How To Prevent AC Problems From Hard Water

Mineral deposits can diminish the energy efficiency of your cooling system. Because we live in a region with a high prevalence of hard water, it’s essential for all homeowners to take added precautions to protect their systems. At Buckner’s Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, our team can help you take the steps required to preserve the efficiency and longevity of your central air conditioner, ductless mini-split, or heat pump.

Missouri’s Water Hardness

Hard water is common throughout Missouri, and the Kansas City region is known for having moderate levels that can impact the performance of your plumbing, water heater, and HVAC systems.

So, what is hard water? It’s essentially water that has excessive mineral content, including magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. As water trickles through the limestone below ground, the water picks up these minerals, after which the water enters the municipal water supply and makes its way into your home. 

What Does Hard Water Do to Your AC?

As mineral deposits build up on your coils, they reduce the ability of the coils to efficiently absorb heat and moisture from the air. This causes the air conditioner to work hard to provide the comfort you desire.

In turn, this translates to higher utility bills and increased wear and tear on components. It can also cause an increasingly frequent number of condensate drain line clogs. If left unresolved, this can cause water to back up into the unit, increasing the risk of seriously damaging the air conditioner.

DIY Maintenance Solutions

A regular wash is fine if you don’t have significant buildup on your coils. It’s also not a bad idea to use a specialized coil cleaner that will gently clean the coil without damaging it. One key step we recommend is to install a water softener in your home. This will reduce the mineral content flowing through the water supplied to the cooling system. It’s a simple step that will have a significant impact on reducing scale buildup on both the evaporator coils and condensate line.

In addition to regularly inspecting the drain line for clogs, we recommend staying on top of routine maintenance tasks. Every air conditioner should undergo preventative maintenance annually to ensure the coils are clean, refrigerant is properly charged, coils are clean, motors are lubricated, etc. 

Water Softeners & Professional AC Maintenance in MO

At Buckner’s Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, our expert HVAC technicians will keep your cooling system in top condition. We can install water softeners, perform preventative maintenance, and take the proactive steps necessary to protect your system year after year.

Since 1983, we’ve served the Kansas City community and we know what it takes to deliver the service you deserve. When you choose our highly trained specialists, we guarantee your satisfaction with our recommendations, responsive customer service, and expert quality workmanship.

Contact Buckner’s Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to schedule service in Kansas City, MO, today! We are always prepared to answer your questions and to help you find the best solutions for your needs and budget.