Midwestern homeowners know how disruptive and unpredictable a spring storm can be. Heavy winds, excessive rainfall, and even lightning strikes can take a toll on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems over time. 

Before the next thunderstorm hits, it’s smart to plan ahead to protect these vital systems. In this blog, we’re covering a few different ways you can prepare your home. 

 

Clear loose debris around your HVAC unit

While you’re finishing up your storm prep, don’t forget to take care of your outdoor condenser. You should inspect the area around the unit for any loose debris, such as twigs, branches, mulch, and other materials. You may even want to trim back some tree branches or bushes if they’re in the way. 

After the storm passes, check the area again to remove any new debris brought in by the high winds. Keeping the space clear allows your condenser to work properly without restricting airflow or hindering performance. 

 

Change HVAC filters to help improve airflow and humidity levels

Your HVAC system doesn’t just cool your home. It’s also responsible for removing moisture from the air. Humidity levels can rise quickly during a storm, and you may feel the effects inside your home. One thing you can do to help is change your HVAC filters. 

It’s a small task that helps improve airflow. Restricted airflow from a clogged filter may cause your system to work harder to remove moisture from the air. Homes that struggle with humidity may want to consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier that connects directly to your HVAC system to provide moisture control. 

Taking care of your HVAC system with routine filter changes can actually help keep your home comfortable. 

 

Test your sump battery backup pump 

Another thing you should do before the next storm rolls through is test your backup pump. If a severe thunderstorm causes a power outage, you want to ensure the battery backup system works properly to prevent any potential flooding. 

To test your battery backup system, you can unplug the primary AC pump and fill your tank until it activates the battery backup pump. Listen to confirm that the pump is running.

Taking the time to do this quick test now can help you prevent water damage in your basement if the power ever goes out. 

 

Inspect your sump pump discharge drain line

While you’re checking on your sump pump battery backup, take a minute to inspect your sump pump discharge line. Look for any loose debris that may be clogging the line. 

If there’s any blockage, it can prevent water from properly exiting the system, which may cause the pump to run more frequently or struggle to keep up. When the discharge line can’t move water away from your home’s foundation, it may flow back into the pit, increasing the risk of basement flooding. 

If you have any issues with your discharge line, contact Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical to schedule a professional inspection rather than trying to fix it yourself. 

 

Test the response of your whole-home generator

A whole-home generator is one of the best investments you can make, especially if you live somewhere with unpredictable weather conditions and are vulnerable to power outages. It’s a safer, more reliable way to keep your home’s systems powered. Portable generators can be a more affordable option, but they pose some safety risks and can’t power everything. 

Whole-home generators are designed to turn on automatically when you lose electricity. You can have an electrician safely test if your generator is working by turning off your main breaker and letting it run. 

Doing this can provide you and your family peace of mind knowing that your home can still function if you lose power.

 

Keep your EV charger protected 

If you have an electric vehicle charger installed in your garage, it’s important to be prepared for severe weather. While your Level 2 charger should be up to code, it doesn’t hurt to take additional steps to protect it. Spring storms can bring power surges and excess moisture, so using surge protection and keeping the area around your charger dry can help prevent potential damage. 

While you shouldn’t have to worry about your EV charger during a storm, it doesn’t hurt to take a few extra precautions to keep your charger and home safe. 

 

Contact Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical for all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs this spring 

At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with unpredictable severe weather disrupting your day. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are working safely and efficiently this season.

If these issues persist and turn into even bigger problems requiring emergency repairs or replacements, we’re there when you need us. We’re fully staffed 24/7 with a supportive and caring customer service team ready to take your call for any emergency service.

So call us today at 815-444-0979 to schedule your next appointment with us.