Let’s face it, HVAC units aren’t cheap, so once you have had one installed, or if you live in a new home where one was already installed, you want it to last for as long as possible. Therefore, learning how to provide the best protection against bad weather will make your HVAC unit last longer, thus saving you considerable expense in the long run.

Wind is the biggest danger to your HVAC unit

While gale-force winds could directly damage your HVAC unit, it is other wind-borne items that will actually do most damage. This can rage from tree branches to children’s garden toys. You can double the protection of your HVAC unit by installing what is called a hail guard, a sturdy meshed metal cage that allows air to circulate freely, but which provides protection against larger flying objects.

Planting a “wall” of sturdy shrubs around, but not too close to the HVAC unit can also provide protection, as can a physically walled enclosure. Of course, good air circulation is still vital, so check with a registered HVAC engineer how close to the unit you can build a wall.

Avoid buildup of snow or leaves

In the fall, it is common for leaves to collect in corners, especially of the type created by an HVAC unit set against the wall of a property. The same can happen with drifting snow, or even if you have simply had a heavy fall of snow. Make it part of your daily winter routine to check the HVAC unit in your garden and make sure that there is no build-up of snow or leaves against it.

As a final precaution, during the windy / stormy season, ensure any tree branches that are near your HVAC unit are cut back, and remove any children’s toys from the yard that could get blown into the HVAC unit, whether or not it has a protective cage around it.

If you are not 100% sure you are correctly protecting your HVAC unit, please feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to make sure that all is as it should be.