Tag: hvac washington

How High Winds Affect HVAC Systems

Recently there have been surges of strong winds in the Olympia area, and these gusts can have unseen effects on your HVAC system and the quality of the air in your home.

Physical Damage

High speed winds can cause physical damage to your HVAC system. The wind itself can sometimes loosen parts of the system, but more dangerously objects and debris picked up by the wind can be thrown into your HVAC unit and cause more severe damage. While placement of the outdoor unit, quality of the system, and other factors can minimize this damage risk, it is still recommended that you examine your HVAC system for signs of damage or lodged debris after a period of heavy winds. If you notice anything abnormal, or if the system starts performing inconsistently, noisily, or not at all, contact the experts at Air Handlers for a service appointment.

Air Quality

When we have high winds, dirt, leaves, and other particulates can gather inside your HVAC unit or be blow inside your home. When your unit turns on, this accumulated dirt can be blown throughout your house, significantly impacting the air quality of your home. While maintaining a proper filter replacement schedule can help with some of this, heavy accumulations typically require more in-depth cleanings to remove.

Dust and Allergies

When winds blow dust and dirt inside our homes, that dust can be picked up and moved around by the HVAC system, causing the decrease in air quality already mentioned, but also causing a buildup of dust on your furniture and the rest of your home. This dust can wreak havoc on allergies, causing allergy symptoms to flare up and sometimes negatively affect your health. The best way to combat this in the short term is to regularly dust and vacuum your home, though in the long run this accumulation may build up within your vents and be harder to remove. Contact Air Handlers if you feel you may need your vents inspected and cleaned!

Spring is (Almost) in the Air!

As February nears its end and March is coming in quick, you may be wondering what is on the horizon for your HVAC system! There are a few things to consider when it comes to the transition of Winter and Spring, and depending on your heating/cooling system, there may be some updates or maintenance to be performed.

Remove Your Outdoor Cover

While not everyone uses a cover, and not all units need one, you should double check that your unit doesn’t have a cover on it before trying to fire it up in the Spring. Check the outside portion of your HVAC system and remove its cover if you put one on before Winter.

Replace Your Air Filters

If you haven’t done so recently, you should probably replace the air filters in your heating/cooling system. This should be done regularly, so including it as part of your de-winterizing is an easy way to make sure it gets checked off the list.

Clean Your Air Vents

It’s also a good idea to periodically clean the air vents inside your home, ensuring they don’t have a buildup of dust, debris, and other contaminants. Firing your HVAC system up for the first time in a while can kick up settled dust and allergens, and cleaning your air vents can help minimize this burst of sneeze-inducing particulates.

Clean the Area Around Your Outside Unit

Sometimes things can accumulate around the exterior portion of your HVAC system during the winter, such as branches, leaves, etc. It’s a good idea to clean the area around your system to ensure there is nothing leaning against it, blocking airflow, or otherwise touching/affecting it.

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up and Inspection

Last but not least, you should contact your HVAC technicians to schedule a routine inspection and maintenance appointment. These experts will check your system for complications or potential upgrades and ensure you’re good to go for the hot Summer months that come soon after Spring. Air Handlers has many talented HVAC experts who would be happy to help prepare you for the new year, so give us a call and schedule your appointment today!