Dust storms can be very destructive to property if not mitigated. Intense dust storms traveling above 97 miles per hour are known to gather dust particles, small stones, and other debris to become a destructive force in motion. The effects are even worse in arid and semi-arid areas with minimal grass cover.
Regarding the hot and humid temperatures and weather experienced in such areas, air conditioning systems are a must-have appliance in most homes to regulate extreme temperature levels.
During periods when sandstorms are consistent, it is devastating to AC systems. As a result, the systems tend to gather dust that accumulates around the coil and substantially affect its efficiency. It causes the unit to utilize extra energy to function optimally and leads to increased costs.
A typical air conditioning system works by purifying the air in your living spaces and expelling it outside while at the same time sucking in fresh air from outside. The primary function is to maintain pure air for breathing and regulate the room temperatures for desired levels. The most common systems are made with two parts, one on the inside and the other on the outside. Electrical wires and tubing connect the two parts.
We recommend that you consider the nine listed actions in preparation for a sandstorm.
1. Total Overhaul of Your AC System
In most homes on the path of regular or periodic sandstorms, the AC systems are exposed to extreme weather and tend to experience gradual degradation over time. Subject to professional review and advice, it sometimes makes financial and practical sense to overhaul some systems and replace them with new units. Air conditioning systems are meant to operate at certain optimal levels, failure to which the objective of having one might be negated.
At Honest Air Conditioning, we can carry out a feasibility review and recommend the best type of ACs for your home. Then, we can supply and install the unit at your residence. We also offer financing options to allow you to access the system and pay for it over a period. We can even structure a revolving credit line to make it possible for you to acquire the best that you want.
2. Completely Seal Off Your House
Most houses come with standard ventilation and, in some instances, openings that occur for one reason or the other. If your home is regularly exposed to sandstorms, it is advisable to seal the house entirely before the season kicks in.
The air conditioning might suck in the dust and convert the rooms into hazardous breathing environments. It is advisable to have a hail guard installed over the outside part of your AC unit to prevent it from the extreme effects of the sand storm. Sandstorms are often intense and might weaken areas in your house, allowing the dust to flow in.
3. Shut Down Your Air Conditioning System
Unfortunately, sandstorms tend to occur when temperatures are excessively high, and most houses need the AC to be running. However, it is advisable to have your AC system switched off before the storm reaches your home. When the system isn’t working, it will not suck in dust from the air, but when it is running, there is a high chance that it might suck in the particles floating in the air and cause damage to your system.
It is notable that during storms, there is a tendency that power outages will also occur. Power outages sometimes cause damage to your AC and other appliances in your home. Therefore, you should turn off your AC and wait for at least five to ten minutes after the power is back before you switch it on.
4. Hire a Professional for Service of the System Before a Storm
Over time, the system gathers dust with water mixing to form cake lumps around it through the seasons. Unfortunately, the caking happens both inside and outside the unit. You need to seek assistance from Honest Air Conditioning to help you clean up your AC and have it operate at optimal levels. Moisture is also destructive to the outside fan monitor. Ensure your outdoor unit is dry and away from direct water.
5. Regular Service Before and After Dust Storms
For people living in areas prone to continuous dust storms, like areas along the path of the monsoon winds, constant servicing before and after the storm is recommended. In such locations, the lull between successive storms is not long, and therefore, you need to keep having your AC reviewed before and after the storms by experts. Expertise is required to identify even the slightest malfunction that you might not discern.
6. Increase Ventilation of Your House
Immediately after a dust storm, some dust will hang around your living spaces. Chances are, your AC will suck in these particles and clog up. To avoid recurrence, you are advised to increase the ventilation vents of your house to reduce the load of impurities that are meant to be expelled by the AC system. In addition, create an outlet for air that flows in and not necessarily leaving through the AC.
7. Use of an Indoor Air Purifier
Remember, the idea is to get rid of dust particles from the house so that the AC does not suck it in. An indoor air purifier will come in handy so that there is an alternative to the AC when the sand storm arrives. In addition, indoor air purifiers significantly reduce the otherwise risk of replacing your AC system.
8. Clean the Air Filter
Cleaning of the air filter should be continuous and regular. If you have a disposable air filter, you need to be replacing it as often as possible as directed by an AC professional. If you have a permanent filter, ensure it is cleaned regularly before the dust storms kick in. We also advise that using a pleated air filter is more efficient since it increases the surface area of interaction between the filter and the air.
9. Check and Service Your Ductwork
Your ductwork is prone to damage over time with repeated exposure to extreme weather conditions. Breakages and leakages will defeat the purpose of having an AC in place. Honest Air Conditioning is a call away to offer the service.
As you make your preparations, anticipating dust storms or your regular service, contact us for professional assistance. We are your trusted expert technicians that can help you experience the optimal performance of your air conditioner.
We have proudly been servicing the ACs for homes in Mesa, Arizona, where we are based. However, we offer our services to Higley, San Tan Valley, Chandler, Gold Canyon, Fountain Hills, Chandler Heights, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Tempe, and Phoenix. Our Team will get to you for the best service experience.
We have an A+ BBB rating and zero complaints with the AZ Registrar of contractors. We channel all our efforts to ensure all our clients get the best experience. Contact Honest Air Conditioning for cooling repair, cooling replacement, cooling maintenance, heating repair, heating installations, and heating tune-ups. Let our experts give you peace of mind as the summer and the monsoon winds approach. We are only a call away and a request away through our online portal.