After Hurricane Harvey recently caused unprecedented damage to areas of Southeast Texas, there is no doubt that hurricane season is now in full swing. While Fort Worth residents were spared from a large majority of the flooding and severe weather, that doesn’t mean that we are safe from these events in the future. Fort Worth can see its fair share of severe weather and flooding during hurricane season, and in today’s blog, we’ll review a few HVAC maintenance tips to help your system weather the storm.
At Arthur Hagar Air Conditioning and Heating, we have more than 65 years of experience in the heating and cooling business, and our technicians have what it takes to ensure your HVAC system is running properly and efficiently. If a storm has recently hit your area and you’d like an HVAC inspection, call us at 817-487-1122 today!
Maintenance Tips for Hurricane Season
The severe weather and flooding that comes with a hurricane can cause extensive damage to your home, including the HVAC equipment in it. Below, we’ve provided a few tips on how you can best protect your HVAC system from damage, both before and after a storm.
Before the Storm
Turn Off Your HVAC System
When a hurricane or other type of severe storm looms on the horizon, you can help protect your AC unit and furnace from damage by turning it off. If these units are functioning when there is any type of water collecting around them, there is a possibility that the water may work its way into the system, causing extensive, irreparable damage. If you have a window AC unit, turn it off, unplug it, and remove it from the window opening. This will prevent damage to the unit itself, but will also go a long way in keeping rainwater out of your home.
Cover and Protect Outdoor Equipment
Because of the intense heat that Texas summers can bring, many homeowners have central air conditioning for their homes, and this means that the exterior AC unit is incredibly vulnerable to sustaining damage during hurricanes. To protect your outdoor AC unit, cover it with a tarp or plywood to keep debris from entering the unit. There are also a wide variety of hurricane straps available to secure the unit to its mounting pad. These straps are made from metal and designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 150 MPH.
Invest in Surge Protectors
If you’ve ever dealt with any type of severe weather, you know that the related lightning and flooding can wreak havoc on electronics, and your HVAC system is no exception. All it takes is a single electrical surge to wipe out anything that is plugged in during the storm, including televisions, small and large kitchen appliances, garage doors, furnaces and air conditioning units. In order to protect your HVAC system, consider installing a point of entry surge protector. These types of surge protectors are relatively inexpensive and protect your entire home from power surges.
After the Storm
Don’t Turn the System On Right Away
After the storm passes, many people are eager to resume their normal daily activities, especially if the storm was significant enough to warrant evacuating your home. Often times, people begin the process of repairing and rebuilding right away, and it can be tempting to turn on the air conditioning to keep you comfortable during the process. However, if your AC or furnace unit has gotten some kind of debris in it, it’s wise to hold off until you or a professional can perform a thorough inspection of the unit.
Complete a Full Inspection
You might wonder what things to look for during your inspection of your HVAC system following a storm. First and foremost, check the surrounding area to ensure that your unit is not sitting in water. Hurricanes often bring floods of salt water, and this type of flood damage to a unit requires a very specific process to rehabilitate the unit. Once you ensure that the unit is free of water, it is essential to inspect it for other debris. Once debris is removed, check over the unit for damage. This may include anything from loose screws and panels to missing components.
Call for Expert Assistance
For many reasons, not every homeowner will feel confident in their own skills when it comes time to inspect or repair their HVAC system following a storm. If the task seems like more than you’re able to take on, you should call a reputable HVAC company to assist you. These professionally trained technicians will have the experience, skills, and tools necessary to perform tasks like replacing broken sensors, cleaning out tubes, and measuring the airflow of your unit. Additionally, many companies will provide a warranty on their work to ensure your HVAC system functions properly after their visit.
HVAC Service and Maintenance in Fort Worth
Whether you need a simple inspection following severe weather, or you require a full replacement of your HVAC system, the professional technicians at Arthur Hagar stand ready to help you in your time of need. We are a Carrier® Authorized Dealer, so you can always count on having access to industry-leading equipment when you work with our company. Additionally, we are licensed, bonded, and insured. For unsurpassed quality and the best customer service around, contact our team today for all of your home heating and cooling needs!
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