Whether they call it a superstorm, a tropical storm, or a hurricane, these devastating weather events can cause catastrophic damage, as those of us who lived through Superstorm Sandy know all too well. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted 8-13 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-2 major hurricanes for the 2014 season, so now is the time to get prepared.
We all know the drill to protect our homes and families when an impending storm threatens: stock up on water and non-perishable food, get out the flashlights and weather radio, buy lots of batteries, bring in your lawn chairs and board up the windows. But did you know that you should also be taking precautions to protect your NYC HVAC system?
Making the time now to take a few precautionary actions, and knowing what to do when a storm strikes, can make the difference between sailing through the storm with no damage and having to shell out thousands for new HVAC equipment.
1. Understand the dangers to your NYC HVAC system from hurricanes.
Wind
The high winds of a tropical storm or hurricane can turn any loose objects into projectiles that can collide with your outdoor air conditioning unit, possibly piercing the coils or damaging the fins. All the dirt, leaves and debris flying around can become caked on the condenser and dramatically impede air flow. And if the winds are extreme, your rooftop hvac units can even be dislodged and end up on the ground below.
Flood water
Even if you’re in a high rise building, both your air conditioning and heating systems can be damaged by water. Windows can be blown out, pipes can rupture, and roofing can be torn off by the storm. If your equipment gets wet, especially with salt water, valves, wiring and controls can quickly become corroded. You could even have a fire hazard on your hands if the valve that controls the gas flow to your furnace becomes corroded and fails to shut off.
Lightning
Power surges from lightning and from downed power lines can that cause your air conditioner’s compressor to fail. The same type of damage can even happen from brownout conditions that can happen due to system overload during and after a storm.
2. Know how to protect your equipment today.
Secure your outdoor unit.
Make sure the bolts to the base are intact and tight. Your air conditioning unit probably has hooks for hurricane straps, since building codes may require them. Inspect the hooks for any corrosion and damage and have them replaced if needed. If you don’t already have them, get the right hurricane straps and a cover designed for your unit.
Elevate the equipment.
If floodwater is a concern, it’s a great idea to have your NYC HVAC unit put on an elevated platform.
3. Have a plan for what to do when a storm is on the way.
Batten down the hatches.
Now it’s time to install those hurricane straps on your outdoor unit, and cover it to prevent the accumulation of windblown debris. Also make sure you remove any loose objects in the area that could be blown around and damage your unit.
Turn off your HVAC equipment.
When there is a possibility of a power outage, it’s important to completely turn off the power to the system. That means both at the circuit breaker and at all thermostats. This simple action prevents damage to the compressor and other components from power surges both during the storm and when power comes back on. You also prevent the risk of fire or electric shock.
4. After the all clear, WAIT! Don’t turn your NYC HVAC back on yet!
DO NOT turn the HVAC system back on right after the hurricane has passed.
Exposure to even a small amount of water can cause corrosion and damage, even if the outside of the unit looks dry. Your system could fail weeks later from damage caused by a storm, even if it seems to come back up with no problem.
Have your system checked by an HVAC professional to be sure it’s safe to operate.
Before powering up again, call in your NYC HVAC service company to inspect it for any signs of electrical or water damage. This is critical when there has been any flooding, especially from salt water. Don’t skip this step!
It feels like those of us in the NYC area should be exempt from hurricanes for a little while, but unfortunately Mother Nature may not agree. The best way to deal with the unknown is to be prepared!
To make sure your company gets priority service after a storm or other emergency, sign up for a preventative maintenance agreement. You’ll be at the top of the list instead of waiting days for a NYC HVAC tech to get to you. Want to learn more? Grab a copy of our free guide: HVAC Preventative Maintenance Contracts: How to Find the Right One for Your HVAC Infrastructure.
