During Hurricanes, devices like HVACs become vulnerable. It is quite difficult to undo the damage. So, HVAC preparations are necessary for Hurricanes in Texas.
In this post, I’m going to share the detailed HVAC preparation steps before hurricanes in Texas and how to get it back running after the disaster.
Possible HVAC Damages by Hurricanes
Hurricane comes with heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, etc. As a result, it may make your system inefficient, damage parts of it, or sometimes totally break the system down. Here are the possible damages you may face:
- The most immediate action of hurricanes is strong winds. The leaves, branches, dust, and debris start to fly and get clogged into different places. These may get into condenser coils and blower fans, hindering their operations.
- For heavy rainfall, the moisture level rises in the air. It makes the ducts, vents, and other areas inside the HVAC humid. This encourages the growth of mold, mildew, and other microorganisms making the environment unhealthy.
- As hurricanes cause heavy rainfall, the water level rises and causes floods. In this situation, the outdoor unit of your HVAC becomes vulnerable. It may go underwater and ruin the electrical components and connections. It will ultimately make your HVAC inoperable.
- The wind of hurricanes has a speed of over 100 mph. This strong wind can break or bend the fan blades, condenser fins, and other internal components. Also, it may displace the components of the system. It not only damages the HVAC but also ruins the electrical connections of your home.
- During Hurricanes, electrical storms and surges may occur. These can cause a spike in voltage. This, in turn, damages the electrical components, compressors, and even thermostats.
- Hurricanes can also damage the refrigerant lines and cause refrigerant leaks. It makes the system inefficient and harms the environment as well.
To minimize these damages, prepare for Hurricanes with The Chill Brothers. The Chill Brothers are certified professional HVAC experts to help you prepare your HVAC to sustain in the Hurricane season in Texas.
Hurricane Season in Texas: When You Should Get Prepared
Hurricane preparations should start before the Hurricane season. Normally, the likelihood of Hurricanes in Texas starts from 1st June to 30th November. However, August and September are considered the peak months for Hurricane occurrence.
So, the ideal time for getting prepared for the Hurricanes is in late spring. You have to get the preparation done before June starts. Prepare your HVAC in April or May. Thus, your HVAC will be ready to face the storm right before it may occur.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your HVAC System Hurricane-Ready in Texas
Consider the following steps from professional HVAC experts from April to May before the Hurricane season starts:
1. Professional Inspection
The first thing in the preparation phase is a proper inspection. Hire an HVAC expert like The Chill Brothers. The professional will check the system thoroughly and identify if any potential issue exists. If issues are found, they will fix them and move to other proactive steps.
2. Preparing the Outdoor Units
Hurricanes affect the outdoor unit badly. Stormwater can get in and damage the outdoor unit, hurricanes may even displace it. Here is how you can prepare for that:
- Install the outdoor unit on a raised platform that is above the potential flood levels.
- Clean the drains and gutters well. It will initially help the water flow away easily.
- Seal the electrical components with waterproof materials to protect them from water damage.
- Attach the outdoor unit firmly using hurricane straps or heavy-duty bolts. You can add extra support by tying it down. This will help you hold the unit in its place.
- You can also cover the outdoor unit with a breathable, weather-resistant cover. It will help to keep the dirt or debris away without trapping moisture.
3. Install a Surge Protector
Power surges destroy the electrical parts of your HVAC system. Surge protectors protect the sensitive components from voltage spikes. Consult your professional HVAC expert to install a whole-home surge protector.
4. Keep the Surrounding Area Clean
Keeping the surrounding area clean is a plus point. During hurricanes, all the dust, debris, loose objects, and other particles fly with the strong wind and clog into HVAC parts. To lessen the issue, keep the surrounding area clean by:
- Trimming overhanging branches,
- Removing the dry leaves,
- Cleaning dirt,
- Tightening loose items,
- Keeping the small furniture, garden tools, or any extra thing away.
This is how you can keep the surrounding areas clean and reduce the risk of damage from flying objects.
5. Tighten Loose Components and Seal Cracks
If there are any loose components or loose connections in your HVAC system, you must tighten those. Tighten the screws, bolts, panels, electrical wirings. Also, seal the cracks or leaks well.
6. Install a Proper Drainage System
Poor drainage systems immediately make the rainwater stuck. It makes the flooding faster. So, it is necessary to keep the drains, gutters, and downspouts clean.
An effective drainage system is also helpful to flow the water away. So, install a drainage system like a French drain.
7. Turn the System off Before Hurricane
Running HVAC during Hurricanes poses a risk of electrical damage or even entire failure. So, before the storm starts, turn the system off and unplug other smart devices like smart thermostats, air purifiers, humidity controllers, etc.
Post-Hurricane Recovery
It is essential to check the HVAC and get it back on track after the Hurricane. Check-ups and maintenance activities will help your system recover faster and perform efficiently again. Here are the steps for post-hurricane recovery:
- Hire a professional HVAC expert like The Chill Brothers to inspect the HVAC and find out the damages.
- Clean the outdoor unit well.
- If the outdoor unit is submerged by the flood, do not turn the HVAC on right away. Ask your HVAC expert to assess the damage and work accordingly.
- Inspect all the electrical components and connections. If found faulty, ask the technician to sort it out.
- Replace the air filters.
Besides these steps, your HVAC professional will recommend repairs as needed.
Final Thoughts: Make Your HVAC Hurricane-Ready with The Chill Brothers
Though Hurricanes are sudden catastrophes, still you can make your HVAC ready for Hurricanes. Before the Hurricane season, conduct some checkups and essential maintenance. Also, arrange and install some essential measures like a proper drainage system, surge protector, raised outdoor unit platform, Hurricane straps, or heavy-duty bolts to ensure proper placement, etc.
By implementing these you can reduce the risk of damages by Hurricanes in Texas. The Chill Brothers can guide you and suggest proactive measures according to your area and your HVAC system. So, prepare for Hurricanes with The Chill Brothers and reduce the intensity of damages.
