Showers can sometimes turn into a foot of
floodwater that plays havoc on offices and homes. How do heavy rains affect
your HVAC ? While your unit is
designed to withstand extreme weather conditions with the interior components
secured by the best technology. The condenser and the compressor in the outdoor
unit are made of copper, aluminum, and other such metals, and are crated in
such a way that they can handle heavy rains while still dehumidifying and
cooling the house effectively.
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Here are a few problems that the HVAC may face:
Damage due
to storms
Excessive rains with strong winds carrying
debris can affect the condenser fan grille or may carry twigs, leaves, and dirt
within your system. It is important to give the exterior of your unit a
thorough check after every storm.
Flooding
Localized flooding can cause harm to the
electronics within the air conditioning system if the waters cross fifteen
inches. In case you experience such severe flooding after heavy rain, it is best
to get your unit inspected professionally. Due to this reason, it is instructed
to install the exterior HVAC unit in an area that is flood safe. Venting and
ductwork under beam and pier houses should also be secured against flood water for
making sure the operation runs safely and your family’s health remains intact.
Corrosion
Corrosion can happen inside a system that has
been wrapped improperly when not in use. If you like to cover the HVAC with a cover
that is commercially available, appropriate ventilation holes are necessary. Do
not cover the HVAC with a garbage bag or plastic wrap. Condensation and
moisture can build up and get trapped within the system, decaying rubber wire and
rusting and corroding metal parts. Lack of any airing also promotes the breeding
of mildew and mold, and creates an appealing nesting ground for vermin and
insects.
How to protect
your HVAC?
Humidity and water are a continuous force
against HVAC systems, even while
it does not rain. HVAC systems are well equipped to get rid of water and
humidity levels in the air, but when the rains get heavy and push humidity to
greater heights, the HVAC system has to work harder. A very common problem
faced by homeowners is the water leakage coming from the components. One of the
best ways to ensure that your HVAC works well throughout the year is to perform
regular maintenance of the HVAC system. This ensures that there is enough volume
within the drip pan for collection of water, and assure that the pumping system
is suitable for emptying that collected water.
Flooding can be another issue. Is the exterior
part of the HVAC sitting inside an area of the yard that offers no grading or drainage
to get rid of the water? Is the HVAC unit installed on a roof surface which is
a flat? When you look at the placement of your system with such a mindset, you
can easily analyze the flood risks of the HVAC.
