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How To Prepare Your HVAC System For Severe Weather

Severe weather is a fact of life in Pennsylvania. Winter blizzards, heavy thunderstorms, and the occasional tornado are possible. You depend on your heating and cooling system to keep you comfortable through it all. Knowing how to prepare your HVAC system for severe weather protects your investment in the equipment.

Step by Step Directions:

  1. Limit the chance of high winds whipping debris into your AC condenser. This outdoor portion of the air conditioning system could be damaged if hit by items driven by high wind.
  2. When bad weather is heading in, clean up loose items in the vicinity of the condenser.
  3. Put away lawn furniture.
  4. Pick up toys or tools left in the yard.
  5. Rake up and dispose of tree branches on the ground.
  6. After picking up the area, you have the option of covering the condenser. Special covers for this purpose are available at home supply stores or online retailers.
  7. Select an air conditioner cover that fits your equipment.
  8. Slide it on before the storm hits, but never run the AC with the cover on. The cover will prevent the system from expelling heat.
  9. During a bad storm that threatens the power grid, consider shutting off your furnace or air conditioner. Power surges could hit your electrical system when the grid is breaking or being fixed. Keeping your HVAC equipment off provides some protection from power surges. HVAC electrical could be damaged in surges caused by grid operations or lightning.
  10. For superior protection from a power surge, have a whole-house surge protector installed. On top of shielding your valuable HVAC system, it protects your appliances, televisions, and computers.
  11. Have your HVAC inspected by a professional at least annually.

Benefits Of Professional HVAC Maintenance

In times of severe weather, you need your heating or cooling the most. Professional inspections correct small issues that could become bad problems if ignored. HVAC equipment has to perform for days on end. It is subject to the forces of wear and tear. Regular maintenance slows down the wear and tear through lubrication of moving parts and cleaning. An HVAC technician also evaluates the electrical components to confirm that they are fully functional. Maintenance ensures that an AC has the proper level of refrigerant. As for the furnace, an inspection confirms that it is exhausting fumes safely.

Trust Oliver For HVAC Services

At Oliver, we understand that it’s easy to forget about HVAC until something goes wrong. Membership in our HVAC maintenance plan lets you put this important task on autopilot. Make sure your home is ready for severe weather with our helpful steps for how to prepare your HVAC system for severe weather. Contact Oliver today for more information.

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