The Monsoon Guide: HVAC Maintenance for Homeowners in Sandy, UT
In some states, summer is not just a period for vacation and relaxation; it is monsoon season, a time filled with frequent and severe afternoon thunderstorms. This meteorological event has a big effect on everything in the way, including your home and HVAC system.
Monsoons can damage your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs and many frustrations going back and forth with repairmen rushing to get it done before another potential storm.
In this article, we will look over how monsoons can potentially affect your HVAC system, what homeowners from Sandy, UT, should be aware of, and how to upkeep proper HVAC maintenance during the summer storm season.
What You Should Know About Monsoon Season
Happening in July, August, and September, monsoons are weather changes that come with heavy rain that is sudden and powerful. This is usually followed by lighting, making the occasion that more dangerous.
This event causes large levels of water to accumulate in one area over a short period of time, making it impossible for water to absorb quickly in the ground. The collected water on the surface of the ground leads to severe flooding, which is the main perpetrator of the real damage.
How Do Monsoons Affect Your HVAC System
In addition to home floods and occasional dust storms that come with monsoons, your home’s HVAC system can be specifically damaged. The collected water, dust, and debris can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC unit, causing it to work harder than usual and inevitably malfunction.
Penetrating through its outer portion, water can reach the HVAC system and cause mold, fungi, and bacteria to grow, resulting in poor air quality in the space. Besides that, rain causes more humidity, overworking the ventilation system and spiking up energy bills.
Monsoon Ready: HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Although an HVAC system check-up is recommended once a year, there are some things you can do to keep your HVAC system working properly. This will also ensure that you limit any chance of potential damage. Below we elaborate on a few.
Check And Replace Air Filters
Air filters should be regularly checked to keep control of whether they are clogged, dirty, or filled with dust since they directly affect the quality of indoor air. Before the monsoon season begins, it is advised to check on their condition and replace them if necessary.
Install A Surge Protector
Because of lighting during monsoons, there can be power outages and surges or current spikes that easily damage circuit breaks in all electronic and electrical devices, including the HVAC system. To prevent this scenario, it is recommended to install a surge protector that will block spiking voltage and protect equipment.
Keep The HVAC Outdoor Unit Clean
The outdoor portion of the HVAC unit might be covered in dirt, leaves, weeds, branches, and shrubs. Make sure to regularly clean the outdoor portion of HVAC units even outside of monsoon season and regularly check up on debris and trim surrounding flora during the storm season.
Schedule Professional Check Up
Having an occasional professional checkup for your HVAC system can help improve its working conditions and extend its lifespan. Professional services can help inspect the system, clean out air ducts, and improve the working conditions. Ensure to schedule a professional checkup before the monsoon season starts!
Install UVGI Disinfection in the HVAC System
The latest solution to keep your HVAC system working efficiently is installing a UVGI air disinfection. UVGI is an Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) and uses short-wave ultraviolet energy to inactivate viral, fungal, and bacterial organisms in the air.
According to The American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this is a safe, eco-friendly, and effective way to disinfect the air going through the HVAC system.
Conclusion
Although monsoons can be beneficial for states with dry climates and desert-like land like Utah, they can still contribute to a lot of damage, especially when it comes to living infrastructure. That is why not just homeowners from Sandy, UT but all of the state should know how to preserve their homes and protect their HVAC systems from the damage of monsoons.
Preparing before the monsoon season can save you from many costly repairs and replacements in the future. Regular checkups of the indoor and outdoor unit, regular air filter replacement, keeping the unit clean, and protecting it with a surge protector are some vital steps that need to be done.
But if you can’t do all of these things alone, then you can call the experts at One Stop to help you get the job done. Regular professional checkups are highly advised to prolong the life of your HVAC system.
FAQ
How often is HVAC maintenance needed?
Regardless of whether you live in an area affected by monsoons, your HVAC system should be serviced, inspected, and cleaned at least once a year.
How do monsoons affect HVAC systems?
Since monsoons consist of thunderstorms and heavy rains, water from the rain can get to the HVAC system, decreasing its work and creating an area for bacteria to grow. Power outages that come with monsoons can also affect the proper functioning of an HVAC system.
Is a professional HVAC checkup necessary?
Yes, unrelated to monsoons, you should schedule regular professional HVAC checkups. This will ensure your system is in top working conditions.
How to prevent HVAC damage during monsoon season?
To avoid severe damage, it is advised to perform all safety measures before the monsoon season begins. This includes filter checkups, cleaning the unit, and protecting the outdoor unit. That way, you will be secure that you have taken all precautionary steps to protect your unit while keeping yourself safe indoors during the storm season.
