When a major nor’easter is approaching, most businesses are focused on protecting their buildings, employees, and operations from heavy rain and strong winds. Your HVAC equipment should be part of that preparation. Commercial HVAC equipment—especially rooftop units—are heavily exposed to the elements. Heavy rain, high winds, power interruptions, and debris can create problems that may not become apparent until after the storm has passed. A little preventative attention before the storm can help reduce the likelihood of an unexpected HVAC emergency.
Start With Your Rooftop Equipment
Rooftop HVAC equipment deserves particular attention before a major storm. Before severe weather arrives, inspect the equipment for obvious signs of vulnerability, including:
- Loose or damaged access panels
- Deteriorated panel gaskets
- Loose or missing screws, fasteners, hoods, or louvers
- Damaged roof curbs or flashing
- Debris around or on top of the equipment
- Blocked outside-air intake hoods or screens
Anything loose on or around rooftop equipment can potentially become a problem during high winds. Removing debris and addressing obvious deficiencies before the storm can help protect both the HVAC equipment, the roof and anyone or anything on the ground below.
Check Condensate Drains and Drainage
Heavy rain makes proper drainage especially important. While a commercial HVAC system’s condensate system is designed primarily to handle moisture generated during cooling, blocked drains, dirty drain pans, or malfunctioning condensate pumps can contribute to water problems inside the equipment. Before the storm, technicians should verify that:
- Condensate drains are clear
- Traps are properly configured and free of obstructions
- Drain pans are clean
- Condensate pumps operate properly
- Roof drains and scuppers around HVAC equipment are clear
- There are no obvious signs of existing water intrusion
It’s also worth paying special attention to equipment that has experienced previous condensate or water-leak problems.
Inspect Electrical Components
Water and electricity are a bad combination. A pre-storm inspection should include a visual check of electrical disconnects, enclosures, conduit fittings, and other exposed electrical components for obvious signs of deterioration or water intrusion. Also verify that electrical covers and enclosures are properly closed and identify any deteriorated seals, fittings, or penetrations that could allow water into equipment.
For critical facilities, the storm is also a good reminder to review the building’s surge protection and backup-power strategy.
Review Your Emergency Power
If your facility has a generator, don’t assume that every piece of critical HVAC equipment will automatically operate during a power outage. Building owners and facility managers should know which HVAC equipment is connected to emergency power and whether critical controls, pumps, boilers, and other components will restart properly after a power interruption.
For facilities that depend on continuous environmental control—such as healthcare facilities, schools, data centers, and buildings with sensitive equipment—this review is particularly important.
Identify Your Highest-Risk Equipment
Not every building requires the same level of storm preparation. We recommend giving additional attention to:
Coastal or exposed buildings
These locations may experience stronger winds and driving rain.
Buildings with older rooftop equipment
Older equipment may have deteriorated panels, seals, fasteners, or electrical components.
Buildings with known roof leaks
HVAC penetrations and roof curbs can be particularly vulnerable areas.
Buildings with previous condensate problems
A partially blocked drain can become a much bigger problem when combined with heavy precipitation.
Critical facilities
Healthcare facilities, schools, laboratories, data centers, and other buildings where HVAC downtime can have significant consequences deserve additional planning.
Safety Comes First
Most importantly, don’t put employees at risk trying to inspect rooftop equipment during severe weather. Rooftops can become extremely hazardous in high winds and heavy rain. All inspections and repairs should be completed by qualified personnel before weather conditions deteriorate, and rooftop access should be restricted when conditions become unsafe.
If an HVAC problem develops during the storm, contact a qualified HVAC professional rather than sending untrained personnel onto the roof.
A Little Preparation Can Prevent a Big Problem
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared your HVAC system is for it. A quick pre-storm inspection can identify loose equipment components, drainage problems, electrical concerns, and other deficiencies before they become emergency service calls.
Before the next nor’easter rolls in, don’t forget to look up—your rooftop HVAC equipment deserves a little attention, too.