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Aaaack! Cottonwood fuzz everywhere!
It is that time of year again when the fuzz from cottonwood seedlings get all over everything. We called the experts from United Operations, Inc. to help our customers with this perennial problem. Here is what Paul Daily - UOI's President - had to say about that (insert your own expletive if you so choose) cottonwood.
Guest post from Paul Daily, United Operations, Inc.:
Based on wind conditions and topography, the cottony seeds ejected by cottonwood trees can travel for miles, and is often drawn into any mechanical equipment that uses a fan to mechanically introduce outside air into a system. The most common operational issues are caused by cottonwood-plugged condensing coils and commercial systems for office buildings, the cotton will commonly be drawn by cooling towers into the outdoor sump circulating loop, clogging the tower spray heads. In both cases, this condition causes the equipment to work harder, use more energy and in many cases, lock out or fail if left unattended.
During May and June, systems should be observed at least once every two weeks to be safe and avoid load up to a dangerous level. Once observed, the process of removing the cotton is not complex, and should be performed by the buildings mechanical contractor. Some cottonwood seasons are heavier than others, so diligent observation during maintenance is required.
The cottonwood is a large tree found throughout Minnesota. It can flourish in any environment, but does especially well in wet soil and the shade of other large trees. Cottonwoods typically form extensive groves, often concentrating the effects of the ejected cotton to a specific area, which usually occurs in late May or June.
- Paul Daily
If you would like more information on how cottonwood can affect your mechanical systems, or would be interested in a HVAC preventive contract proposal, please contact Paul Daily at United Operations or visit www.unitedoperations.com.
