First, let us express our solidarity with other Floridians as well as those in other places who were also affected. While our area was spared the worst of Hurricane Ian, we know all too well what it’s like to cope with the threat of hurricanes, the storms themselves, and the aftermath.
HVAC systems are sometimes badly damaged by hurricanes and other major storms. If you experience storm damage to your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, who are experienced at assessing and repairing just these kinds of problems.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are unpredictable. Not only is it unclear just where they’ll make land until shortly before they do, they can also cause a profoundly wide variety of types of damage when they do.
Dust and Debris
Perhaps the most minor damage can be caused by dust, dirt, and debris blown into the open parts of an outdoor condenser unit. The fins of the condenser coil can become clogged with small particles. This prevents airflow and stops your air conditioner from properly cooling your air. Thankfully, this problem is easily solved by a professional with experience cleaning this sort of compacted debris from condenser fins.
Condenser Fin Damage
Next on the list, a bigger problem than dust and debris but still quite fixable, is actual damage to condenser fins due to impacts from windblown projectiles. The fins can be easily dented or flattened if struck hard by an object, and this again obstructs airflow and inhibits cooling. The fins can usually be realigned to their proper orientation by a technician, but in cases of more severe damage, replacing the condenser coil may be possible if the rest of the system is in good condition.
Impact of Large Objects
If your outdoor condenser unit has been struck by something large and the body of the unit has experienced significant damage, you may be surprised to find that it does not necessarily require replacement. A qualified technician in HVAC repair in Brent, FL can assess the unit and determine exactly which components were damaged. Full replacement is expensive, and it’s possible that what looks like catastrophic damage may not affect too many parts of the condenser, so it’s worth finding out whether repairs are an option.
Displaced Condenser Unit
Despite building codes which try to prevent this issue in hurricane-prone areas by requiring that outdoor equipment be wind-resistant, it is still possible for condenser units to be displaced during severe storms. Repairs may still be an option, though it is critical to have the unit assessed by an experienced professional. Residential condenser units can weigh 200 pounds, so you should not attempt to move it yourself, and a technician must assess the refrigerant lines for damage. If there is a break in the refrigerant lines, water and other contaminants could have entered them. Do not attempt to turn your air conditioner on under these circumstances, because circulating those contaminants could severely damage your compressor.
We hope that you and your loved ones are safe, and that your HVAC systems continue to keep you comfortable. But in the event of a hurricane-damaged HVAC unit, we are knowledgeable and prepared to help.
Contact the team at Commander Air Inc. Your hometown heating and cooling specialist for three generations.