How Extreme Weather Affects Your HVAC System & What to Do About It

Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in keeping your home or business comfortable, but extreme weather conditions can put significant strain on your heating and cooling equipment. Whether it’s scorching summer heat, freezing winter temperatures, or severe storms, your HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain a consistent indoor climate. At D-N-D Services, we’ve seen firsthand how extreme weather can impact HVAC systems in Rockwall, Garland, Dallas, and surrounding areas.

Understanding these effects can help you prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your HVAC system.

How Extreme Heat Affects Your HVAC System

When temperatures soar, your air conditioner runs longer and works harder to keep indoor temperatures cool. This increased workload can lead to several issues, including:

1. Overheating of components – Prolonged operation can strain the compressor and other mechanical parts.
2. Refrigerant issues – Low refrigerant levels or leaks reduce cooling efficiency.
3. Dirty or clogged filters – Increased dust and debris buildup forces your system to work harder, leading to poor airflow.
4. Frozen evaporator coils – While it may seem counterintuitive, extreme heat can sometimes cause the evaporator coils to freeze due to restricted airflow or refrigerant problems.

What to Do:

1. Schedule routine maintenance before summer to ensure your system is running efficiently.
2. Change air filters regularly to prevent airflow restrictions.
3. Check refrigerant levels and have a professional inspect for leaks.
4. Use ceiling fans to help distribute cool air and reduce strain on the AC unit.
5. Keep outdoor units shaded but with proper airflow to prevent overheating.

How Freezing Temperatures Impact Your HVAC System

During extreme cold, your heating system has to work continuously to keep your home or business warm, leading to:

1. Frozen pipes and coils – If water in your HVAC system freezes, it can cause pipes or coils to crack.
2. Increased wear and tear – Constant operation can overwork the furnace, heat pump, or boiler.
3. Blocked or clogged vents – Snow, ice, or debris can block exhaust vents, reducing efficiency and safety.
4. Malfunctioning heat pumps – In extremely low temperatures, heat pumps may struggle to extract heat from the outside air.

What to Do:

1. Schedule a winter tune-up to ensure your heating system is in peak condition.
2. Keep vents and outdoor units clear of snow, ice, and debris.
3. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and cracking.
4. Use a programmable thermostat to prevent overworking your system while maintaining comfort.
5. Consider a backup heat source if you rely solely on a heat pump.

The Effects of Severe Storms on Your HVAC System

Severe storms, including heavy rain, hail, high winds, and lightning, can cause significant damage to HVAC units. These effects include:

1. Power surges – Lightning strikes or sudden power outages can damage HVAC electrical components.
2. Flooding and water damage – Heavy rain can flood outdoor units, leading to rust, electrical failures, and mold growth.
3. Debris damage – High winds can cause leaves, branches, and other debris to clog or damage the outdoor unit.
4. Hail damage – Hailstorms can dent or break condenser coils and fan blades.

What to Do:

1. Install a surge protector to prevent electrical damage from power surges.
2. Secure outdoor units to prevent storm damage.
3. Keep drainage areas clear around your HVAC system to avoid flooding.
4. Cover the unit with a breathable HVAC cover when a major storm is expected.
5. Schedule a post-storm inspection to check for hidden damage.

How High Humidity Affects Your HVAC System

Excess humidity makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Common issues caused by high humidity include:

1. Reduced cooling efficiency – Your AC may struggle to remove excess moisture from the air.
2. Increased mold and mildew growth – High humidity levels create the perfect environment for mold inside ducts and HVAC components.
3. Short cycling – An overworked system may turn on and off frequently, reducing efficiency.

What to Do:

1. Install a whole-house dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels.
2. Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, and attics.
3. Keep your AC system maintained to prevent clogged drain lines and reduced efficiency.

The Impact of Extreme Weather on Indoor Air Quality

Extreme weather events, such as wildfires, dust storms, and high pollen seasons, can significantly affect indoor air quality. Your HVAC system may circulate dust, allergens, smoke particles, and other pollutants, leading to:

1. Increased allergy and asthma symptoms
2. Poor air circulation and stuffy indoor environments
3. Clogged air filters and reduced system efficiency

What to Do:

1. Change air filters frequently, especially during allergy seasons or wildfire smoke events.
2. Use high-efficiency HEPA filters to trap small particles.
3. Invest in an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.
4. Schedule duct cleaning to remove dust and contaminants from your ventilation system.

Conclusion

Extreme weather can take a toll on your heating and cooling system, but with proper preventative maintenance and timely repairs, you can extend the life of your HVAC equipment and improve efficiency.

At D-N-D Services, we offer:

1. Seasonal HVAC maintenance to prepare your system for extreme weather.
2. 24/7 emergency repair services for unexpected breakdowns.
3. Indoor air quality solutions to combat high humidity, dust, and allergens.
4. Professional HVAC inspections to check for damage after storms or extreme weather events.

Whether you’re dealing with summer heat, winter cold, or storm damage, our expert technicians are here to keep your system running smoothly all year long.