How to Protect your HVAC Unit during Extreme Weather

01 Nov How to Protect your HVAC Unit during Extreme Weather

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SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Cooler temps are here, and in areas like Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, that means more than just potential snow and ice. It’s also the season of cold weather, rain, and likely high winds. No matter what time of year it is, unpredictable weather can be a hazard for your HVAC.

That’s why the team at Thompson Electrical Service came up with this guide to protect your HVAC system from the unexpected.

• Cover up: Hail can smash up a vehicle, so imagine the damage it can do to a complicated piece of machinery like your HVAC unit. Meanwhile, high winds can carry debris and cause indirect damage to the unit. Put a cover on your condenser to protect this unit from these hazards.
• Buckle down: Along the same lines as our first tip, your external unit could get knocked over by debris, such as an errant patio umbrella or a piece of outdoor furniture that gets caught in heavy winds. Attach straps to your external unit to keep it stable even in very high winds. Most new condensers come with these straps included.
• Stop the surge: A surge protector safeguards your technology from voltage spikes that can damage or destroy these complicated electrical devices. Your HVAC qualifies as a device that could be at risk from voltage surges, so we recommend buying a surge protector if you do not already have one.
• Adjust the temperature: Thunderstorms and winter storms both can knock out your power and, depending on the severity, it could take days to restore your electricity. You may want to pre-heat or pre-cool your home, depending on the season, in the event of a power failure.
• Wire watch: Check any wires leading from your external unit to your home and ensure they are both secured and covered. If you see any worn insulation or deterioration, these need to be replaced as soon as possible.
• Proper Support: Your external HVAC should have adequate support, keeping it off the ground and protected from melting snow or floodwater. A concrete base or footer should be placed underneath the appliance if there is not one already there.
• Reroute Downspouts: You want to keep any downspouts from your guttering as far from the system as possible. If this is not possible, adding a wall made of stone or concrete will protect from floodwater.

HVAC Repair in Kingsport

You count on your heat pump in all seasons, but especially during the winter. Keeping your HVAC protected from the elements will help it work properly and prolong its lifespan. If your HVAC unit experiences storm damage, you want to trust the repairs to a professional—like the expert technicians at Thompson Electrical Service. We offer one-time services and regular maintenance contracts. To find out more, schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts and call our office today at (423) 840-7457.

Thompson Electrical Service is proud to serve homeowners and businesses in the areas of Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee.