HVAC Checklist for Storm Season

As storm season hits the Mid-Atlantic, ensuring your HVAC system is ready to handle the sudden shift in temperature, moisture, and power interruptions is essential. Your HVAC system works overtime during storm season. Without proper preparation, HVAC systems can suffer severe damage, leaving you uncomfortable. At F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical in Manassas, VA, we help homeowners protect their HVAC systems. The detailed checklist below helps homeowners across the DC Metro area prepare their HVAC systems before, during, and after significant storms.

Pre-Storm Checklist

Inspect and Clear Outdoor Units

You should start with the most exposed part of your HVAC system, the outdoor condenser. The condenser needs two feet of clearance around the entire unit. Trim trees, shrubs, and tall grass to protect airflow.

It is also wise to remove any furniture, garden tools, or toys that could be picked up by heavy winds and strike the unit. The condenser is one of the most expensive parts of your HVAC system, so you do not want it to suffer needless damage.

Our annual maintenance includes cleaning the condenser coil. Dirty, clogged coils strain your system and can raise your energy bills. Annual cleanings protect your system’s lifespan and performance.

Check the Security of Your Outdoor Equipment

Your outdoor HVAC unit needs proper anchoring to prevent damage. Strong winds and flash flooding can cause damage to the internal components of the condenser. Elevation platforms, adequate anchoring, and even hurricane straps can help secure the unit.

Check Your Thermostat and System Settings

Before the first significant storm hits, it helps to check your thermostat. Test to ensure it reads temperatures accurately and the system cycles off and on appropriately. If you have a programmable thermostat, take a moment to verify that the schedules and temperature settings match your household’s needs. If you do not have a smart thermostat, our F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical technicians can install one for you.

If the weather channel reports storms coming our way, set the thermostat slightly lower than usual. That way, your home will stay comfortable for longer if you experience a power outage.

Change the Air Filters

Storm season brings pollen, dust, and high humidity, which can quickly clog filters. Dirty filters reduce airflow and cause your system to work harder than necessary. Increased strain can cause your system to fail during critical weather conditions.

Change your filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. We can offer filter recommendations to help filter allergens and irritants brought in during storm season.

Consider a Surge Protector

Power surges and voltage irregularities are common during storm season. You can install a surge protector on your HVAC system to prevent electrical damage caused by lightning strikes and grid overloads.

These surges can fry your system’s sensitive components. Whole-home surge protectors offer the highest level of protection and give you greater peace of mind.

Invest in a Backup Generator

Extended power outages during severe weather events can leave your family uncomfortable due to heat and humidity buildup. A backup generator ensures your HVAC system has the power to keep your home comfortable. Many can kick in automatically when they detect an outage, powering essentials like your lights, fridge, and HVAC.

Drain Lines and Condensate Management

AC systems produce a lot of condensation during the muggy storm seasons in Manassas. Clogged drain lines can cause water to overflow into your home or unit.

Keeping the drain line free means annual flushes and inspections. These services will keep the drain flowing properly and help avoid moisture damage during high-humidity weather.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Schedule preventative maintenance to prepare your HVAC system for severe weather. Our technicians can spot issues you might miss, such as refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and worn components, and recommend solutions before they become emergencies. Regular maintenance improves your system’s durability and helps it operate efficiently under pressure from unpredictable storms.

During Storms

During a storm, shut your HVAC system down at the circuit breaker or electrical panel. This protects the system from power surges caused by lightning strikes or outages. Surges can cause severe damage to your unit, particularly to the compressor, control board, and capacitors. Shutting your system down during a storm will help protect against expensive damage.

After the Storm

After the storm passes and it’s safe to do so, check your outdoor unit. High winds, heavy rains, or hail can damage your outdoor unit. They can also cause limbs and other debris to find their way into the fan assembly. Clean the condenser and fan assembly of any storm debris before turning your HVAC unit on again.

Be Prepared and Stay Comfortable

Storm season can bring unpredictable challenges, but a well-prepped HVAC system keeps your home safe and more comfortable. This checklist can help reduce the risk of system failures, lower energy costs, and control your indoor environment.

F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical opened our doors in 1981 and has been the go-to provider for homeowners in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. We are a family-owned business with a long history of family values, hard work, and commitment. Our Better Business Bureau accreditation and Angi Super Service Award are testaments to that!

Call our expert technicians at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical when you need HVAC maintenance in Manassas.