How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment For A Storm?

A prepared household is a safe household. With the coming of the storm season, expect some heavy rains and strong winds that will require your vigilance to keep your HVAC system safe and dry. A few key steps will help you protect your home, prevent damage, and avoid costly heating and cooling repairs and replacements. We know that it can be frustrating to find that your heater or AC unit has been damaged by a storm. Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help by offering affordable HVAC repair if you do find yourself in this type of situation.

By protecting your heater and air conditioner during a storm…

you will not have to pay HVAC repair costs. Also, you will keep your unit in tip top shape so that you can depend on it when you need it. In this article, we will discuss a few tips to prepare your HVAC system for a storm.

Inspect The Environment

Once a storm warning has been issued…

start by checking the vicinity of your HVAC system. This is especially true for any outdoor units. Check the yard for anything that could hit and damage the units such as furniture, pots, heavy vases, posts, etc. Move these to a safer location or at least, secure them in place.

If there are trees or shrubs near the unit, consider trimming them or cutting off the branches. This will help minimize the risk that loose branches or heavy stems could strike and damage the units during strong winds. If there are dead trees or limbs nearby, cut these off before a storm.

Keep The Power Off

A storm can cause power outages and the sudden surge of electricity could damage your cooling and heating units. Before the storm hits, turn on the units to cool down or heat up the house for as long as possible. This will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. During a storm, however, turn off HVAC units and unplug them. Seal openings around window air conditioners to help maintain a comfortable atmosphere inside the house.

Protect Units From Power Surges

Power surges often occur during a storm and cause damage to electrical units. Have a whole house surge protector installed to prevent system damage and manage surges. If unsure about which type and capacity of surge protector you need, ask for the assistance of a licensed technician to ensure that the unit can offer the necessary protection for your home.

Keep HVAC Units Covered

Before the storm hits, try to cover the outdoor unit using a strong material, such as tarp. The material will protect the unit from rain water and debris such as dirt, leaves, and twigs. Keeping the unit dry will help prevent water damage and corrosion. Remove the tarp only once the storm has passed.

Keep The HVAC Unit Secured

Ideally, HVAC units installed outdoors should be attached or anchored to a flat concrete pad to secure it against strong winds or floods. Secured units are not likely to be washed off or carried away by strong flood waters or winds. This is a critical step especially in areas where hurricanes are more likely to occur.

Have The Unit Checked

After the storm…

call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect the unit to assess any damage. The unit might have to be cleaned as well. This is especially true in case soil and debris are trapped inside. The technician can also check if there are electrical problems in the system and have these fixed immediately. Once the contractor gives you the green light on your HVAC unit, you can turn it on to promote circulation inside the home. This will help improve the temperature indoors, reduce humidity, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

HVAC Repair Robbinsville NJ

Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning only hires NATE certified technicians to perform any HVAC repairs, maintenance services, and installations. Our services are professional, trusted, and honest. Our goal is to build long lasting relationships by providing our customers with the best solutions to improve the comfort of their home while reducing their energy costs.

We service Cranbury NJ 08512, Hightstown NJ 08520, Monroe Township NJ 08831, Perrineville NJ 08535, Plainsboro NJ 08536, Princeton Junction NJ 08550, Roosevelt NJ 08555, Windsor NJ 08561, and other towns in Robbinsville Township.

Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 and to find out more!

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