Hurricanes and storms are frequent in
the US. If you don’t take necessary protective measures, it can damage your
HVAC system. Here’s how you storm-proof your HVAC System.
4
Tips on Protecting Your Heating & Cooling System from Strom
1.
Cover Your HVAC Unit with a Tarp or Plywood
When a storm is coming your way, the
first thing you need to do is cover your outside HVAC unit with a tarp or
plywood. When a storm hits, dust and hail will damage your HVAC unit the most.
By covering your HVAC unit, you can protect your HVAC unit from substantial
damages. Also, during the storm, many animals tend to hide in your HVAC system.
These animals can sometimes damage the blower motor or electrical wires of your
HVAC system. But if you cover your HVAC system, you can protect it from these
damages.
However, don’t cover your HVAC unit
for a long time. If you cover your outside HVAC unit for a long time, there’ll
be a lack of ventilation in your HVAC system. As a result, moisture will start
to increase in your heating and cooling system. Also, excess moisture will
increase the chances of rust forming in the metal surface, and coils of your
HVAC system. Rust spreads quickly in your HVAC system, and generally, you
cannot see the rust forming from outside.
Most of the homeowners in the US
aren’t aware of this rust forming inside their HVAC system, and when they
notice the rust, it is too late for them to act on. As a result, they have to
replace those damaged parts and end up spending a lot of money. But if you’re
aware of the rust forming in your HVAC system, you can easily avoid spending a
lot of money and protect your HVAC system from damages.
There’s another mistake made by many
homeowners in the US. They cover their outside heating and cooling unit when
it’s raining or during high winds. But your HVAC system is built to withstand
rain or dust. That’s why it’s recommended that you should only cover your HVAC
unit right before the storm hits your area, and as soon as the storm ends,
remove the cover. If you do this, you can protect your HVAC unit from rust
forming.
2.
Setup Your HVAC System in an Elevated Position
If your home is in a low area then you
should consider installing your HVAC system in an elevated position because if
there’s a flood, it can damage your HVAC system. Also, when your home is in a
low area, sometimes light rain can cause a flood in your area, and if your HVAC
system isn’t installed in an elevated position, then water can damage your HVAC
system. You can know about the height of floodwater in your area from your
local government’s office or city building commission, and install your HVAC
system accordingly.
3.
Setup a Surge Protector
If you install a surge protector in
your house, you can safeguard all your electrical equipment from the lightning.
If you don’t have a surge protector installed in your house, thunderstorms can
damage your electrical appliances including your HVAC system. Also, in the
worst-case scenario, your electrical appliances can catch fire.
A surge protector protects your electrical
appliances, including your HVAC system from lightning during the storm. If your
HVAC system gets damaged by lightning then it’ll need heavy repairs. Sometimes,
you’ll have to change your whole heating and cooling system. That’s why it’s
recommended that you should install a whole-house surge protector to safeguard
your HVAC system and other electrical equipment of your house.
You can find a surge protector in your
nearby electrical or hardware shop, and to install a surge protector, you can
take help from an electrician.
4.
Add a Corrosion Proof Strap
Add a corrosion-proof strap in your
HVAC system to protect it from heavy winds. Generally, your HVAC system is
heavy, and because of that hurricane wind cannot move the whole HVAC system.
However, strong hurricane wind can create movements around the base of your
HVAC system. If this happens, your HVAC system can get damaged. To prevent this
kind of movement, you can buy a corrosion-proof strap. But when you’re buying a
strap, make sure that the wind rating of that strap is more than 74 MPH. If the
wind rating is less than that, it cannot withstand the wind force.
See the summary of this content here –
How
to Storm-Proof Your HVAC System [Infographic]
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