HVAC Storm Protection Tips
While it is important for you to provide your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system with proper maintenance regularly by keeping the filters clean and watching for new sounds or other signs of trouble, you also want to make sure you prepare your HVAC system for a looming storm. Here are some of the things you should do to protect your HVAC system when a storm rolls in.
Protect your HVAC system from an energy surge
You're going to want to invest in quality surge protectors for your appliances, as well as other electronics like computers. You want to make sure your air conditioner or furnace that plugs into the wall is instead plugged into the surge protector that is plugged into the wall outlet. Also, if your fireplace has a blower that plugs into a wall outlet, then you should remember to switch it to a surge protector.
Make sure your outside compressor is sitting on a concrete slab
Take a look at your HVAC systems compressor, which is located outside. You are going to want to verify that the compressor housing is sitting on top of a concrete slab. This is going to help to protect the unit from being tossed around in excessive winds. Although this is going to be extremely important in areas privy to hurricane force winds, all areas can get strong winds that can be harmful to a unit not properly anchored to a concrete pad.
Protect your outside unit from damage
Turn off your air conditioner or heater during a storm and then cover it with a tarp that is secured in place. This is going to help to protect the unit from things like an excessive amount of dirt and other debris from making its way into the housing unit which can cause issues later on. Before you turn your system back on, it is extremely important to remember to remove that tarp so the compressor can properly use the vents.
Don't use window air conditioners in the rain
When it is raining, you should turn your window air conditioners off and cover them with a sheet of plastic. Rain can easily make its way into your home through a window air conditioner. Also, if the window air conditioner is put in half-hazard then you may want to cover the entire window area with a large sheet of plastic until the rain has stopped. Even if you use these tips, your air conditioner may still get damaged during a storm. If this is the case, call a company that does air conditioner repairs.
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