7 Quick Tips To Keep Your HVAC Unit Intact During Severe Storms

Cedar Hill is no stranger to dangerous winds, heavy snowstorms, and powerful rains. However, people all over the world experience the effects of storms throughout the year. 

But have you ever thought about its effects on your HVAC system? Whether the temperature at home needs to be warm or cold, your HVAC system can do it all. However, this system is mainly placed outside, leaving it prone to damage in nasty weather. 

So, how do you protect your HVAC system when the stormy season starts to kick in? How do you care and maintain it against the hazards of brutal weather?

In this article, you will read about seven essential tips that you can use to avoid damage to your HVAC unit during hostile weather. 

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Start By Preparing A Checklist

The first thing you ought to do is start by making a checklist that will keep you safe in the event of a storm. Pack in all your essentials, including food, water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and emergency kits, and keep them inside your safe room.

In addition to this, keep a note of all your outdoor things. If there is anything that you can bring inside or strap down, do so. This way, the stormy winds will not be able to blow away your furniture.

Next, take a look at the green surroundings next to you. If you have any trees near your house, you might want to board them up as there is a good chance of them falling due to the winds.  

Prepare Yourself For Comfort

The temperature you live in now will rapidly change moments before and during an impending storm. Therefore, make sure to adjust the temperature inside your house as needed before the storm sets in.

This way, you can have a comfortable temperature inside your house even when the HVAC system is turned off.

For example, if your home has a typical cooling temperature of 80 degrees, consider bringing it down to 75 or lower if the storm is in the summer. So even if the temperature starts to rise inside your home, you will still be comfortable for a long time. 

If the storm occurs in the winter season, turn on the thermostat and set it higher.  

Identify The Power Source And Switch Off The HVAC Unit

One of the first things you would do while leaving home for a holiday is to unplug all the electronic appliances. This way, even if there is a water contamination issue or an electric surge, you will be reducing the risk of a fire, and the same applies to your home’s HVAC unit.

If you are preparing to be hit by a bad storm, you need to switch off the HVAC unit. First, approach the thermostat, turn off the power, move towards the breaker box or the electric panel, and cut off the electric supply there.

This way, you will be cutting off the power supply to the entire unit, which avoids electrical surges.

Install Added Protection

Let us assume that you somehow did not have the chance to cut the power to the electronic appliances. However, if you have already installed surge protectors, you do not have to worry about anything.

Because, as the name suggests, a surge protector is a safety measure that can protect your electronics from electric surges. 

The worst part about electric surges is that you cannot see them coming, neither can you control them. That is why, even when there is no storm, minor power surges cause accidents at times. 

Sure, minor surges do not create any grave damage. However, they can still wear out the sensitive electronic parts of your home’s HVAC units.

On the other hand, one major power surge has the power to destroy your electrical appliances permanently entirely. If this is the situation, you will have to immediately get help from an air conditioning repair center.

Undoubtedly, having a surge protector for your electric appliances is always a good idea. By installing this, you can protect your HVAC unit even when you are away!

Place A Cover Over The HVAC Unit

As mentioned earlier, the primary source of power to the HVAC unit needs to be shut down in the case of a major storm. This is because not only is it the most expensive electronic appliance you have purchased, but it will also cost the same to get it fixed.

Therefore, adding extra safety measures like covering it up with a tarp or a steel cage can do wonders for it. 

The good news here is that certain HAVC brands manufacture security cases for it. For example, some units come with solid steel cages to keep them safe against theft or robbery. However, it can also be an effective shield against the bigger debris of storms and powerful winds. 

If your unit does not come with this case, don’t worry! Because you can still purchase a tarp as it works as an excellent alternative. 

Based on the shape and size of your air conditioning cedar hill texas, you can cover your unit with a large, rigid container strong enough not to get blown away by the winds. 

Examine The Security Of The HVAC Unit

Once you have disconnected the power and have your HVAC unit under complete wraps, you need to check if your HVAC unit is secured well in its place. For added security, mount the unit on top of a solid concrete foundation.

If your HVAC unit is installed properly, it will be sitting comfortably on metal rails that run down its sides. The rails will also be secured onto the concrete foundation and tightly bolted as well.

These metal rails are what will help to hold your HVAC unit in its place to ensure it is still in one place after a rough and tough storm.

Check Twice Before You Restart The Unit

Once the storms have passed away and blue skies take over, it's time to get your HVAC unit up and running again. However, make sure to check it twice to see if it is clear of dirt and debris. 

Switching on your unit right after a storm might not be the best idea as the high, and heavy wind may have damaged your unit. If you are unsure how to check your unit, visit an air conditioner repair center and get your unit looked at by the professionals!

Wrapping Up

Preparing yourself for a storm might not be an easy task. Every inch and corner of your house needs to be checked and protected to keep your valuables intact. Without this, you will have to spend huge expenses on getting new furniture and electronics, which is not easy.

Therefore, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to protect the most expensive electronic in your house, the HVAC unit. If you need help storm-proofing your unit, feel free to reach the experts at Dial1Plumbing!

We will help protect your home and your unit to keep it all intact, even during tough times.