A storm can seriously damage your HVAC system. Storms bring with them rain, hail, and, heavy winds, that pose a threat to your outdoor air conditioning and heating system. It is essential that you know how to protect your system from storm damage. This can save you lots of stress later on in case the system stops working, and needs repairs.
Do you want to know how to protect your HVAC system from storm damage? Then you have to bear with us a little longer as we unveil to you 4 essential tips to protect your HVAC unit from rain, floods, and storms.
1. Place Protective Covers Over the HVAC Unit
Hail and debris blown by winds are two of the most common cause of damage to HVAC units. It is important that just before the storm you should place a heavy canvas cover or hail guards over the outdoor parts of your HVAC system. This will protect the HVAC unit from storm damage. You should not use the air conditioning or heater unit until the storm has passed and you remove the cover from the HVAC unit.
2. Install Your HVAC Unit in Elevated Position
In case your home is located in a low area and flooding is a concern, you should install the HVAC unit on a higher level of your home. This will prevent it from water damage. You can learn about the height of floodwaters in your area from your city’s building commission or online. A professional HVAC technician can provide you more information about the type of equipment that you need to raise your HVAC unit above flood level.
3. Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement
Is your HVAC unit located in your basement? If so, it could easily be damaged by flooding during heavy rains. The best solution is to install a sump pump to prevent floodwaters from damaging your HVAC system.
A sump pump automatically activates when water is detected in your basement. It will start pumping the water and prevent rain water to accumulate in the basement. You should hire a professional technician to install and maintain the sump pump. The technician will periodically check the sump pump and power supply to ensure that it will work in emergency situation.
4. Keep Your Yard Clean and Trimmed
Keeping your yard clean and well maintained is another way to protect your HVAC system. Dirt and debris that blows from the yard can get inside your HVAC system and damage the internal circuitry. You should make sure that the outdoor HVAC unit is clear for at least three feet in all directions. Keep nearby trees and landscaping cleaned and trimmed. Also, you should promptly remove dead branches to prevent them from being knocked loose in a storm.
You should not let floodwater and storms ruin your HVAC unit. Visit www.bonfe.com to learn more about our comprehensive heating and cooling service in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Our expert HVAC technicians will provide you additional tips and advice on maintaining your heating and cooling system in order to extend its lifetime.
Getting bits of plant matter and dirt can be damaging to the unit. Water, however, is especially dangerous. Water is very unforgiving on any electrical equipment. Being aware of what could get into your HVAC unit and preventing it will help you avoid all sorts of problems. Thanks for the tips!