If you live in Florida, a hurricane zone, these threats are all too real. Unfortunately, HVAC systems are at risk of damage in these severe conditions.
The best way to prevent HVAC system damage is to learn about safety precautions. Action Air Conditioning explains how to protect your HVAC system from severe weather. These tips keep your system working and can help you avoid expensive repairs.
Why Do You Need to Protect Your HVAC System Against Severe Weather?
Safeguarding your HVAC unit from severe weather is essential. Harsh storms can inflict serious HVAC system damage.
Storms can impact your system in the following ways:
Physical Damage
Strong winds can physically damage your outdoor unit. Flying debris can cause broken coils and motors.
Flooding
Rainwater can seep into your system, causing short circuits and corrosion.
Power Surges
Severe weather can cause power surges, compromising HVAC electrical systems. Surges may affect the compressor, fan motors, and control boards. Sudden voltage spikes can result in overheating, burning, or electrocution. These spikes can also cause wires to overheat and combust, creating fire hazards.
Temperature Extremes
Extreme heat and cold weather can strain HVAC systems. Heat waves make units work harder, leading to potential breakdowns. Low temperatures can freeze the outdoor unit, limiting its efficiency and causing damage.
Tips for Protecting Your HVAC System From Harsh Weather
Learn about Your Region’s Weather Risks
Weather risks vary based on location. Some areas are more prone to severe weather events than others. For example, Florida homeowners must prepare for hurricanes. In the Midwest, tornadoes and hail are more common.
Follow Weather Updates
Monitor weather updates before, during, and after storms. The following updates give you an idea of what safety measures to take.
Prioritize Your Safety
Harsh weather events come with many risks. So, you must prioritize your safety. Avoid touching any HVAC equipment during or after a storm. For instance, damaged electrical wires during the storm can create sparks that lead to a fire. Touching those wires can also result in burns and electrocution. Contact a professional if you witness signs of damage.
Secure the Outdoor Unit
The condenser is the outdoor part of your HVAC system, which sits outside your home. Although strong, it is not meant to withstand flying debris or floodwater.
Here’s how to protect your condenser unit:
- Anchor it
Use hurricane straps or brackets to secure the condenser to a concrete base. The straps prevent the unit from tipping or moving in high winds and hurricanes.
- Secure Loose Items
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends anchoring outdoor equipment. Securing these items can reduce storm damage. Before storms hit, remove patio furniture, branches, and loose items. Due to high winds, these items can hit your condenser. However, check for weather status updates to ensure it’s safe to go outside.
- Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes
Trees and bushes can create harmful debris during severe weather events. For example, a tree limb can crash into your unit. Before a storm hits, trim nearby branches several feet back from the unit. Trimming stops debris from damaging your condenser unit and nearby power lines.
HVAC Flooding Protection
Floods can destroy HVAC systems. Water can cause electrical shortages and mold growth. If you live in a flood zone, take the following precautions:
- Elevate the Unit
FEMA recommends raising HVAC systems in coastal climates. You can raise the unit using a concrete or metal platform. To determine if you’re in a flood zone, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Seal the Area
Make sure the area around the unit drains well. Namely, avoid placing mulch or dirt around its base. Mulch or dirt obstructs the natural water flow away from the outdoor unit.
Both measures protect your system from water-related electrical surges and mold.
Power Surge Protection Measures
Lightning or downed power lines can send electrical surges into your home. Surges can destroy or damage HVAC systems.
To avoid power surges, try the following:
- Turn Off the HVAC System Before the Storm Hits
Shut off your HVAC system at the thermostat and circuit breaker. This protects it from lightning strikes, power surges, and water damage during outages.
- Label Your Breaker Box
Since you may need to shut off power quickly, it helps to label the HVAC system breaker. Place a clear label on the breaker so that anyone can find it.
- Install a Surge Protector
Call your HVAC technician and ask them to install a surge protector on the main panel and the HVAC system.
Use a Smart Thermostat with Alerts
Many smart thermostats can send phone alerts after a power outage. Some models will even switch off your unit during a surge. Having smart thermostats helps you act quickly to prevent HVAC system damage.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters may cause water to pool near the HVAC unit during storms with heavy rainfall. Clean your gutters and downspouts before storms. Cleaning them ensures rainwater flows away from your house and outdoor unit.
Protect Vents and Ducts
Sealing and insulating attic vents and ducts is vital. It can prevent rain, wind, and debris from entering your home.
Store Extra Air Filters
After a storm, indoor air may carry dust, pollen, or mold. Keep a couple of clean filters on hand to change the dirty filter. Filter changes keep your system running smoothly. They also help you avoid health risks from mold and allergen exposure.
Consult HVAC Professionals
Don’t wait for damage to contact an HVAC technician. Ask a licensed HVAC expert to help storm-proof your system. Many companies provide weather-readiness assessments. Then, they can prepare your system to withstand severe weather events.
Contact Action Air Conditioning for Help Safeguarding Your HVAC System from Severe Weather!
Severe weather can cause significant system damage. Knowing how to protect your HVAC system from severe weather helps you be more proactive. Taking the proper steps will help you avoid costly system repairs and breakdowns.
Consult Action Air Conditioning experts for help preparing for severe Tampa Bay weather. Our professionals will inspect and prepare your system for the next storm. At Action Air, we cater to all your HVAC needs.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We operate with honesty, reliability, and integrity. When booking HVAC services, there are no surprise fees or upcharges.
Contact us today to hire an HVAC expert or to schedule a FREE estimate!