Severe weather happens every year, and sometimes it can occur when it’s least expected. It helps to be prepared when a severe storm or other weather is coming. It can help keep your HVAC system safe and save you money. So the next time you know a storm is coming, consider these tips to protect your HVAC system.

Have Your System Inspected

Comfort Systems can provide a full inspection of all HVAC units. When your HVAC system is inspected, we will check to ensure that it is functioning properly. In addition, we ensure there is no damage to the unit that will prevent it from being efficient and effective. All the components of your HVAC system are assessed during an inspection. In addition to the electrical components being checked for failure, a technician also tests the airflow throughout the house.

Invest in a Surge Protector

A lightning storm can be disastrous to any electronic devices, especially to a HVAC unit. A surge protector can protect your HVAC unit from being struck and ruined by lightning. Lightning and other storms are unpredictable. It’s always best to assume that a storm can take out your circuit boards. The more powerful the storm is, the more damage it can do. It can cause an immediate failure. Or it could be damaged that slowly gets worse over time. A surge protector is intended to take the surge, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to.

Cover Your Unit

It’s always a good idea to cover your exterior HVAC unit. This helps protect it from debris falling from your roof. If you can find a tarp or a piece of wood to cover it, that will protect it from harmful objects flying around. Just about anything could fly into your HVAC unit during a storm. When you cover it, it protects the unit from debris flying into the unit.

Turn Off Your Unit

Many homeowners don’t consider turning off their HVAC unit before a bad storm, but it’s a great idea. No one wants to be without heat or air conditioning, but being uncomfortable temporarily could save your unit from being destroyed. Also, if there is a storm with significant flooding and you end up with two feet of water in your home, your HVAC unit may sustain damage that can’t be repaired. If you live in a flood zone, it’s an especially good idea to turn off your unit before a storm.

Before a Storm

You may know the difference between a bad storm and a hurricane and the damage each one can do. Even if you don’t know, it’s best to be prepared for the worst a storm can bring. If you know you are going to face a tropical storm or a hurricane, you may want to take additional precautions. It would be best if you considered cooling down or heating up your HVAC unit as much as possible before the storm. This helps you keep your home as cool or warm as possible in case you lose power. In addition, this can help keep you and your family as comfortable as possible.

If you have any window units, you should unplug them and bring them inside the house. You also want to ensure that all of your windows, including the one that had the window unit, are sealed. If you leave the unit in place, it can be a weak spot that allows the storm to come into your home. In addition to preparing your HVAC unit for any major storm, be sure to prepare by having all of the basic living essentials to keep you and your family safe and comfortable. You should have gallons of clean water, flashlights, first aid kits, and towels. Ideally, you should have a backup generator to help keep some of your power on.

When you maintain and protect your HVAC system during a storm, it can save you a significant amount of money. In addition, if you protect your HVAC system properly, it can make a storm more manageable and save you significant amounts of money and stress. Contact Comfort Systems to help prepare for this season’s storms. We can assist you with your preparedness efforts and ensure your HVAC system is in good working order.

Posted in HVAC system