It’s already started. The dark, ominous clouds are rolling in from the distance, and a strange, energetic wind has begun to howl. Bad weather is afoot, and it wants your Air Conditioner! It may sound like the start of a bad movie, but scary weather is a massive conundrum for HVAC systems. And in a state where the residents rely heavily on the comfort of fresh cool air, a broken AC unit is no joke. You’ve probably been through this before. But before you ignore the weather alerts, the weather channel, and that man on the television demanding you pay attention to the bad oncoming storm, take a moment to think if you’ve done everything you can to defend your essential home systems and protect your air conditioner.
How Power Outages Can Damage Your Air Conditioner
There are few worse feelings than when the familiar rumble of your AC unit stops, and the oppressive blanket of warm humidity makes itself at home. But how can a storm cause so much domestic disruption? The answer’s simple: Power outages. Unfortunately, if a storm is bad enough to make your electricity falter, it has likely harmed your air conditioning systems. Even that brief, heart-stopping flicker of electricity can permanently damage your air conditioner.
Protect Your AC from Power Outages
Luckily, the solution to protecting your HVAC system from power outages is about as simple as the problem. Simply turn your thermostat to the “off” position. At the first sign of lights flickering, you should immediately turn off your thermostat.
- Surge Protectors. You can prevent damage caused by lightning strikes and power surges by installing a surge protector to protect your air conditioner. Power surges are one of the most expensive problems for an air conditioner to have, so it is advisable to ask your HVAC technician about the benefits of installing a surge protector!
Pro Tip! Once the electricity comes back on, wait about 10 minutes to make sure you won’t be hit by any unexpected surges before turning your AC back on. Once you restart your air conditioner, make sure to check on your outdoor unit to verify that it is working properly.
How to Prevent External Damage to Your HVAC System
If your unit is outdoors, it is susceptible to a host of dangers caused by a storm. Part of storm preparation is making sure your whole house is protected. Follow these helpful tips to keep your outdoor unit safe from harm!
- Flying Debris. Tornadoes and hurricanes have a reputation for flinging around branches and other large, dangerous objects that belong on the ground. You can prevent external damage caused by flying debris by covering your outdoor unit with a tarp or cover that is specially designed for your air conditioner.
- Protect Your Wires. Remember to secure and cover any wires that could be damaged by wind or flying debris.
- Elevate Your AC. Protect your unit from floodwater by raising it a few inches higher. You can purchase concrete bases or footers that are heavy enough to prevent your AC system from being shifted by wind and tall enough to protect your unit from light flooding!
Call Help!! Air Conditioning to Protect Your Air Conditioner!
If your system needs a tune-up, or isn’t working after bad weather attacks, call Help!! Air Conditioning & Heating! We’ll come out as soon as possible and get your house cool and comfortable in no time. Just call 504-733-5888!
