El Nino house prep is something most homeowners forget

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Scientists have predicted that the summer of 2026 will be a heck of an El Niño weather event, bringing high tides and heavy rains to some parts of the country. Home preparedness, especially in coastal communities, is more important than ever. While cleaning gutters and trimming branches are often at the top of homeowners’ lists, there’s one little preparation they often forget: your maintenance and care. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). In this Hunker exclusive, we spoke with HVAC expert Galecio Lechuga to understand why it’s so important to take precautions. “El Nino weather can put more stress on the system by clogging the condensate line, which carries moisture from the indoor unit to the drain,” he says. “Heavy moisture loads result in more water dripping into your system’s drain pan. This creates an ideal environment for algae to grow. Once algae forms, it can easily block drain lines and flood your home.”

The reason behind this phenomenon is the wet climate that El Niño can create in the southern third of the country, where summer humidity is already high. “High humidity acts like insulation in the air in your home and forces your HVAC system to work harder,” Lechuga continues. “Before your system can cool the air, it must first remove excess moisture. That means longer run times, heavier workloads and increased stress on motors, compressors and other key components.” He also warns that this moisture can also accelerate evaporator-coil corrosion, which can cause refrigerant leaks. This makes HVAC home preparation before El Nino more important than ever.

A surge protector is essential for your HVAC system to keep things running smoothly during the stormy El Niño season. “It installs right next to your outdoor AC unit and helps protect your system’s electronics from sudden power spikes during storms or grid problems,” Galecio Lechuga told Hunker in an exclusive interview. “Think of it like a safety shield for your air conditioner.” This is not an expensive investment, but it can save you expensive repairs, as well as the inconvenience of being without temperature control for a long time. you can grab Intermatic Universal HVAC surge protective device About $75 on Amazon, as well Diversitech Split Phase Surge Protective Device From Home Depot for the same price point. Experienced DIYers can easily install this protector on their own. If you’re unsure, or want to install a surge protector for your entire home, not just the HVAC, you can always hire a professional for the job.

But surge protectors aren’t the only way to protect your HVAC from breaking down during an El Niño storm. “Always make sure to keep the area around your outdoor unit clean,” Lechuga says of the best extra step to take. “Move any loose furniture, tools or items so that nothing is blown into the unit and could be damaged during inclement weather.” This way, the device is protected, surge or no surge.

The thing about El Nino is that it increases local weather extremes, whether they are colder or warmer than normal. Because of this, it is worth worrying about the effects of needing heating and air conditioning in such close succession, sometimes even in the same day. However, Galecio Lechuga just tells Hunker that keeping up with these changes won’t ruin your HVAC. “Switching back and forth between heating and air conditioning won’t damage your HVAC system—if you allow the system to complete its cycles,” he says.

To avoid any problems, it is all about having some patience. “Never immediately flip from AC to heat or vice versa,” adds Lechuga. “Forcing the compressor to start immediately under counter pressure can cause it to lock up.” Instead, by giving the system some time to cool down and catch up, you can avoid losing temperature control during such unexpected times. “Always wait at least 5 to 10 minutes after turning off the system before switching it to reverse mode,” he says. That’s not enough time to cause any real discomfort in the home environment, but it will save you a headache. HVAC compressor.

One of the easiest things you can do to get ahead of El Niño is to replace your HVAC filters! “Dirty or clogged filters are one of the most common causes of HVAC system breakdowns. Many homeowners forget to change air filters or schedule regular maintenance,” Galecio Lechuga warns Hunker readers exclusively. One of them is the knock-on effects of forgetting this seasonal task The most common problems in HVAC systems. An outdated filter can make your home smell bad, as well as reduce overall airflow, making things very stuffy. This simple thing takes five minutes to do and can save you from major problems that require emergency repairs right in the middle of the season. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to keep the area around the filter clear of clutter (bikes, trash cans, etc.) that can physically and mentally prevent you from changing it regularly.

For best results, Lechuga recommends changing your filter now, and keeping yourself on schedule for the rest of the year. “Change your air filter every 90 days and check it every 30 days to ensure proper airflow and keep your system breathing properly,” he continues. But that’s not the only step he recommends. Even if you’re already pretty strict about your air filters, skipping annual professional inspections can come back to bite you during El Nino. “It’s important to have a professional perform seasonal maintenance where a trained technician can make sure all electrical components are working properly and the refrigerant level is at the right level, helping your system run safely and efficiently.”