Storm Season Safety Tips For HVAC Systems

Your home's HVAC system is vulnerable to damage from severe weather and natural disasters. Without proper preparation, you might find that your system needs repair or replacement soon after a natural disaster. Understanding the steps you can take to protect your HVAC system will help you prolong its life and reduce the risk of replacement expenses.

Hurricane Protections

Hurricanes bring severe rains and dangerous winds. When you have a hurricane warning in effect, take time to strap your HVAC system with hurricane anchor straps to keep it secure. Remove anything from the yard that could become a projectile with the wind and consider installing a surge protection system for the HVAC power to protect against surge damage from the storm.

Earthquake Preparations

When you live in an area that is susceptible to earthquakes, the unpredictability is often the hardest element. Earthquakes can shift your foundation, fracture gas lines, and damage the concrete pad that your HVAC system sits on. You'll want to talk with your installation contractor about vibration isolators for your HVAC system to reduce the risk of collateral damage from earthquakes.

Flood Risk Mitigation

Flooding can lead to serious electrical hazards and water damage in your HVAC system. You can minimize the potential effect of flooding by elevating your HVAC system on a pedestal system or elevated platform. Add a flood sensor to the unit as well so that the system shuts down in the event of water exposure. You should also talk with your HVAC contractor about the proper reset process in case your system shuts down due to flooding.

Wildfire Protection

Wildfires are unpredictable at best and devastating at worst. Your HVAC system can suffer damage even when the fire doesn't reach your property. Talk with your HVAC contractor about the best possible system for minimizing smoke and ash intake, and keep extra filters on hand during the wildfire season so you can swap them out more frequently to reduce the risk of issues.

Tornado Safety

HVAC systems face the risk of being completely dislodged from the pad during a tornado. If you live in an area where tornado risk is substantial, talk with your HVAC contractor about installing straps and anchor brackets to help keep your unit secure. When you have severe weather, consider turning off your HVAC system and covering it with a reinforced structure.

It's easy to overlook the effect of severe weather on your HVAC system. Consider these points to prepare your unit for storm season.

Contact a local HVAC company to learn more.