icon

Special Offer

Up to $3,000 Off Heat Pump Installation

Read More

Elite HVACS Heating & Air

Our Blog

Schedule Service or call us today 708.578.7823
4 minutes read

4 Tips on How to Identify HVAC Damage after a Hurricane

Published by Emily

Elite-Image-HVAC-Maintenance-670x180

4 Tips on How to Identify HVAC Damage after a Hurricane

We never know when the next natural disaster is going to strike, so it’s always better to protect your home from any sort of damage before it happens. However, as we all know, life isn’t that simple and some serious damage could still happen to our home regardless of how well we try to prevent it. Therefore, it’s imperative that you are proactive about finding these damages and fix them before they become a pressing problem. The same is true for the HVAC system, as it’s often prone to water damage, especially after an intense hurricane.

With that said, here four tips on how to identify a sign of HVAC damage after a hurricane: 

Outdoor equipment inspection

Obviously, the first place you should look for damage is the outdoor unit, as it’s the most exposed part of the entire system. The most common types of damage you will find with the exterior unit is compression issues caused by water damage. During a hurricane, the unit will be placed under immense pressure from the wind and rain. This may cause some excess moisture to get sucked into the compressor. This may cause a short-circuit later on, especially if it’s not taken care of right away. Additionally, you should also check for mud and dirt buildup on the fan blades and clean it to reduce friction and drag, which can cause a cumulative problem to the motor.

You will need to check for the line-set inside the unit to see if there’s any shift or misalignment. These shifts can cause some particles to get into the refrigerant loop, which can affect both the cooling efficiency and air quality. If you notice this issue, make sure you fix it right away.

Indoor equipment inspection

The furnace may also be damaged by the increased moisture in the air and from the outside, so you will need to check for any sign of water damage in the indoor unit as well. For example, if water gets into the furnace, it may cause the unit to short circuit, which may actually become a fire hazard if you use it before it’s fixed. This is especially a concern if you have a low-hanging indoor unit in the basement, as there’s a high possibility of the room being flooded during a storm.

Identify water damage in horizontal systems

Horizontal units are much more susceptible to wind and water damage than the vertical ones, as they have more spaces for water to get in to. Additionally, there’s more surface area that will go against the wind, which may cause some stress with the unit. Therefore, if you have a horizontal unit, you will need to be more thorough with the checkup to make sure that there’s no hidden issue with the system.

Check for signs of mold growths

While a vertically mounted furnace may not be as susceptible to damage. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to environmental damage. This is because most of the unit is hung on the ceiling. This means that the unit is safe from flooding. However, since it’s more difficult to clean, it may be more prone to mold growths, which can lead to poor air quality. You will need to check for these signs of contamination and clean it before it becomes worse.

We specialize in HVAC installation & repair in Chicago – get in touch today to see how we can help and to get a free quotation.

Back to Our Blog

Recent Posts

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality in Glenview, IL

Imagine this: it’s a beautiful spring morning in Glenview, IL. You’ve just opened the windows to let in the fresh air and the sounds of chirping birds. The warmth of the sun streams in, and everything seems perfect. But as you take a deep breath, you notice something's off. The air feels heavy, a bit musty, and not as refreshing as you expected. This scenario might seem familiar to many homeowners, and it often points to a larger issue—poor indoor...

Read More

Should I Replace My AC Before Selling My Home in Glenview, IL

Imagine it’s a warm summer day in Glenview, IL. You’re preparing your house for a big open house event, and the sun is blazing down. As prospective buyers tour your home, they’re likely feeling the heat, and you can’t help but wonder: will your aging air conditioning system make or break the deal? The comfort of potential buyers could play a significant role in their overall impression of your home. If you’ve been debating whether to replace your AC before...

Read More

My Heater Smells Like Burning Plastic in Glenview, IL

Picture this: It’s a chilly winter evening in Glenview, IL. The wind is howling outside, and you’ve just settled in for a cozy night at home. You turn on your heater, eagerly anticipating the warm embrace that will chase away the cold. However, instead of the comforting warmth you expected, a strange, unsettling smell begins to fill the air—burning plastic. The unpleasant aroma is far from inviting and leaves you wondering if your heater is in trouble. Experiencing a burning...

Read More

Specials / Promos

Our Special
Offers

Our Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

icon

Great experience all around. From the email and phone call, confirmations etc. The whole group made me feel comfortable and confident that I had chose the right company to do business with. My A/C unit was turning on and off and Elite sent out a very knowledgeable and courteous technician to check, tune up, and recharge my refrigerant. Steve the technician was knowledgeable and walked me through the entire process and was very upfront with what I needed and didn't need. All went well they were on time and got the job done in a timely and professional manner. Customer for life and will refer them gladly.

Steven Mednis

Chicago, IL
icon

We contacted Elite HVACS on one of the hottest days of summer(we had no central air for 2weeks) and they sent some1 out same day to assess situation & decided to go with them for the work. I am happy to say that not only did we get the central air going but also replaced the heating unit which was old. Everyone we talked to from beginning to end were very professional, courteous and the work was very efficiently done. I would highly recommend this company.

Ada Rivera

Chicago, IL
icon

I have had Juan and others from the team over a few times now. They always arrive within the time window provided and provide solid work. Price has always been fair for anything they've performed maintenance on and was always discussed upfront before being work begins. I would recommend them to anyone in the area.

William Rickus

Chicago, IL
Logo 02
Logo 03
Logo 06
Bryant Logo with Slogan