Though North Carolina is lucky enough to typically enjoy great weather during the spring and summer, June welcomes in hurricane season. As many people in eastern North Carolina know, we are susceptible to the damage of hurricanes from June through November. Hurricanes are destructive and can leave millions of dollars’ worth of damage in their wake.
By now, many of us are experienced and know how to prep for an upcoming storm, but have you thought of the steps you should take to protect your heating and air conditioning system? Below are a few tips to help you prepare your HVAC unit for incoming hurricanes and reduce the possibility of damage to your system.
Know the Risks
First, homeowners need to recognize the risks your HVAC system could face during hurricane season.
- Wind — If you live off the water, high winds are your biggest risk. If the winds are severe enough your HVAC unit could become dislodged and cause damage. It is also possible that trees or electrical poles could fall on an outdoor unit causing serious problems. If you have a collapsed roof it could lead to damage of an indoor HVAC system.
- Water – If you live on the water, water damage is also a serious risk for you. Although outdoor units are designed to withstand normal weather conditions, hurricanes can bring more water than the system can handle. Heavy rain or flooding could overwhelm or submerge the equipment causing damage that is beyond repair.
Be Ready
Second, prepare your home and HVAC system now so you won’t have to worry about your HVAC system once the storm is upon you.
- Regular Maintenance – You should have your HVAC system regularly checked by a professional. Routine preventive maintenance will increase your equipment’s chances during the high winds of a hurricane. For example, a licensed professional HVAC tech can tighten loose components and fix any places where water could get into the unit.
- Consider Surge Protection – Your HVAC is the most expensive appliance in your home to replace or repair. If your HVAC system doesn’t have a surge protector, you need to contact Advance Mechanical and talk to us about adding one. Power surges happen all the time and adding one to your HVAC system could save you money in the event of a power surge during a storm.
- Relocate Your HVAC Unit – If your HVAC system is located in an area that is prone to flooding or sits under trees, you may want to speak with the technicians at Advance Mechanical about either relocating the unit or moving it to a raised platform. Again, changes like this now can prevent issues with your HVAC system later.
- Cut Back Trees and Plants – Make sure all trees and shrubs around the HVAC system are cut back and clippings and weeds are removed. This will prevent unwanted sticks from falling on or getting into the system components.
Stay Informed
Lastly, follow the weather in the likelihood of a hurricane. By staying informed you will have time to make any last-minute preparations before a hurricane hits. These last suggestions could help protect your HVAC unit from the impending storm.
- Shut Off the System —You may want to shut off your HVAC system at the thermostat and the circuit breaker to reduce the chance of an electrical surge. This can also help prevent damage if power is lost and then it needs to be restored.
- Final Check – You may want to make one final check of your yard and HVAC system. Make sure any loose items around your house are secured to prevent flying debris from hitting the unit.
Once the storm has passed, if your equipment was exposed to flooding or experienced any type of damage, you need to have your unit inspected by a licensed HVAC technician. It is important that any inspection and replacement work needed be performed by a qualified heating and cooling technician like the professionals at Advance Mechanical.
If you have any questions about prepping your system so you will be ready for a hurricane, contact the certified and licensed professionals at Advance Mechanical! At Advance Mechanical, your comfort is our top priority, and we’re happy to help in any way we can. Call today at 252-355-9191 or visit advancemechnc.com to schedule an appointment or talk to a technician.