How will a monsoon affect my HVAC system?

Monsoons bring dust storms, torrential downpours, flash flooding and lightening, all of which wreak havoc on air conditioning systems. With the average temperature in July in Phoenix 104 and Las Vegas 106, a non-working air conditioning can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

How can I maintain my HVAC system during the summertime?

When an AC unit sits idle for a long time, it collects debris and is then in need of maintenance to keep it running properly. You can do several things to keep up with the health of your unit such as having the condenser cleaned, and checking the coolant lines.

Most importantly, be sure to replace your filters regularly since monsoons increase the amount of dust and particles in the air, that are then being sucked into your HVAC system. Because the wind from a monsoon is blowing debris around your condenser, be sure that you clean and maintain the area around your unit. It is recommended that you keep plants, patio furniture, or other outdoor items, at least 2 feet away from your unit.

How often should I change my filter during the summer monsoon season?

The amount of dust and particles being trapped in your HVAC system can reduce the air flow to your air conditioning and cause poor indoor air quality resulting in allergies and reduced efficiency. Replace the filters at least once a month and when a monsoon blows through consider replacing them as soon as it passes.

 What should I do if lightning strikes near my home during a monsoon, causing a disruption in my HVAC system?

Surges in electricity can damage the components in the air conditioner and lightening doesn’t have to hit the home to cause surges, a lightning strike within a half mile can cause damage. A lightning strike can deliver 20k volts into through a home, taking out the air conditioning unit. To prevent expense repairs and hot nights if your unit is damaged invest in a circuit breaker, during extreme electricity changes the breaker will be tripped. If you have a breaker and come home to a hot house, make sure to check it before calling for a service call.

What should I do if my system won’t turn on?

There are a few things to check if your system is not turning on. First, be sure your AC unit is plugged in and check your circuit breaker – if it trips, don’t force it. Make sure to also checking the batteries in your thermostat regularly. You’ll want to ensure the cooler setting is on, and your fan is on the auto/on mode, as opposed to off.

How often should my system be maintained?

Twice a year, before the heat and before the colder temperatures. If you had your system maintained before the start of the summer season last year, you should not go through the whole summer without doing so again. We depend upon our air conditioners far too much to force them to go through two long, brutal summer seasons without service.