Severe Storm Prep: Protect Your Home’s HVAC, Plumbing, and Generator Systems

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HVAC

Plumbing

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// Posted by Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.

Severe storms can cause major disruptions to your home’s comfort and safety. Without proper preparation, your HVAC, plumbing, and generator systems could suffer costly damage. At Crossville Heating & Cooling, we want to help you protect your home before, during, and after a storm.

Key Takeaways

  • Secure your outdoor HVAC unit to prevent damage from debris and high winds.
  • Install surge protectors to safeguard your HVAC system and generator from power surges.
  • Test and maintain your sump pump to prevent basement flooding.
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets to avoid frozen or burst pipes.
  • Ensure your generator is in working condition and keep a safe fuel supply.
  • Know the location of your main water shut-off valve for emergencies.
  • Schedule professional maintenance to ensure your systems are storm-ready.

Protecting Your HVAC System

Securing Your Outdoor Unit

High winds and flying debris can damage your HVAC system. Use a protective cover or barrier to shield it while maintaining proper airflow.

Using Surge Protectors

Power surges during storms can damage your HVAC unit. Installing a surge protector helps prevent costly electrical repairs.

Adjusting Your Thermostat

Before a storm, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature in case of a power outage.

Inspecting After the Storm

Once the storm clears, check for debris, flooding, or system malfunctions before restarting your HVAC.

Plumbing Precautions

Checking for Leaks

Heavy rain can put extra pressure on your plumbing system. Inspect for leaks and address any issues early.

Preventing Sewer Backup

A backflow prevention valve can stop rising water from backing up into your home’s plumbing.

Ensuring Sump Pump Functionality

A working sump pump is essential for preventing basement flooding. Test it before the storm hits to ensure it's operational.

Generator Readiness

Testing Your Generator

Make sure your generator is in working order by running a test before the storm.

Maintaining a Safe Fuel Supply

Keep enough fuel on hand, but store it safely to avoid hazards.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Always operate portable generators outdoors, away from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Post-Storm Action Plan

  • Inspect your HVAC, plumbing, and generator systems for damage.
  • If you notice any issues, call a professional before using the equipment.
  • Schedule necessary maintenance or repairs to prevent long-term problems.

Trust the Experts at Crossville Heating & Cooling

Storm damage can be unpredictable, but with proper maintenance, your home can stay protected. As the fastest in town since 1982, Crossville Heating & Cooling provides expert HVAC, plumbing, and generator services to keep your home safe and running efficiently.

Conclusion

By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home’s essential systems in top shape. Need expert help? Call Crossville Heating & Cooling today for storm preparation and maintenance!

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Locally owned and operated since 1982, Crossville Heating & Cooling, Inc. serves Middle and East Tennessee with heating, air, plumbing, and generator services. We provide fast, eco-friendly solutions for homes and light businesses — your trusted comfort partner for over 40 years.
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FAQ

How often should you schedule an HVAC maintenance?

Homeowners should set up HVAC maintenance twice a year. It's best to do this in the spring and fall. This keeps the system running well and saves energy.

FAQ

What is a plumbing inspection?

A plumbing inspection checks a home's plumbing system. This includes pipes inside and outside, like hose bibs, sinks, and toilets. It's a detailed check that goes beyond a simple home inspection.

FAQ

What is considered a plumbing emergency?

Plumbing emergencies include water leaks, burst or damaged pipes, and sagging or discolored ceilings. They also cover low water pressure, overflowing toilets, and clogged drains. Other issues are water heater failure, gas leaks, and sewage backups.

These problems can cause a lot of water damage, health risks, and safety issues. They need quick action by a professional plumber.

What is HVAC maintenance?

HVAC maintenance is a service that keeps your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in top shape. It includes checking and maintaining all parts of the HVAC system. This keeps your system efficient.

Why should you get a plumbing inspection?

Getting a plumbing inspection helps spot problems early. It shows the plumbing's condition to potential buyers. And it stops small issues from becoming big, costly ones.

Why is it crucial to address plumbing emergencies promptly?

It's important to fix plumbing problems fast to prevent water damage and mold growth. These issues can harm your home's structure and your family's health. Waiting can lead to expensive repairs later.

What are the components involved in HVAC maintenance?

During maintenance, technicians check and service key parts like air filters, coils, refrigerant levels, and electrical connections. This ensures everything works right.

What are the types of plumbing inspections?

There are two main types of plumbing inspections. A visual inspection looks for leaks or problems with water and sewer fittings. A camera inspection uses high-resolution cameras to see inside pipes and the sewer line.

What are the common signs of a water leak?

Look out for wet spots on floors or walls, discoloration, and sounds of running water. These signs mean you might have a serious water leak. Ignoring it can cause more damage, mold, and structural problems.

What factors determine the frequency of HVAC maintenance?

How often you need HVAC maintenance depends on the system's age and the local climate. Newer systems usually need maintenance once a year. Older systems might need it more often.

What's included in a plumbing inspection?

A plumbing inspection checks sinks, toilets, and pipes. It looks at outdoor faucets and the water heater too. Sometimes, it includes a camera inspection of the sewer line.

What are the dangers of a burst or damaged pipe?

A burst pipe can spill hundreds of gallons of water quickly, damaging walls, floors, and furniture. It's often caused by freezing, corrosion, or high pressure. You need a professional plumber right away.

When is the ideal time to schedule HVAC maintenance?

Schedule HVAC maintenance before you really need it, which is usually in spring and fall. This helps the system work better when you need it most.

How much does a plumbing inspection cost?

A plumbing inspection usually costs about $200. Visual inspections are cheaper, but camera inspections can be up to $500. You might also need to pay for repairs if problems are found.

How can sagging or discolored ceilings indicate a plumbing issue?

Sagging or discolored ceilings suggest a hidden water leak. This can lead to structural damage and mold growth. These signs mean water has been leaking behind walls or ceilings for a while.

What are the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance?

Regular maintenance makes your HVAC system more reliable. It helps spot problems early and works more efficiently. This can save you money on energy bills.

How often should you get a plumbing inspection?

Experts suggest getting a plumbing inspection every two years. If your home is over 40 years old, consider an annual check to keep the plumbing in good shape.

When is low water pressure considered a plumbing emergency?

Low water pressure is a problem if it affects many faucets or fixtures. It can be caused by a failing pressure regulator, clogged pipes, or municipal water issues. This needs quick action.

How can homeowners prepare for professional HVAC maintenance visits?

Clean around the outdoor unit and check the coils and cabinet for damage before the technician comes. Also, inspect the ductwork for leaks.

How can you prepare for a plumbing inspection?

There's no special prep needed, but knowing about any issues like slow drains or leaks is helpful. Tell the inspector about these problems before the inspection.

How can you address an overflowing toilet or clogged drain?

Try using a plunger or turning off the water supply to the toilet. But if it keeps overflowing, call an emergency plumber. They can fix it before more damage happens.

How can homeowners find a reliable HVAC maintenance provider?

Choose HVAC companies with certified technicians, like those with NATE certification. They should also have a good history of quality service and happy customers.

What are the benefits of regular plumbing inspections?

Regular inspections catch small problems early, avoiding big, costly repairs. They prevent water damage and ensure your plumbing works well. They can also make your home more appealing to buyers.

When is a malfunctioning water heater considered a plumbing emergency?

A broken water heater is an emergency if it has gas leaks or could cause water damage. Signs include no hot water, strange noises, or leaks. Call a plumber if you notice these.

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a locally owned heating and air conditioning company that provides sales, service, and installation of any type of heating or cooling in your home or light commercial building.

Although the name Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is new, Mr. Richard Gilmer has been in the business of keeping his neighbors comfortable since 1998. As our presence in the HVAC contractors industry has evolved, we decided to change the name of our business to better reflect our commitment to the Middle TN area.

Our core values include implementing economically friendly products and practices to better contribute to the health and home of our customers. We are EPA certified and ensure that all refrigerant is recycled and all equipment is disposed of as per environmentally-safe standards. Our service techs and installers are trained to conduct business with minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle so that the only impact we make is a positive one

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