05 Mar Protecting your HVAC Unit from Severe Storms
SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN
A home’s HVAC unit is an expensive piece of equipment used to keep your family comfortable year round, no matter the outdoor weather. Unfortunately, severe temperatures and harsh weather patterns can harm your HVAC system, just like your home. However, you can protect your outdoor unit by following simple steps to maintain efficiency. The HVAC experts that service the Tri-cities area at Thompson Electrical Service share some tips about protecting your HVAC unit from severe storms.
Wrap It Up
Even though HVAC units can tolerate most weather conditions, a giant storm that produces flying debris or falling ice could cause significant damage to your system. Whether the damage occurs to your condenser coils or even dents the delicate metal fins and blocks airflow, the repair or replacement costs can be an unexpected expense. Therefore, our Johnson City HVAC professionals advise homeowners to cover their HVAC unit with a breathable material that releases moisture and doesn’t trap it inside. A popular option among homeowners is durable, lightweight hail guard netting that protects your equipment and is easy to install.
Clear the Area
Strong storm winds can cause loose objects to move around the yard, potentially causing a threat to your HVAC system. Therefore, our Kingsport HVAC technicians recommend storing lawn items such as chairs, toys, gardening equipment, etc., at the end of the day when you complete your activities on days that potential storms are possible. Furthermore, trimming branches from trees and bushes can prevent debris from falling into your system.
Power Down
When you see power outages in the forecast, our Bristol HVAC pros recommend turning off your HVAC unit to reduce the risk of damage. Electrical surges from lightning, power fluctuations, and damaged transformers can result in fatal damage to your heating and air conditioning unit. To turn off your AC power correctly, turn the unit off at the thermostat, find the circuit breaker, and turn off the power. Keep your unit turned off for a few minutes to prevent damage when the electricity comes back. If you want to protect your system further, investing in a separate surge protector that gets installed at your circuit breaker can add a protective layer.
Avoid a Short
Shorts in the equipment wiring may cause your HVAC system to cease operation. First, visually check that the wires between your home and the outside unit are properly covered and secured. Then, to check the internal wiring of your unit, contact our Kingsport HVAC contractors for a maintenance appointment. Our technicians will fully examine working and non-working components to ensure that your unit remains efficient so that you can avoid a short in your wiring.
Cement It
When a severe storm hits your area, it can create heavy rains that cause local flooding. Therefore, elevating your HVAC system off the ground and onto a concrete pad can help prevent moving parts or electrical components from water damage. Depending on your home’s location, the pad height should be high enough to ensure the base can effectively protect the unit. In addition, our HVAC service techs in Bristol advise homeowners to slope the land away from the cement pad for proper drainage and as an added protective measure.
HVAC Service in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN
HVAC units can become a significant, unexpected expense if it becomes damaged during a storm. Therefore, we encourage homeowners to protect their HVAC units as much as possible. If your HVAC system becomes damaged during a storm, our 24-hour Tri-Cities HVAC experts can help repair or replace your unit. Call Thompson Electrical Service at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online to speak with one of our representatives to schedule your appointment today.
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