Many homeowners don’t realize that their HVAC equipment can become damaged due to power surges and other problems that occur during severe storms. To help you prevent any potential issues, we’ve put together a few tips that will make protecting HVAC equipment during storms a breeze.
Unplug the AC Equipment
It’s probably unlikely that you’ll need your AC equipment during a storm, so if the temperature has dropped, unplug the system. This will keep any electrical surges from reaching the unit and causing it to short out or otherwise become damaged.
Watch Out for Flooding
As everyone knows, water and electricity are a deadly combination. If you experience any water leakage or flooding during a severe storm, this could not only harm your AC equipment but also cause a fire. If you notice any leakage or experience flooding during a storm, play it safe and switch off the power to the HVAC system at the electrical panel.
Install a Protection System
Although surge protectors will protect electronic equipment under certain circumstances, they are ineffective against a direct lightning strike. If you live in an area that experiences lightning storms, your best line of defense is the installation of a protection system consisting of lightning rods, conductors, and ground rods. This will create an alternate pathway for the electricity from a lightning strike to reach the ground. While not 100% effective, it’s definitely useful in many cases.
Protect Your Outdoor Unit
Your system’s outdoor condenser unit isn’t typically susceptible to lightning strikes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s in the clear. Any objects that aren’t fastened to the ground or are light enough to be picked up by severe winds could potentially damage the equipment. Remove what you can from near the unit and tie down what you can’t.
Protecting HVAC equipment from power surges and other problems should always be a top priority. If you need more expert advice on this or any other HVAC topic, reach out to the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the needs of Lorain and the surrounding areas for more than 35 years.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area