It sounds funny, right? Is an air conditioner really allergic to hard water? While your AC isn’t sneezing, it is silently struggling when your home has hard water.

Hard water is loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium, and it can do more damage than you think. It’s not just your faucets and showerheads that suffer. Your AC system might be feeling the pressure, too.

What Does Hard Water Do to Your AC?

Let’s break it down: when your air conditioner cools the air, it also removes moisture. That moisture drains away as condensate. But if your home has hard water, minerals from that water can settle inside the system.

Over time, that creates a thin crust called scale, and it builds up in places it shouldn’t.

1. Scale Buildup on Coils

Your AC’s evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat and humidity. But when scale covers those coils, it acts like insulation, blocking their ability to do their job.

That means your AC has to work harder to keep your home cool. You’ll see it in higher energy bills and feel it in lower performance.

2. Clogs in the Condensate Drain

Hard water can also lead to clogs in your AC’s condensate drain line. Those minerals mix with dirt and debris, forming blockages that stop water from draining properly.

When that happens, water can back up into your AC unit, causing water damage, mildew, or even system failure if it reaches electronic components.

3. Extra Wear and Tear

When your system has to run longer and harder to keep things cool, it wears out faster. You might be looking at more frequent repairs or even a premature AC replacement.

What Can You Do About It?

Thankfully, you don’t have to let hard water win. Here are a few simple ways to protect your AC:

• Install a water softener – This helps remove minerals from your home’s water, preventing hard water scales before they start.

• Schedule regular maintenance – A professional can clean your coils and drain lines before buildup becomes a bigger issue.

• Test your water – Not sure how hard your water is? A simple test can help you find out and decide on the right solution.

Don’t let hard water take down your air conditioner. Call Service Champions today for expert AC maintenance and solutions that keep your system clean, cool, and running strong!