How to Keep Your HVAC Running During Power Outages

When the power goes out, is your business ready? Also, how can you keep it safe so you don’t have to call a contractor like Fusion Repair to fix or replace it due to damage? Or will you be running around trying to find options to stay warm or cool? Power outages happen anytime. A good, reliable HVAC power backup option for your business is essential. Which one is best? How do you know what you need?  We’ll look at some options for backup power, their pros and cons, and what affects the amount of power an HVAC unit needs. This way you’ll be prepared.

Understanding Your HVAC System’s Power Needs

Before choosing a backup option, you have to understand the needs of the system. There are four things that affect how much power your system needs to run.

• System Size:  If you have a bigger system, it will need more power to run.
• System Type: What type of system do you have? This will affect its power needs. Packaged systems, VRF, and split systems all vary in the amount of power needed.
• Operations:  building size, occupancy, and business type will impact the power needs of the system.
• Energy Efficiency: Higher EER and SEER ratings mean that the system is more energy efficient, so the power consumption is reduced overall.

HVAC solutions have different requirements, so it really depends. Visit the website of an HVAC provider for detailed specifications or to consult with a professional about your system’s needs.

Backup Power Options: Generators, Batteries, and Beyond

Pixabay

Since New York is often known for big storms, particularly in the winter, it’s always good to have a backup power option for your HVAC unit. Here are two options and their pros and cons.

Generator

Many businesses and homeowners use a generator as their backup power source of choice.

Pros:

• Runs for a long time
• Reliable and robust
• Great for a large facility
• Is automatable
• Can power more than just your HVAC system

Cons

• Needs fuel
• Often noisy
• Needs maintenance regularly

Batteries

Batteries are another option that you can use as backup. In fact, they aren’t a bad idea to have as well as a generator, in case fuel is hard to get.

Pros:

• Operates cleanly and quietly
• Able to store energy created by solar panels
• Reduced grid reliance
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Limited runtime
• Costs may be high up front

So, which should you choose? It depends on whether you want to store fuel and if you have the up-front cost for the batteries.

Pre-Outage Prep: Steps to Protect Your HVAC System

You never know when it’s going to happen. But, there are things that are good to do to be ready for the power outage.

• Have a plan in place – If the power goes out, you want to have a plan in place, so everyone knows what to do. Have a list of phone numbers to call, know who is supposed to turn things off, switch the power, etc.
• Replace filters and clean ducts – Doing this helps reduce breakdowns of your system.
• Have surge protectors – A power surge can damage or fry your system. This will protect it.
• Have a backup power option – The time to find backup power is before the outage, not during.

During the Outage: Smart Tips to Stay Comfortable

All of a sudden, the power goes out. There’s no light, no heat/air conditioning, nothing is running. What do you do now? Here are a few things to do to stay comfortable.

• During summer, keep blinds, drapes, and windows closed to keep the sunlight out. During the winter, have everyone wear their outerwear.
• Turn off unnecessary appliances and lights
• Don’t use major appliances such as a stove or washer
• Use battery-operated flashlights and fans

Long-Term Solutions: Investing in Resilience for Future Outages

Want to be prepared for a power outage? Here are some tips beyond HVAC power backup choices.

• Proactive Maintenance: Regularly changing filters, having your system tuned up seasonally, and having regular inspections can prevent your system from breaking down. It can also extend your HVAC equipment’s lifespan.
•  Energy-Efficient Systems: Choosing to upgrade to a system that is more energy efficient can make a difference. Add a smart thermostat or one with a variable-speed compressor. This can minimize the amount of energy used and can lower costs.

In Conclusion

The last thing that you want is to have your HVAC system not work because of a power outage. So, before something happens and the power goes out, it’s best to prepare for an outage. Choose whether you want a generator, batteries, or both as your backup sources of power. This way, when the power goes out, you don’t have so much to worry about. It will give you less to worry about in your business.