23 Jul Preparing Your HVAC System For Hurricane Season
In North Carolina, hurricane season runs from the beginning of June until the beginning of November. Most hurricanes that have affected North Carolina in recent years have happened right before or after fall begins in September. If you have not already done so, now is the time to prepare your HVAC system for possible hurricane activity this year. It is not uncommon for homeowners to be in need of an HVAC repair after a storm passes, but there are steps that you can take to minimize damage to your HVAC System before the time comes.
It may help to have a better picture of the type of damage that can happen to your HVAC system during a major storm event like a hurricane. Many adjustors who inspect HVAC systems after hurricanes have reported seeing the same types of damage. Because of the amount of debris that can fly in the air from a hurricane’s high winds or from a tornado, many homeowners may find that dust or debris has become trapped in the HVAC system outside. If this happens, the condenser coil can becomes clogged, restricting proper airflow into the home, which will affect the way your house cools. It also causes the unit to work that much harder, which in turn, will likely lead to a higher power bill and more damage done to the HVAC unit.
In a hurricane, it is not just small debris that can cause a need for an HVAC repair. Large branches, metal objects, and building materials are just some of the big items that can wreck havoc as well. If the wind is high enough, it is possible for the unit to dislodge from the base and move a significant distance. Fortunately for homeowners, HVAC repair professionals like the ones at Biggs HVAC will be able to fix any damage done.
As a homeowner there are steps that you can take to try to minimize damage before a hurricane arrives. You can have a Biggs HVAC technician come out to check your unit prior to the storm. Cool your home well before the storm, before you have to turn the unit off. Remove any window units you may have and make sure the window seal is good. Place a tarp over your HVAC unit and secure the components of the unit to the base using a cage or hurricane straps. Make sure that there is no debris on the ground before the hurricane that can fly up and damage the HVAC unit. These items could be as small as a nail or rock. You would be surprised at the amount of damage rocks and nails can do when propelled into an object at high speed. Finally, when the hurricane arrives, be sure to cut power off to the HVAC unit.
You have spent a lot of money on your HVAC unit and you don’t want to spend a lot more for an HVAC repair. If you have any other questions on how Biggs HVAC can help you stormproof your HVAC unit, please give us a call at (910) 329-8288.