3 Ways Rain Affects Your Portland Home’s HVAC System
In the Pacific Northwest, we get our fair share of rain. While we’ve all come to love our misty months, sometimes excessive precipitation can be a bit much, especially for your home’s heating and cooling system. Want to know more about ways rain can affect your HVAC system? Our local heating and cooling contractors in Portland explain all you need to know. Read on for more details.
What To Know About HVAC Systems and the Rain
The majority of your home HVAC system components are located indoors, where they are protected from the elements. However, some outdoor air conditioning units can be exposed to rain, snow, and hail. The good news is, even outdoor residential heating and cooling units are sturdy machines built to withstand most weather events.
While you typically don’t have to worry about a little rain affecting your air conditioning and heating mechanisms, it’s always a good idea to be aware of any potential issues that could arise due to extreme rainfall. Here are three cases where rain can prove problematic and some signs you should look out for.
1. Flooding
Luckily, your residential heating and air conditioning’s outdoor components are designed to be rain-resistant. However, if your unit becomes submerged in water, you could experience problems.
Standing water and flooded areas due to heavy downpours can cause serious damage to the condenser coil and compressor. To mitigate this problem, work with your Portland HVAC contractors to determine the optimal placement for your system. You might be able to simply raise the condenser to prevent pooling water. In other cases, it could be best to move the entire unit to higher ground.
If you notice your air conditioner is submerged in water, we recommend turning off the unit entirely and call in our professionals to evaluate the situation.
2. Severe Storms
During extreme storms, debris and severe weather like hail can harm your condenser. While we can’t always predict weather patterns, there are a few things to consider to help keep your air conditioning system safe and secure.
Keep the area around your unit clear of potentially harmful materials like fallen branches, pebbles, and foreign objects. After a significant weather event, check on the system and inspect it for any damage. If you notice any cracks, dents, or other external issues, our NATE-Certified technicians are here to assist you with the best repair or replacement options.
3. Condensation
Another way that rain can affect your heating and cooling system is by causing a condensation build-up. This most often occurs when homeowners completely cover their outdoor air conditioning and heating units during wet months. To work correctly and resist moisture accumulation, condensers require adequate airflow. Covered units can trap moisture and impede ventilation, causing mold and mildew, and even system malfunction.
However, whether it’s best to cover or not cover your outdoor unit can depend on a variety of factors, like average temperatures and the type of cover used. It’s ideal to consult with your Portland HVAC installer to make sure you are taking the best care of your machine.
When to Call for Professional, Residential HVAC Services in Portland
If your unit is submerged in water, or you notice any cracks, leaks, or signs of water damage to your home heating and cooling system, you should contact the professionals right away. AAA Heating and Cooling offers 24-hour emergency service and can help you with any immediate issues arising from heavy rain or other weather-related events.
Remember, the best way to keep your HVAC unit functioning properly is to work with experts and develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. Schedule a visit with our team of HVAC specialists before the rainy season starts to get solutions to remedy any possible issues.
Contact Our Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Experts
To learn more about rain’s effects on your home HVAC system, contact our sales and installation team. At AAA Heating and Cooling, we provide comprehensive maintenance plans, repair and replacement, and full-service installation to all our Portland-area residents. Own a commercial property? We offer the same excellent service to business owners in Portland and Beaverton!