Nature doesn’t give you a heads-up before an earthquake or wildfire smoke affects your home. One moment, everything’s fine, and the next, your HVAC system could be damaged by these natural disasters. Protecting it can save you from costly repairs and uncomfortable days later.
At White Mechanical, Inc. in Foothill Ranch, CA, we’ve helped homeowners prepare their HVAC systems to withstand earthquakes, wildfires, and everything in between. Making sure your system is ready now can save you from expensive repairs and stressful days later.
When Earthquakes Shake Things Up Outside
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your air conditioner sitting outside until something goes wrong. But during an earthquake, that big metal unit can move, tilt, or break loose from its base. The shaking doesn’t have to be major for it to cause problems. Sometimes, even a smaller quake can shift things enough to damage the pipes or knock something out of place.
If your outdoor unit shifts, it can pull on the refrigerant lines that run between your house and the system. Those lines are usually made of copper. While copper is strong, it’s not built to handle sudden jerking or bending. If one of those lines’ cracks, the refrigerant can leak out.
The base your unit sits on is another thing that can cause trouble. If it’s just resting on the ground without being secured, a mild quake can tip it to one side. When that happens, the compressor inside the unit can struggle to work properly. Compressors are expensive, and if yours burns out because your unit wasn’t level, you could end up with a repair bill you weren’t expecting.
Getting your outdoor unit secured to a concrete base can help keep it from shifting when the ground shakes. Professionals can bolt it down or install special brackets that hold it in place. That way, the next time you feel a little rumble, you can worry about getting under a doorframe, not whether your AC is still upright outside.
When Smoke Fills the Air During Wildfire Season
Even if flames never get near your house, wildfire smoke can still make its way into your home. You might wake up to an orange sky or step outside and smell that campfire-like scent, but what you don’t see is the fine ash and particles floating in the air. When you turn on your AC, that air gets pulled inside. If your AC’s filters can’t catch the tiny particles, they end up circulating through your house.
Breathing in smoke or particles all day can make your throat scratchy, and your eyes burn. This situation is worse if someone in your family has asthma or allergies. You might think keeping the windows closed is enough, but smoke can still sneak in through small gaps around doors or vents. Your HVAC system becomes your first line of defense, but it can only do its job if the filter is clean.
Standard filters might not be enough when the air quality is bad. You need something that can trap the small particles that come with wildfire smoke. HEPA filters or high-efficiency filters rated MERV 13 or higher are built to catch those tiny bits of ash and soot. Your filter is usually behind a vent in your hallway or inside the air handler. If it looks gray and dusty, it’s time for a new one. During wildfire season, you might need to swap it out every month or sooner if the smoke is heavy.
It’s also a good idea to run your system in “fan mode” with the windows closed when the smoke is bad. That keeps the air circulating through your filter without pulling in more from outside. If you ever smell smoke coming through your vents, it’s a sign to check your filter right away because once those particles get into your system, they’re hard to get out.
Protect Your Outdoor Unit From Falling Debris
During earthquakes or high winds, it’s not just the shaking of the ground or the smoke in the air that can cause problems. Trees, branches, and loose shingles can fall onto your outdoor unit. If something heavy drops on it, the metal fins around the coil can bend or the fan inside can jam.
You might not see the damage right away, but you’ll notice your system isn’t cooling as well as it used to. Those fins help release heat, and when they’re bent, air can’t flow through properly. That makes your system work harder, and over time, it can lead to bigger problems like overheating or short cycling.
If you have trees near your outdoor unit, trimming back the branches can help reduce the risk. Clearing away anything that could blow into your system, like loose patio furniture or garden tools, can also help. After any strong windstorm or quake, it’s a good idea to step outside and look. If you see bent fins or hear strange noises coming from the unit, you should get a professional to check it.
What Happens When Floodwater Reaches Your System
Heavy rain or flooding after a storm can bring water to your outdoor HVAC unit. You might think it’s fine because it’s built to be outside, but water getting inside the system is a different story. If floodwater rises above the base and gets into the electrical components, it can cause rust, corrosion, or short circuits.
When water gets into the compressor or motor, it can damage those parts beyond repair. You might not notice it right away. Your system could run for a while, then suddenly stop working weeks later. Sometimes, the damage is hidden, and your system will run but not as efficiently as before. That can mean higher energy bills and more wear and tear on the parts.
If your unit has been partially submerged, it’s best to turn it off and get it checked before turning it back on. Running it while there’s still water inside can make the damage worse. Professionals can inspect the electrical connections, test the parts, and make sure they are safe to use. It’s better to play it safe than risk damaging your system.
When to Shut Down Your System During an Emergency
There are times when the best way to protect your HVAC system is to turn it off. During wildfires, if you notice heavy smoke outside or smell it inside, shutting off your system can keep it from pulling in more polluted air. You can still use fans indoors to stay cool, but you want to avoid bringing in the smoke if the air quality is dangerous.
After an earthquake, if you notice gas smells, strange noises, or damage to your outdoor unit, turning everything off can prevent further damage. Gas leaks can be dangerous, and electrical issues after shaking can lead to short circuits. Shutting things down gives you time to check for damage without putting your system or your home at risk.
Knowing where your shut-off switches are before something happens can save you time when you need it most. Outdoor units usually have a disconnect box nearby, while indoor systems have switches near the air handler or on your breaker panel. Taking a few minutes to find those now can give you peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Keeping your HVAC system safe during disasters isn’t just about protecting the equipment, but it’s about keeping your home comfortable when you need it most.
Call Us Today
You can’t control earthquakes or wildfires, but you can make sure your HVAC system is ready to handle them. Securing outdoor units, upgrading filters, and knowing when to turn your system off can keep your home safer and prevent costly damage. We offer pro heating and cooling services, including AC maintenance to keep your system in top shape.
If you want to protect your HVAC system and get expert advice, call White Mechanical, Inc. today.
