Is Hard Water Affecting Your AC’s Efficiency? Signs & Solutions

If you live in Arizona, chances are you have hard water.  Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are abundant in our rivers and groundwater, so as our water flows over rocks and soil, it picks them up and brings them into our homes.  Calcium and magnesium are not dangerous to our bodies and are perfectly safe to drink.  However, in abundance, they can wreak havoc on our appliances and plumbing, making them work less efficiently or ultimately cause them to quit working altogether.

At Collins Comfort Masters, it is our goal to offer products and services that will keep your home or business running smoothly and comfortably.  We specialize in top-notch air conditioning, heating, and plumbing solutions throughout Tempe and the greater Phoenix area.   

You may have noticed that your dishes are spotty when they come out of the dishwasher or that your shower head tends to clog.  But hard water does not only impact your plumbing fixtures and kitchen appliances. Another disadvantage of hard water is that it can be detrimental to your AC unit.   

Mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium build up on your system coils, usually in the form of scale.  The coils are the part of your air conditioner that absorbs heat and moisture from the air.  If clogged with mineral buildup, they perform this function less efficiently, causing the air conditioner to work harder.  The condensate drain lines will clog and ultimately cause water to back up.  This can damage your unit and increase your utility bill.

Common signs that your air conditioner is suffering from hard water issues are:

• Reduced cooling power.  You may be hearing your unit running more frequently, and yet you never feel cool.

• Noticeable water leaks or stains.  If you see staining near vents, your condensate line may be blocked.

• Unusual odors.  If you smell musty odors or it smells like something is hot, your air conditioner is probably not working correctly.

• Loud or unusual noises.  You may be hearing loud noises when your unit kicks on or off, or hearing louder-than-normal sounds while the unit is running.

• You need frequent repairs.  If you find that you are calling for repairs more frequently, you may have a hard water issue that needs to be resolved.

If you want to minimize the impact that hard water is having on your HVAC system, consider the following:

• Schedule regular maintenance.  Our technicians will clean coils and condensate lines if needed, change any filters, and ensure that your system is working optimally.

• Install a water softener.  Water softeners work to reduce the mineral content of your air conditioner as well as your other appliances and plumbing throughout your home or business.

• Do a regular visual inspection for leaks, clogs in the drain line, or note the occurrence of unusual sounds or odors.  Identifying problems early may result in quicker and less expensive solutions.

Our team at Collins Comfort Masters can help identify your hard water issues and offer solutions to these issues.  We are experts in servicing and maintaining your plumbing, HVAC, and water treatment for your home or business.  We serve the greater Phoenix area and the surrounding community with unparalleled service and a reputation that has been built since we began in 1985. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an inspection of your HVAC system.