Preparing Your HVAC System for Power Outages and Extreme Weather
Weather in the Northeast has a way of keeping people on edge. One week it is freezing winds, the next it is a sudden heat wave, and every season seems to bring storms strong enough to knock out the power. When that happens, the first thing many homeowners think about is food in the fridge. The second thought, usually not far behind, is how the heating or cooling system will hold up. Preparing your HVAC system ahead of time can save you stress, money, and in some cases, safety risks.
Start with a Professional Inspection
Extreme weather always tests your equipment. It is not uncommon for furnaces and air systems that run smoothly on a mild day to face difficulties when conditions turn severe. You must schedule an inspection with us before peak season so that any issues can be caught up in the early stage. These include weak wiring, dirty filters and loose connections so that the situation does not worsen during outage. With trained technicians from ANP at your disposal, those signs that go amiss can also be spotted well in time.
Invest in Surge Protection
What we mean by this is that when power flickers, it can send damaging surges into your systems. Modern units are sensitive and do not handle spikes well enoughto be protected. Adding a whole-house surge protector or a dedicated one for your HVAC equipment is a relatively small investment compared to replacing a fried circuit board or motor. It is one of those steps you hardly notice until the day it saves you thousands.
Keep the Area Around Your Unit Clear
Heavy winds and storms often scatter branches, leaves, and debris. If you have an outdoor condenser or heat pump, keeping a clear space around it is essential. Before bad weather arrives, walk the yard and trim back overhanging branches. Even a small object blown against the unit can cause dents, block airflow, or crack a fan blade. A few minutes of cleanup now can prevent costly repairs later.
Know How to Shut Down Your System Safely
Not every outage is the same. Sometimes the lights go out for an hour, other times for a full day or longer. If you suspect the power will be out for an extended period, it is smart to shut down your HVAC system at the breaker. What this does is that there is no sudden damage whenthe grid comes back online. When electricity is stable, you restart the system without risk and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Consider Backup Power Options
Generators are becoming more common in homes, and for good reason. A properly sized backup generator can keep your HVAC system running during long outages. Even if you cannot power the whole system, a generator can at least run fans or smaller components to prevent pipes from freezing or indoor air from getting stale. You can always talk to a professional at ANP before choosing a generator so that you do not make any mistake.
Regular Maintenance Makes All the Difference
Preparation is about consistency and that is what we want you to understand. Systems that receive yearly tune-ups, filter replacements, and duct checks are naturally stronger when storms hit. Skipping routine maintenance only increases the chance of breakdowns during the very moments you need heating or cooling the most.
We all know that power outages and extreme weather are part of ourlives. What you can do to avoid uncomfortable situations is make sure your HVAC system is ready to handle the stress. Call ANP Heating & A/C today to schedule your seasonal inspection so that we can check surge protection, perform routine maintenance and take steps now to prevent headaches later.