Once your HVAC units are installed, it can be hard to remember that they need taken care of.
Even with regular maintenance, taking the extra stride to protect your outdoor heating and cooling units from extreme weather can really help extend their lifetime. We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air is here to help you prepare your heating and cooling system for floods, power outages, and more!
In case of flooding:
Your air conditioner and heat pump can withstand heavy rain. Standing water and flooding, however, is extremely dangerous for your outdoor HVAC unit, and nothing can be done to prepare for it. If your air conditioner or heat pump is in standing water for more than a few days, bacteria can form and creep into your ventilation system. The outdoor components of air conditioners and heat pumps are well-sealed and water-tight, so if your HVAC unit is caught in unmoving, standing water for a small amount of time, the most you may have to do would be to have We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air clean and disinfect the interior to prevent bacteria from entering your home. If the floodwaters are moving and your air conditioner or heat pump gets jostled, you will need to have We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air evaluate your system for any breaks or leakage into the inner parts of the circuitry. Floodwaters that move your system, however slight, will likely compromise your HVAC outdoor unit completely and will require a replacement. An air conditioner or heat pump that gets significantly damaged by a flood will probably be irreparable.
In case of thunderstorms:
Normal, light rainfall does not cause damage to outdoor units. However, severe thunderstorms do pose a threat. Lightning can cause a power surge to occur, which may damage or completely fry your air conditioner or heat pump. If lightning is active in your area, turn off your heating or cooling system to prevent a power surge from harming your HVAC equipment. Wind and hail can accompany a thunderstorm as well. If high winds are expected, remove anything from your yard (such as patio furniture) that may get blown into your HVAC unit. Covering your air conditioner or heat pump properly before a severe thunderstorm can prevent significant damage from hail or foreign objects blown by the wind. Be sure to remove the cover once the storm has safely passed. This prevents mold growth and allows trapped water vapor to escape.
In case of high-speed winds:
Wind can be quite dangerous to your air conditioner or heat pump. It is fairly common for foreign objects blown by the wind to cause serious damage to outdoor HVAC units. If you have trees in your yard, be sure that branches aren’t loose above your air conditioner or heat pump. As previously mentioned, remove any loose objects from your yard if high winds are coming to your area. Clear the area around your air conditioner or heat pump of plants growing on the outdoor unit and loose sticks and plant material. Wind can also blow things like leaves and sticks into the grill of your HVAC unit, so be sure to cover your outdoor equipment with an HVAC cover before wind speed picks up. Remove the cover once the wind has died down.
Severe weather can happen at any time, so having a plan in mind to protect your air conditioner or heat pump can save you costly repairs or even a total replacement. Get your HVAC units tuned up annually to keep your warranty in case disaster does strike. If at any time you think severe weather has harmed your HVAC equipment, call We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air for an evaluation. For more information on how to better prepare for severe weather, consult one of our expert technicians during an evaluation appointment. Schedule one today!
