The HVAC ducts deliver cool air to different areas of your home. If you fail to keep your air ducts clean, your AC unit coils and blower motor are likely to become dirty. When this occurs, your AC will have to work harder to keep your home cool. The AC might get very hot and wear out prematurely leading to the need for AC repairs.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coil is one of the most important parts of your AC unit. It carries heat outside your home so that you feel cool during hot days. When dirty, the coils will not release as much hot air and your AC will work harder. The harder your AC works, the sooner it breaks down. 

Dirty Blower Motors

If your AC blower wheel becomes dirty, this could lead to the unit breaking down. Because the AC must work harder, this will contribute to higher electrical bills. The blower motor circulates conditioned air throughout your home. Dirt accumulation is one of the most common reasons for why the blower motor breaks down. 

Once the blower motor breaks down and your AC stops working, you'll need to have your AC diagnosed by an AC repair technician. You will usually need to have the blower motor replaced. If you have a double shafted motor, you will typically need to pay more, but it is usually less expensive to replace other types of motors. ECM motors are also more expensive than standard motors. 

The blower motor that replaces the AC doesn't have to be the same brand but it does need the same voltage, RPM, and amp draw as the blower motor that came with your AC unit. It also needs the same motor direction: either clockwise or counterclockwise. 

Damaged Blower Wheels

After replacing the blower motor, you may also need to replace a damaged blower motor wheel or a wheel that is out of balance. Replacing these parts can be difficult without the help of an AC repair technician because HVAC manufacturers often do not carry these parts. Also, you're more likely to purchase a part that won't work with your AC or may even damage it. 

Replacing an entire AC can be very expensive especially when your AC is relatively new. Therefore, it's a good idea to make sure that your air ducts are clean and to hire an AC repair technician if a part of your AC does break down.

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