Monsoon season in Flagstaff and other communities in north central Arizona brings welcome rain and cooler evenings, but can pose unique challenges for homeowners. With high winds, dust storms, and sudden temperature spikes, these conditions can put a strain on your home’s HVAC system. To keep your home comfortable and running efficiently, it’s important to prepare your heating, ventilation, and AC system before the monsoon season arrives.
Our team at Aire Serv of North Central Arizona discusses essential tasks to ensure your HVAC system is ready to handle whatever the Arizona monsoons throw your way.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential in retaining good air quality and ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently—especially during dusty monsoon storms. Dust blown in during monsoons can quickly clog your filter, forcing your system to work harder to cool your home.
Check your air filter every 30 days during monsoon season, and replace it if it looks dirty. If you have family members with allergies or pets at home, you may need to replace it even more frequently. Consider using high-efficiency filters that capture smaller particles to keep indoor air cleaner.
Pro Tip: Keep a few extra filters on hand during monsoon season so you can change them quickly when needed.
2. Clean and Check Outdoor Units
Debris is one of the biggest threats to your outdoor HVAC unit during monsoon season. Strong winds can blow leaves, dirt, and branches into the unit, potentially blocking airflow or damaging internal components.
Before the monsoons start, inspect your outdoor condenser unit and clear away unit and clear away leaves, grass, or any debris around it. Use a garden hose to gently rinse off the fins and coils, being careful not to bend the fins.
Safety Tip: Be sure to switch off the power to your HVAC system before cleaning the unit.
If you notice significant damage or debris stuck in hard-to-reach areas, contact a professional technician to handle the deep cleaning and inspections.
3. Secure the Unit Against High Winds
Strong gusts of wind that accompany monsoon storms can damage outdoor HVAC units if they aren’t properly secured. Take steps to ensure your unit is ready for turbulent weather.
First, check that the condenser sits on a sturdy, level platform. If it’s loose or unstable, have a professional technician secure it. You can also use a weatherproof protective condenser cover to shield the unit from heavy rain and flying debris.
Finally, trim any nearby trees or bushes that could drop branches or leaves onto the unit. This step protects your HVAC system and reduces potential roof and gutter blockages during the storm season.
4. Seal Air Ducts and Check Insulation
Air leaks in your ductwork or poor attic insulation can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, especially when combating high humidity levels during Arizona’s monsoons.
Inspect your ducts for visible gaps, holes, or loose connections. Seal off any leaks using mastic sealant or metal-backed tape for a better fit. Similarly, check your home’s insulation, particularly in the attic, to ensure it meets recommended efficiency standards for Arizona’s hot climate.
Properly sealed and insulated ducts help your HVAC system maintain comfortable temperatures, prevent energy waste, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility bills.
5. Install a Surge Protector
During monsoon season, electricity usage often spikes, and lightning storms can lead to sudden power surges. These surges can damage your HVAC system’s electrical components or even cause a complete system failure.
Installing a surge protector specifically for your HVAC system is a smart investment. It will protect delicate electrical parts, such as the compressor and circuit board, from sudden surges. Consult an HVAC technician in central Arizona to find the right surge protection solution for your unit.
6. Check and Maintain Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system, so it’s important to ensure it's functioning correctly before the monsoons arrive. Test your thermostat by setting different temperatures to make sure the HVAC system responds correctly.
If you’re using an older manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These advanced systems can adjust cooling and heating schedules automatically based on the outdoor conditions, enhancing efficiency and comfort during unpredictable monsoon weather.
7. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
While you can perform plenty of maintenance tasks on your own, some aspects of HVAC care are best left to the professionals. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up before monsoon season can help identify potential problems early to ensure everything works well.
During a tune-up, our HVAC professionals inspect the system’s refrigerant levels, check the condenser coils, test electrical connections, measure airflow, and more. This detailed assessment ensures your HVAC unit is ready to handle Arizona’s intense storms and fluctuating temperatures.
8. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Monsoon rains bring much-needed moisture to the arid Arizona landscape but can also lead to higher indoor humidity levels. Excess humidity can make your home feel warmer than it actually is, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
Use a dehumidifier or invest in an HVAC system with built-in dehumidification features to keep indoor moisture levels in check. Maintaining recommended humidity levels ensures better comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Let Our HVAC Professionals Help Prepare Your System for Severe Weather
Preparing your HVAC system for Arizona’s monsoon season is key to ensuring your home's comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. From cleaning air filters to securing outdoor units and scheduling a professional tune-up, these steps can help safeguard your system from the unique challenges that monsoon weather brings.
With a bit of preparation, your HVAC system can weather the storms and keep your home cool, comfortable, and safe all season long.
Request a quote or schedule HVAC tune-up service and more.
