Regular HVAC Maintenance can protect against storm damage.
Get peace of mind with Princeton Air
Homes in the Mercer, Somerset, and Middlesex County NJ area are experiencing much more powerful weather these days. While hurricane season may seem like a tropical threat, high intensity storms can travel up the coast and hit our area with driving rain, high winds, and hail that can damage your home. While we can’t control the weather, regular maintenance by the pros at Princeton Air on your HVAC system, along with some other simple steps, can minimize damage should a big storm come calling.
How To Prepare Your HVAC from Storm Damage
If you’ve got an ominous forecast coming, here are some tips for preparing your HVAC for a storm.
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Remove or secure loose objects in your yard.
Take loose yard objects like chairs, tables, gardening supplies, and toys and secure them in the garage or move them inside. Loose items can be picked up by strong winds and thrown against your outside AC unit. Flying objects can damage the case and cause airflow obstructions that could cause a breakdown.
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Consider an Air Conditioner Cover
While some Bucks County PA homeowners install an air conditioner cover to use when the AC is not in use, a heavy duty AC cover can also protect against hail, wind storms, and torrential rain often associated with summer and fall storms. A good cover will keep out flying dirt and debris that can gum up the interior of your AC condenser. Just remember to keep your AC off when a cover is on the outdoor unit!
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Secure Your HVAC Unit
Savvy homeowners in the southern states with more frequent hurricanes often secure their AC condensers with storm straps attached to a concrete pad. While your condenser may not encounter enough wind to launch it airborne, a strong wind could move the unit just enough to cause connection problems
Regular HVAC Maintenance to Prevent Storm Damage
The above ideas are some DIY things a homeowner can tackle on their own. Another important storm damage preventative is to keep your HVAC system well maintained with regular club membership checkups by the heating and cooling professionals at Princeton Air. Central air conditioning systems that are poorly maintained may sustain serious damage with the added stress of a high powered storm. For example, if your AC unit hasn't been cleaned in a while, additional dirt and debris blown in by a storm could severely restrict air flow and cause damage to internal parts. If you’ve got a small refrigerant leak, added wind pressure or flying stones could make the leak more significant and cost more to repair.
Other Benefits to Regular HVAC Maintenance
While it's a good idea to include maintenance in your storm preparations, there are other long-term benefits for keeping your heating and cooling systems on a regular maintenance schedule from the technicians at Princeton Air:
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Well maintained HVAC systems are more efficient saving energy and money.
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Regular maintenance keeps your heating and cooling working when you need it most and avoids costly AC repairs.
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Keeping up to date with annual tune-ups may be required to keep your HVAC warranty coverage valid.
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Regularly maintained HVAC systems last longer.
Count on the HVAC Pros at Princeton Air for Regular Maintenance
Whether you’re preparing for the upcoming storm season or just keeping your HVAC systems in good working order, Princeton Air is the go-to choice for homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties in New Jersey and Bucks County PA.
