Considering the intensity of spring weather, it makes sense to take some time for spring storm preparation for your HVAC system. It could be the most vulnerable system in your home for storm damage and the costliest to repair or replace. This region isn't a stranger to strong thunderstorms and tornadoes that can wreak havoc on your equipment spring through summer.
Install Surge Protection
Install a surge protector for the HVAC system. If you're like many, you may not be home to turn off the system, as well as its circuit breaker. Either a whole-house surge protector or an individual one for the cooling and heating system will automatically shut off the equipment if there's a spike in the line voltage. HVAC equipment has many electrical components that a power surge or spike can harm.
Storms aren't the only cause of electrical surges, and with surge protection at the circuit breaker box, you'll avoid repair or replacement costs regardless of the cause.
Tie Down the Condenser
The outdoor condenser is vulnerable to strong winds that could lift it from its base, with the potential to cause untold damage to your property and the system. Heavy winds are especially unpredictable, and this aspect of spring storm preparation could prevent damage to a neighboring property and an insurance claim against you.
Unless your system is fairly new, a damaged condenser could prompt an entire system replacement. Minimum efficiency ratings have recently changed for central air conditioners, and indoor and outdoor components must match each other for warranty coverage, maximum efficiency and durability.
If There's Time
The National Weather Service will alert you to severe weather and if you're home, it's a good idea to turn the HVAC system off at the circuit breaker and cover the condenser with a tarp and secure it to prevent damage to the coils and fins inside the unit.
Taking these steps for spring storm preparation will assure you that your system rides out bad weather unscathed. To learn more, contact Jackson & Sons, providing trusted HVAC services for Eastern North Carolina.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “marinini/Shutterstock”
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