4 Steps to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer Storms

While the summer is sunny and hot for the most part, there's nothing worse than going through a few summer storms. These storms are pretty unpredictable and can show up at a moment's notice. During the fall and winter, it’s pretty easy to forget about severe weather, but preparation is key. The goal is to protect your home and property, including your HVAC system which could easily get caught in the crossfire. These 4 steps will help you get things in order and keep your system in good shape.

• Remove objects
  Clear the yard from items that can become projectiles and damage your HVAC unit. When the wind is blowing during a storm, objects can easily be blown into the condenser unit. Tables, chairs, plants in pots, and other items that can fly around are prone to being blown into the condenser. Place them into a shed or garage, or tie them down if you do not have either.
• Secure your unit
  There is no reprieve when a summer storm hits. That means being prepared for everything. The weather can be unpredictable, so attempting to secure the outside unit in some way can be very useful. If your unit is on a concrete pad, you can use weather straps to tie it down.
• Use a cover
  A lot of people don’t even know there are covers to protect your outside unit during winter months or when bad storms hit. Condenser covers can be used during a storm to protect your unit. It is important to remember you cannot use the cover while the unit is on. When anticipating a huge storm, covering the condenser may be a good idea to keep high rain, winds, and hail from damaging your outside unit. To make sure no one accidentally turns on the unit if you’re using a cover, turn off your HVAC from the circuit breaker.
• Keep the unit maintained
  Many people don’t realize the importance of getting your air conditioner checkout out at least twice a year. The condenser unit can easily be damaged by dirt and debris. If this happens, the airflow inside your home could be lessened because the internal parts of the condenser are damaged. Additionally, your condenser could have an existing leak that you didn’t know about. In a summer storm, that lead can become worse if the condenser is damaged. If you believe there was damage to the condenser after the storm, one of your first calls should be to an HVAC technician.
  

A good rule of thumb after a bad summer storm is to get your HVAC checked out just in case. Do not attempt to do any repairs yourself. Any damage inflicted to your unit may be covered by your home insurance policy so make sure to fully document everything for your claim.