and HVAC systems.
- Use filtered water in your humidifier or cooler: This helps reduce gunk and grime inside your equipment.
- Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: A pro can spot water-related issues early and keep your system clean and efficient.
Not sure if your water is hurting your AC? Let the pros at Service Champions check it out. We’ll help your system run smoothly, no matter what’s in your water.
Call Service Champions today for expert HVAC care and cleaner, cooler air!