Saharan Dust: Great for Sunsets, Bad for Your HVAC

If you live in the southeast US, chances are that you enjoyed some beautiful sunsets in the last week of June. Why? A dust cloud from the Saharan Desert traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and hit the US, making for hazy skies during the day and dramatic colors at dawn. A second wave is hitting the country now. While your eyes might enjoy the sunsets, your lungs might not have the same appreciation for these dust particles in the air, and neither does your HVAC system. In situations like this, it’s important that you take extra steps to protect your HVAC system and the people breathing the conditioned air from it.

How does dust affect an HVAC system?

Dust, or any small particles that travel through the air, can wreak havoc on an HVAC system. Right now, Saharan dust particles are building up on HVAC condenser coils in affected areas. This build-up forces the compressor and condenser fan motor to run longer than they normally would. This extra work can lead to broken parts. If either the compressor or condenser fan motor ends up breaking, it can lead to costly repairs or potentially a full unit replacement. So, in situations where dust, pollen, or other particles are plenty, it’s important to have the condenser coil cleaned to protect the rest of the system.

In addition to cleaning the condenser coil, it’s important to check the filters more regularly. A dirty filter can lead to more particles making it out of the unit and into the building. This affects indoor air quality and respiratory problems for the people inside. In hospitals and other areas with at-risk individuals, indoor air quality can be the difference between life and death.

Consider Reinforcements from Polygon

In extreme cases such as this, businesses might also look to add to their air conditioning arsenal. If the dust is already causing problems with your HVAC or you are noticing a change in the air quality of your building, Polygon can work with you to take some of the load off of your normal HVAC system. We can equip your building or facility with rugged and efficient equipment that will keep filter out dust and other particles. Whether your HVAC system is off for repairs or replacements or you simply cannot risk poor indoor air quality, Polygon is by your side.

Contact us today to learn more about our engineered solutions.