Take Care of Your HVAC in Rainy Weather

The recent weather in Southeast Virginia has been unpredictable, and cold! We’ve seen days of warm sunshine, followed by chilly rain and storms. It can be especially challenging for homeowners to maintain their HVAC systems during these changes in temperature. With the increased humidity and potential for water damage from rainfall, it’s important that you take extra precautions when caring for your air conditioning system during this time. In order to ensure that your Chesapeake air conditioning repair is running smoothly throughout the season, follow these simple tips on how to take care of your HVAC in rainy weather and protect your system from the elements while still keeping your home comfortable.

1. Clean out debris

Sometimes when it rains or storms, branches, leaves or dirt may get moved. Check the outside unit of your HVAC system to ensure there is no debris blocking the airflow around your unit.

When the airflow to an HVAC unit is blocked, it can prevent the system from being able to properly circulate air throughout the home. This is because the fan and evaporator coils need a certain amount of airflow to work correctly. Without adequate airflow, the air conditioner won’t be able to remove enough heat from the air, resulting in warm temperatures and poor energy efficiency. Additionally, blocked airflow can cause dirt and debris to build up on the evaporator coils. This will reduce their ability to absorb heat, leading to even more clogged coils that further impede your unit’s performance. Without proper maintenance, these issues can eventually cause severe damage to your HVAC system and result in costly repairs or replacements.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but just remove anything that’s near your HVAC unit – even if you have to pull up or spray some weeds. Another thing people often do is put down gravel right near the HVAC unit so that weeds are less likely to grow around it.

2. Check windows

Check that any gaps around windows and doors are sealed to prevent air leaks and ensure your conditioning system works optimally. It’s also a good idea to use caulk or weather stripping around any openings where rain water could potentially seep into your home.

3. Check your humidity

This is really important for your crawlspace also, but monitor indoor humidity levels closely during rainy weather. Use a dehumidifier when necessary to keep moisture in check inside your home.

Humidity inside the house can cause a range of issues that can affect the health and comfort of your family. Excess moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew to grow inside the home, leading to unpleasant odors, respiratory problems, and potential structural damage. In addition to this, high levels of humidity can also lead to an increase in dust mites, which are microscopic organisms that feed on organic matter such as dead skin cells or dust particles found in carpets and furniture. This type of infestation can have serious health implications for people with allergies or asthma.

High humidity also affects your HVAC system’s performance. An air conditioner works by removing heat from indoor air using refrigerant gas and evaporator coils. The presence of moisture in the air hinders this process as it affects how much heat is absorbed into the coil and reduces its efficiency. If left unchecked, this will lead to higher energy costs due to increased use of your HVAC unit. Additionally, when there is too much moisture in the air it also increases the rate at which dirt builds up on filters and other components within your unit’s systems, leading to diminished performance over time.

By monitoring humidity levels inside your home with a hygrometer – a device used to measure relative humidity – you’ll be able to keep excess moisture out while ensuring your HVAC system runs optimally without having to worry about costly repairs or replacements down the line.

4. Regular inspections

Have an HVAC professional inspect your air conditioner on a yearly basis for any potential damage from weather-related issues like lightning strikes, storms, etc., which could cause significant harm if left unchecked over time. It’s also a good idea to do an inspection on the rest of your HVAC system anyway.

5. Call Quality HVAC and Electrical!

If you notice that your AC isn’t working as efficiently as it usually does during these periods of wetter weather, call in a Chesapeake air conditioning repair technician immediately for further assistance and repairs if needed!