Hurricane-Ready HVAC Tech Gains Ground

TAMPA, Fla. — As the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) points out, some items and structures used in Florida homes are more vulnerable to early failure than those in homes elsewhere. Their continued or prolonged exposure to sun, heat, wind, saltwater and hurricanes makes them more susceptible to premature deterioration and breakdowns. Take HVAC systems as an example; here, the lifespan of central ACs is only five to 12 years, but it can be longer in other places.

HVAC innovations are fortunately on the rise. They help extend the life and improve the functionality and energy efficiency of comfort systems installed in Florida homes. From weatherproofing to corrosion resistance, these are all advancements in HVAC technology that Sunshine State homeowners should explore.

Read on as we'll discuss these innovations in more detail.

Weatherproof enclosures

Florida's coastal location, coupled with its general subtropical and Southern tropical climate, is the primary reason for the state's susceptibility to hurricanes.

Unfortunately, climate change is making things worse not just in Florida but throughout the United States. It doesn't seem to increase the number of hurricanes hitting the country. However, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) says it's contributing to more intense storms.

The effect of inclement weather on HVAC systems

Hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and strong winds can all affect HVAC systems in Florida by causing physical damage. They can blow branches and other objects into the outdoor unit, for instance. If this happens, they can damage components like condenser coil fins and fan blades.

Hurricanes can also cause electrical issues. An example is when a storm's strong winds blow and cut into an outdoor HVAC unit's electrical cables and wires.

An HVAC system may also sustain flooding and water damage. It can result from heavy rainfall overwhelming the system's drainage. Water can enter openings in the outdoor component or flood the surrounding area where the unit is.

HVAC enclosures to the rescue

Given the significant damage hurricanes and extreme weather events can cause to HVAC systems, innovative weatherproof enclosures are becoming more commonplace in Florida homes. They're encasements made of sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials. They help protect outdoor HVAC units from:

High-quality enclosures also provide optimal air circulation. They often have slitted or vented designs that allow air to move freely out of the HVAC unit and into the outdoors.

Many enclosures even have aesthetic features. They blend seamlessly with the surroundings or can make the unit more inconspicuous.

More durable flood barriers

Nowadays, you can get more durable flood barriers for hurricane readiness from reputable HVAC contractors. Like enclosures, flood barriers serve as a physical shield for outdoor HVAC units. They help prevent debris and water intrusion and damage.

The key difference is that some barriers have flood sensors and switches. Such technologies automatically engage the "shield" and shut off the HVAC system.

Sturdier elevated mounts

Most outdoor HVAC units usually come with condenser pads. They're platforms made of rubber or concrete.

Condenser pads provide the unit with a stable, level surface. They prevent it from settling or sinking into the ground due to vibrations. They also protect units from debris and moisture.

What standard condenser pads can't do is protect outdoor HVAC units from rising floodwaters.

Enter modern, more innovative HVAC mounts. They've seen improvements in many aspects, including:

Today's HVAC mounts provide elevated platforms and pads with sturdier, more robust anchoring and support. They're strong enough to withstand higher installation or placement locations. Some even offer adjustable features that allow homeowners to raise them as needed.

Manufacturers also apply moisture and corrosion protection finishes to these mounts. They help provide longer-term performance in flood-prone areas like Florida.

Modern HVAC mounts even provide advanced vibration and noise reduction features. They further help stabilize outdoor units. Their dampening capabilities also help reduce the transmission of noise and vibration, which allows the systems to operate more quietly.

Professional-grade surge protectors

Professional-grade surge protectors are HVAC innovations that make comfort systems hurricane-ready by safeguarding them from power surges.

With a professional-grade surge protector, you can shield your HVAC system's circuit boards and electrical components from power spikes. Your local HVAC contractor can install this in your system. By doing so, they can prepare and protect it from hurricanes and other inclement weather events (e.g., lightning strikes that can also cause power surges).

Corrosion resistant features

Some of the latest advancements in hurricane-ready HVAC systems are hydrophobic insulation materials. They're highly resistant to moisture retention and absorption. Thanks to these features, they can deliver a higher level of protection against corrosion, whether caused by Florida's hurricanes or salty air.

Protecting your HVAC system from corrosion is crucial because it can lead to rust and leaks (e.g., in refrigerant lines). When refrigerant lines corrode and leak, they allow refrigerant, the chemical responsible for heat transfer (which then helps cool or heat the air in your Florida home), to escape and go to waste.

The more refrigerant your HVAC system loses, the less efficient it becomes. The less efficient it is, the poorer it performs.

Poor HVAC performance not only compromises your home's comfort and livability. It can also result in increased energy usage and higher cooling and heating bills.

Inadequate AC performance and refrigerant leaks can also lead to higher humidity levels. When your home is too humid, you can expect not only discomfort but also an increased risk of mold growth.

Be more hurricane-ready by investing in these HVAC innovations

From weatherproof enclosures to flood barriers, more advanced mounts, and hydrophobic insulation, these are just some of the HVAC innovations that Florida homeowners should consider investing in. They can help make comfort systems throughout homes in the state more hurricane ready. They can also extend HVAC lifespans and even help boost energy efficiency and performance.

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