​​Cottonwood trees, found in many regions across the U.S., are known for releasing a fluffy, springtime menace into the air — cottonwood tree fluff. Also known as seed tufts or cotton, the notorious tree fluff poses a serious problem to HVAC systems, especially commercial condenser coils.

Cottonwood seeds are lightweight and sticky, designed by nature to travel long distances. Unfortunately, condenser coils act like giant vacuums, pulling the seeds and fluff into their coils, filters and intake screens. Once there, the fluff mats together, blocking airflow and creating a dense layer that is difficult to remove. When cottonwood fluff blocks HVAC coils it reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption, and can lead to costly system breakdowns.

Cottonwood trees pose such a risk to commericial HVAC units, as well as other property, that many municipalities ban their planting.

Signs Cottonwood Fluff is Clogging Your HVAC Coils

• Visible Cottonwood Fluff: Noticeable build-up on or around the unit.
• Restricted Airflow: Blocked coils force the system to work harder to reject heat.
• Reduced Efficiency: Energy consumption spikes as compressors run longer to maintain cooling.
• Higher Costs: Expect an increase in utility bills and potential service calls.
• Risk of Overheating: Severe blockages can cause equipment failure, overheating or even system shutdowns during peak cooling demand

The Cost of Ignoring the Issue

Many facility managers underestimate the impact of cottonwood fluff. But studies show that even a thin layer of debris can reduce coil efficiency by more than 20%, ultimately increasing your energy costs.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Proactive maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC unit running at peak performance. To avoid unexpected system downtime and keep energy bills under control, ensure you…

• Stay on a Cleaning Schedule – Have your condenser coils professionally cleaned before cottonwood season begins. If fluff is already visible, don’t wait! A timely cleaning will restore efficiency and prevent bigger problems down the road.
• Install Coil Guards or Screens – Specialty mesh screens can reduce the amount of fluff that sticks to coils.
• Increase Filter Changes – During peak shedding season, check and replace air filters more frequently.