Dallas is about 240 miles north of Houston, and thus relatively safe from hurricanes striking the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean the high-intensity winds of the remnants of anything that might hit the Houston area won’t wreak havoc here.
Still, remember: we lie at the lower end of “Tornado Alley.” We can get hit and hit hard.
So the answer to our headline question is yes: it’s probably wise to stormproof your HVAC system.
Preparation is Key
- As hurricane season approaches – with winter not far behind – it’s best to bring a professional HVAC technician to your home to provide a proper maintenance check on your AC, heat and ventilation system.
- If a storm is predicted in late summer, if you have a central air unit, cool your home with it as much as possible before the storm arrives (your power may go out and you won’t be able to use it). If you have a window AC unit, unplug and remove it so that you can seal its opening.
- Clean away loose debris and items around your central air unit to keep impact damage to a minimum. If your unit has loose components, secure them with straps or use a protective cage. It’s also a good idea to place a tarp over your unit.
- Just before the storm arrives, turn off all circuit breakers to your HVAC system.
- Get ready for possible power surges. Consider purchasing a surge-protection package for your HVAC system.
After the Storm
- As you assess damage to the exterior of your home, don’t forget to check on the AC unit. Look for dings and dents. If you see something that is bent too much or may be blocking the unit’s ability to work properly, contact your HVAC company.
- If in doubt about damage, refrain from turning on the power breakers to the unit. But if you’re certain it’s safe, turn on the breakers, then the unit itself and check the equipment for any strange noises.
- If your home has some flooding near your HVAC system’ parts, never turn them on until you’ve had them inspected by a qualified professional.
Consider Protecting Your HVAC with Surge Protection
Major storms can cause major electrical outages and if you do keep your circuit breakers on during the storm, you risk having a power surge, which can damage your HVAC system. It may be wise, then to purchase a surge protector for your HVAC units.
Installing a protector also means your HVAC system will see less wear and tear to its electrical components due to the redirection of extra electrical current during a storm.
To protect you even more, if you have us install your surge protector, we offer up to three years of coverage from the date of installation up to $7,500 for the repair or replacement for any electrical surge damage not covered under your protector’s equipment warranty or your home insurance.
We also offer insurance-related electrical surge damage that covers up to $7,500 for the repair or replacement of equipment, or the insurance deductible, whichever is less.
The benefits of this offer to you are substantial: you receive coverage for your HVAC surge protector that goes beyond warrant and insurance. Repair or replacement cost also will be reimbursed
If you’d like to prepare your HVAC system for this year’s storms, or if you’d like more information on purchasing a surge protector, call Rescue Air and Plumbing at (972) 201-3253 or send us a message via our contact form.