It’s storm season in Maryland and you need to protect your Baltimore / Bel Air based HVAC system from possible damage. Because portions of the system are outdoors, they are vulnerable to weather conditions. Here are a few tips for keeping your system safe.
- If possible, cover the unit with a sturdy plastic cover. This will keep out the wind and rain and protect the unit from hail.
- Install electrical surge protectors to protect the system from lightning strikes and sudden power surges. If you have a programmable thermostat, program in a delayed restart after a storm. This will put your home on a later schedule when the power comes back on, but it works to your advantage – there will be no power surge because the grid will have stabilized before your home comes back on the grid.
- Install hail guards to protect the outside of the unit and the coils from pelting of ice balls.
- Check your sump pump to be sure it’s working properly. It should be emptying on a regular basis so the tank doesn’t get too full and overflow. Keep a close eye on it if the power goes out, because it will fill up quickly.
- Get an electrical generator for back up in case of power outages. Even if you only use it once a season, it will pay for itself in headache-free survival of summer storms.
- Keep all loose debris away from the HVAC unit, as well as the live plants that may grow around the coils or the unit itself.
But the best advice for storm season is to be smart and protect your life and your property during the summer storm season.
