Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition
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Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition

There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience.

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Keeping Your HVAC System In Great Condition

Preventing And Detecting Hurricane Damage To Your Residential Heating System

Herbert Franklin

If your hot water tank explodes, the equivalent of a 2,500-pound car could be projected 14 apartment stories into the air. Much advice is offered about preventing and repairing A/C breakdowns during the hurricane storm season. The residential heating system is equally at risk of damage and poses more risk of explosions.

By being aware of the following preventive steps and signs of trouble, you can avoid starting the winter season with an emergency residential heating repair.  

Broken Gas Pipes and Lines

When power lines are down, you can still heat your home and cook with natural gas. When strong hurricane winds whip through, though, gas pipes can be damaged from floodwaters and uprooted trees. After the storm, the damage assessment begins. One important warning sign is the smell of sulfur. If you smell rotten eggs, you have a gas leak. Other signs of a gas leak are a bubbling pond on the lawn and white mist. 

Before the hurricane approaches, shut off all gas valves. After the hurricane, if you smell a natural gas leak, leave the premises and call the emergency line of your natural gas provider. Avoid touching valves or appliances. When inspecting your residential heating system, a technician will use ultrasonic equipment to detect damage and leaks to the gas pipeline. 

Boiler Damage and Explosion Risk

If your basement has been flooded, your first concern should be leaks of gas (rotten eggs) and carbon monoxide–a harmful invisible gas. Also, check the foundation of your boiler system for damage. The casing and insulation may require removal to dry out and remove the resins of saltwater and debris. 

The pressure valve should be immediately inspected to ensure it's functioning. Signs the water heater may explode include:

  • A leaking pressure relief valve, indicating the tank heat or that the pressure has reached high levels
  • A popping noise, caused by bubbling water trapped under sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, preventing water from reaching the burner.

Your residential heating repair contractor will inspect the boiler for mechanical, thermal, and corrosion failure risks. 

Transformer Damage 

The transformer is another HVAC system at risk of explosion. The transformer transfers energy among circuits, switching voltages accordingly. Winds and stormwater can damage transformer parts and loosen connections, leading to high energy spikes. Surges in electricity flow can cause explosions.

Power surges make lots of noise, providing early warning signs like humming and buzzing. Your residential heating repair contractor will check for harmonic distortions, temperature imbalance and cooling issues, and overloading. 

If your residential heating system does suffer hurricane damage, do not turn on the air conditioner or other HVAC system to dry out your home. Energizing a wet HVAC system can cause serious damage.

If you are interested in learning more about residential heating repair, feel free to contact HVAC specialists to get more information.


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