Spring may bring welcome change in South Jersey, but it also can send people running for the umbrella as spring storms start to show up. Heating Specialties of Fairton New Jersey, has seen plenty of spring storms in our more than 30 years of service in South Jersey. Now we’re sharing what we’ve learned so you can protect your valuable heating and cooling equipment from Mother Nature’s deluge.
Prepare for spring storms before they happen
The best time to get ready for a spring storm is when the weather is calm and there are no changes on the horizon. Do you know which breaker in your home powers the heating and cooling equipment? Find out now and label the breaker clearly. Take it a step further by installing a whole-house surge protector that prevents damage from lightning strikes or power surges.
Now is also the time to clean up the area around your outdoor condenser unit. Pick up the sticks and loose vegetation that have accumulated around the unit over the winter. Do you have tree limbs hanging over the unit or other objects that are sitting close by? Trim those branches and move away loose items that can become airborne during a spring storm. Make sure the condenser unit is sitting securely on its base to prevent movement during high winds.
Maintenance matters
Here at Heating Specialties, we spend a lot of time talking about necessary maintenance. These semi-annual tune-ups are integral to your unit’s safety and longevity. If you haven’t scheduled your spring tune-up, reach out to Heating Specialties now. We’ll send a trained heating and cooling technician to your home to thoroughly inspect and clean your unit. We can check your ducts and refrigerant line and make small repairs on the spot. We’ll also locate any small problem that can quickly become big and expensive during a powerful spring storm. Our maintenance program is a small investment with a big return for New Jersey homeowners.
What should you do when a storm hits?
When an electrical storm is raging outside, you need to stay put indoors. Now isn’t the time to run outside with a flashlight inspecting your condenser unit for damage. Go ahead and nudge your thermostat setting up or down to buy some extra comfort if the power goes out and you lose heat or AC. If power does go out and you don’t have a whole-house surge protector, consider turning off your heating and cooling unit to prevent any unwelcome surprises from a power surge. Bring your pets indoors and stay away from windows and sliding doors while the storm is raging. Safety should be your top priority during a powerful storm.
After the storm passes
Once the storm has moved on, give your equipment a quick check before you turn the power back on. Check your outside unit for dents, debris, damage or flooding. If anything looks damaged or you notice heavy flooding around the unit, call Heating Specialties to request an inspection before you turn the power back on.
Otherwise, pick up the branches and debris that accumulate around the unit in a storm and keep an eye on the unit to make sure it’s running efficiently. Let Heating Specialties know of any heating or cooling issues or new sounds that might be trying to tell you something.
Spring storms in New Jersey are about as predictable as the number of potholes after a winter thaw. Always be prepared for whatever our crazy weather wants to throw at you, and keep Heating Specialties’ number handy for any emergencies that may arise. Call us at (866) 923-2653 to request emergency service or schedule your important spring AC tune-up. Heating Specialties is your heating and cooling friend, here for any weather and every season!