April showers bring May flowers. But they also bring rust, mold, power outages, and other HVAC hazards that can put a real damper on your air conditioner’s efficiency. Luckily, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way during the rainy spring season! Follow these steps to help prevent damage.

Before a Rainstorm

  • Shut It Down: Help protect your AC unit or furnace by turning it off. If these units function while water collects around them, liquid could work its way into your system — causing irreparable damage.
     
  • If you have a window AC unit, turn it off, unplug it, and remove it from the window. This not only protects the AC unit, but prevents water from making its way into your home as well.
     
  • Here’s a tip to stay comfortable during a storm: Cool or heat your home as much as possible prior to inclement weather.
     
  • Clear Debris: Clean dirt and debris from your backyard to prevent it from blowing inside your HVAC unit, which can damage circuitry. Keep the area clear of things like garden tools and outdoor furniture that could possibly hit and damage your unit during windy days. Keep exhaust pipes and vents clear of debris.
     
  • Cover Your AC Unit: To prevent debris from entering the unit, invest in a sturdy AC unit cover. Speak to a professional about placing protective covers over outdoor air conditioning units. We don’t advise just throwing any old tarp over the system! Moisture can accumulate under the covering, and that tarp might be attractive to animals seeking shelter. If you’re in a pinch for time, use a tight canvas cover.
     
  • Here’s a tip to avoid further damage: Talk to an HVAC technician about installing your AC unit in an elevated position if flooding is a concern.

After A Rainstorm

  • Inspect Your System: Check your AC unit’s surrounding area to make sure it’s not sitting in water. Take a close look at vents and openings to ensure that debris hasn’t blown into the unit. Additionally, you should inspect for loose screws, panels, or other missing components. Significant dents may warrant help from a professional as well.
     
  • Let Your System Sit: It can be tempting to turn the AC back on right after a storm. However, a strong storm can blow debris into the unit. If you suspect your AC unit has damage, contact a professional before turning it back on.

Contact a Professional: If you’re unsure how to detect or repair HVAC damage caused by storms, it’s best to call the pros. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Toms River technicians have the skills and tools needed to replace sensitive HVAC components like broken sensors, cleaning tubes, and measuring airflow.

At the first sign of storm damage, call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Toms River at (732) 355-3959 to get your AC back up and running fast.