We’re pretty used to severe weather in Georgia. Dealing with tornadoes, flooding and severe storm risks are all nothing more than a usual occurrence. Even though the homeowners of Winder are used to this weather, it’s important to consider the damage it can cause to your home. When it comes to your outdoor air unit, is it protected from the elements?
Absolute Comfort Air is here to let you know about some common ways severe weather can damage your unit. If your HVAC unit isn’t operating normally after a storm, it’s best to get a professional to inspect your system.
Seasonal HVAC Tips: Damaging Weather
Although we rarely have to worry about winter storms with snow and ice here in Winder, there’s still plenty of weather that can harm your air handler. Some of the most worrying events are:
- High-speed winds
- Floods
- Severe rain
- Hail
- Lightning storms
If these weather events affect your home, it’s important to inspect your HVAC unit after the storm. It’s not unusual to deal with issues like noisiness, dents and low air output after a storm. Sometimes, your unit might not turn on at all! Luckily, a professional HVAC technician can help you out with any of these issues.
Common Repairs Caused By Weather
So, what exactly can rain and wind do to your outdoor unit? AC and heat pump units are specifically designed to withstand the normal wear from the elements, but severe weather can still damage them. When you know how to inspect your unit after a major weather event, it’s easier to get your system running again.
Power Surges
Lightning storms often cause blackouts, although their duration can vary. When the power comes back on, make sure you check out your HVAC system. Power surges can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system and appliances. If the unit does not power on after a storm, you’ll need help from a professional HVAC team.
Debris And Blockages
Wind doesn’t just blow air around. High winds can easily send tree branches, leaves and other materials into your system and cause issues. If you hear strange noises coming from your unit after a storm, there’s probably debris stuck in the unit.
It’s important not to run your system until you’ve located the problem because something as small as a stick can cause massive damage inside the unit. Turn off your unit, then remove the cover and clear out any stuck leaves or branches. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, call your trusted HVAC technician.
Leaks
High-speed winds can cause even more damage to your unit. If your AC or heat pump isn’t cooling after a storm, you could have a refrigerant leak. It’s common for storms and winds to knock refrigerant tubing loose, which causes this leak. Just remember that you’ll need the help of a professional to fix this issue.
Flooding
If your unit is in an area that floods often, or if it has ground sloping towards it, you’ll need to monitor it. Standing water quickly breeds bacteria, mold and mildew, which is the enemy of clean air. This gross growth gets pulled into your air system and spreads throughout your ducts and home.
If flooding submerges the unit in a pool of water for a while, it’s likely to need repairs. Submerging the unit in water can damage the electrical components of the unit, which is not something to fix yourself. You can also look into solutions for this drainage issue before the next storm hits!
Professional Winder Heater Repair
Here at Absolute Comfort Air, we believe in sharing as much knowledge with our community as we can. Whether it’s sharing seasonal HVAC tips or performing an AC and heater repair, we love to help our customers!
If a storm has damaged your outdoor unit, you can always rely on Absolute Comfort Air. Although we can’t prevent all weather damage to your HVAC unit, we can always get your home systems operating smoothly again. Contact us today for all of your HVAC needs and keep your home comfortable this season.
