Rainy season in Florida usually starts in late May, about a month before summer begins, and continues until October. While that may seem like the distant future, preparation takes time if you want it done properly and don’t want to rush. Bluewater Heating & Air offers reliable HVAC services to ensure you’re ready so you can stay safe and comfortable throughout spring and summer.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Spring HVAC prep might seem overwhelming, but our technicians can handle the entire process for you. Book a maintenance appointment in early spring so our team can assess your unit. During the appointment, we perform a wide range of tasks, including cleaning components, evaluating electrical wiring, and checking refrigerant levels. We also do a top-to-bottom inspection, looking for problems such as corrosion and leaks. Before we leave, we’ll report our findings to you and advise whether you need repairs or a replacement.
The inspection and tune-up help get your HVAC system in the best condition to work optimally through storm season. They also increase safety, reliability, and efficiency, and help extend your system’s lifespan, which is usually between 10 and 25 years.
Protect Your Outdoor Condenser
An outdoor condenser is designed to withstand inclement weather, but it’s not indestructible. Consider having a barrier, such as a plastic fence, installed around the unit, which provides a barrier against storm debris hitting it.
Calling an arborist is another way to help protect the condenser. They can assess the condition of mature trees on your property to determine their stability. This is particularly important if the branches are hanging over the condenser or any areas where people walk or play. If any branches pose a danger, it’s best to have them professionally trimmed as soon as possible.
Stock Up on Filters
You should ideally change or clean your HVAC system’s filter at least every few months. This helps prevent the need for repairs, extends your system’s lifespan, and encourages efficient operation. If your household includes health-compromised individuals, seniors, children, pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers, clean or replace them more frequently. Stock up on disposable filters, if that’s what your system takes, so you always have one on hand.
Create a Post-Storm Plan and Checklist
It’s vital to make sure your HVAC system didn’t experience any damage during spring storms. Make a checklist that you can follow after each one. The self-inspection will take some time, but prove invaluable for noticing problems early and taking action to prevent them from worsening. Items to add to your checklist include looking for leaks, listening for unusual noises, and assessing the outdoor condenser for exterior damage. Keep our number on the checklist, which makes it easy to contact us if you notice anything wrong with your system.
Make Repairs and Upgrades
If your system needs upgrades or repairs, we recommend scheduling them before Florida’s storm season. Storms can easily cause minor HVAC problems to develop into severe issues, such as a complete breakdown. For example, systems with old electrical wiring might short-circuit and stop working entirely. Fixing any necessary problems can give you the peace of mind knowing that your system is in top shape.
Never try to fix HVAC issues yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous and put your safety at risk. You might also further damage the system, leading to costly repairs or breakdowns. Additionally, you may void the system’s warranty. Many state that only licensed HVAC technicians can perform the work.
Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Florida can get incredibly humid, especially during storm season. Ideally, indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%, which can be hard to achieve without professional assistance. One of the best ways to improve humidity levels is by having a technician install a whole-home dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers offer numerous benefits beyond improving indoor air quality and comfort. For example, it can help reduce the risk of allergens, prevent structural damage, and allow your HVAC system to work more efficiently. It could also reduce the infestation risk of pests, such as silverfish and spiders, that are attracted to moisture.
Don’t find yourself unprepared for spring storms. Bluewater Heating & Air in Pensacola, FL, offers dependable repairs, installations, maintenance, and other HVAC services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or book one online through our website.
