Arizona’s monsoon season creates uncommon patterns in the weather. Since you live in or around Camp Verde, you are likely no stranger to sudden thunderstorms and intense humidity that come to this area. While the rain does offer relief from the heat, it also creates challenges for your HVAC system. These seasonal changes strain your system and impact its performance if you’re not ready for them.
How Monsoons Affect HVAC Systems in Camp Verde
Monsoons create unique conditions that affect how your cooling system operates. Let’s break down the most common issues.
Increased Humidity
Monsoon rains increase the humidity levels in the air by a large amount. While your HVAC system can handle humidity, sustained moisture is likely to overwhelm the system. This makes it harder to cool your home. Excess humidity forces your air conditioner to work extra hard, resulting in higher energy usage and system wear.
Dust Storms and Debris
Before or after it rains, dust storms and strong winds blow debris into the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. This debris can clog coils, block airflow, and damage the fan in your system.. This will reduce efficiency and potentially lead to system failure.
Power Surges and Outages
Lightning strikes and grid disruptions during monsoon storms can lead to power surges. These electrical spikes can damage sensitive HVAC components, including compressors and thermostats, leaving you without cooling during peak summer heat.
Drainage Issues
Increased rain overwhelms the condensate drainage within your system. If the drain line backs up or clogs, it can lead to water pooling around your indoor unit. This can cause leaks, water damage, and mold growth within your system.
Essential Maintenance for Monsoon Season
Getting your HVAC system ready before monsoon season can go a long way toward preventing major problems. Let’s take a deeper look at what you should prioritize during your next maintenance session.
Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection
Before storm season hits the area, schedule a maintenance inspection with our team at Goettl's High Desert Mechanical. This session will make sure that your entire system is functioning properly, and this includes the refrigerant levels being optimal.
Replace Air Filters
Dust storms can quickly clog your air filter. Make sure that you change your air filters at the beginning of each season and check them every few weeks to ensure they are clean during monsoon season.
Clean Around the Outside Unit
Make sure there are no loose branches, leaves, or debris around your outdoor condenser, and trim any overhanging branches. Secure nearby items that might blow into the unit during a storm.
Inspect the Drain Line
Check your system’s condensate line for clogs. If found during a routine maintenance session, we can flush the line to prevent the occurrence of future water back-ups.
Install a Surge Protector
Protect your system by installing a whole-home surge protector. This helps prevent damage from sudden voltage spikes during a storm.
Why Maintenance is Essential
Monsoon season is not a predictable time of year, and catching problems early is important. Early detection during routine maintenance allows us to find worn components that could possibly fail during a storm. A clean system that is well-maintained runs more efficiently, even in humid or dusty conditions. Preventive care reduces wear and tear on your system and helps your unit last longer.
Smart Upgrades That Help During Monsoon Season
If your HVAC system is older or frequently struggles during monsoon season, investing in strategic upgrades can help protect your comfort and your equipment. These enhancements improve your system’s performance during stormy weather and contribute to year-round energy savings. An upgrade can also improve indoor air quality. Let’s take a look at some of the more common upgrades to consider.
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
The humidity that comes with a monsoon is so intense that it can push your air conditioner beyond its limits. A whole-home dehumidifier helps to remove moisture from the air in your living space. This makes your home feel cooler without overworking your air conditioning unit. By maintaining optimal humidity levels, you will reduce the chance of mold and improve the air quality in your home.
Smart Thermostates
A smart thermostat provides greater control over your cooling system. These devices adjust according to weather conditions and your household habits. Your smart thermostat will let you know when there are humidity spikes or system malfunctions. Some models integrate with humidity sensors for a fully connected solution.
Surge Protection Systems
Power surges occur frequently during monsoon and storms, and they can cause damage to your more sensitive electronics. Install whole-home surge protection to protect our home from voltage spikes.
High-Efficiency Units
If your HVAC system is over 10 years old, upgrade to a high-efficiency model. This will offer your cooling system better resilience when it comes to monsoon-related stress. Modern systems often have enhanced moisture removal capabilities and improved filtration. These are essential features to have in your home during storm season.
Improved Sealing and Insulation
Monsoons can reveal weaknesses in your home, letting humid air seep into your ductwork. Sealing leaks and upgrading insulation will help maintain a more stable climate in your home. Proper insulation will protect against temperature fluctuations in your living space during storms.
Monitoring Tools with Wi-Fi Capability
Some HVAC systems now include remote diagnostics and performance monitoring tools. These devices track energy usage, provide maintenance reminders, and send alerts for unusual activity. The monitoring tools can even alert you to blocked condensate drains or abnormal humidity levels.
What To Do After a Monsoon
Once the storm passes, take the time to fully inspect your system to make sure everything is functioning properly. Clear away any debris and check for damage on the outdoor unit. Make sure you check for small debris, as it can easily block airflow to your system. Inside your living space, listen to be aware of how your cooling system sounds.
Unusual noises or odors may indicate deeper issues. Make sure that your thermostat is functioning correctly and displaying the correct temperature. If your home feels unusually humid or isn’t cooling evenly, contact us for a checkup.
Finally, if you lost power during the storm, wait until the electricity is stable before turning your HVAC system back on. Contact Goettl's High Desert Mechanical for our team members to make sure that your system can safely restart. An inspection allows us to catch problems that are not easy to notice and prevent future repairs.
Contact Goettl's High Desert Mechanical to Keep Your Home Safe from Monsoons
Don’t allow the monsoon season to catch you off guard. From pre-season maintenance sessions to emergency repairs, Goettl's High Desert Mechanical has you covered. With over 35 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges ofthe monsoon season and will ensure your HVAC system is storm-ready. We also provide a maintenance membership program.
If you want to learn more about system upgrades for your Camp Verde home, we can help. Contact us today at Goettl's High Desert Mechanical to schedule a maintenance session with our team.
