MONROVIA, Calif. - s4story -- The super El Niño is gaining strength and California is under a state of emergency. With peak strength still two months away, one HVAC expert in Monrovia is offering tips and advising area residents to prepare for uncomfortable heat, potential power failure and the threat of HVAC humidity damage.

Uncomfortable Humid Heat Means Longer AC Use

Bob Helbing of Air-Tro Inc., was in Monrovia for the 1997 event, the wettest and most expensive to date. He warns that local residents may feel the heat more intensely and may need to run their AC units through October or longer. "Anyone who's lived in the Deep South or the Midwest knows humid air can make the high temps more uncomfortable," he said. That's because human bodies regulate temperature by evaporating sweat from the skin, and humidity reduces the rate of evaporation.

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Overflow Switches Prevent AC Water Damage

HVAC units are also negatively impacted by the unusual humidity, which creates more condensation within air conditioning systems. This can lead to overflowing drain pans and blocked condensate drains resulting in indoor water damage. But, homeowners can have an AC Overflow Safety Switch installed that will shut off the system when water backs up in the drain pan.

Protect AC from Humidity Damage

El Niño's high humidity puts more water in your HVAC system increasing the probability of algae, mold and other contaminants. "In addition, the energy used by air conditioning to wring humidity out of the air means less energy available to reduce temperature, meaning your system may find itself working harder yet cooling less," Helbing said.

"The prudent thing to do is have an HVAC professional thoroughly check and clean the system before that wave of humidity crashes upon our shores," he said.

• Clean coils result in less algae and mold and higher rates of heat transfer efficiency.
• Existing restrictions in the drain lines get purged using high-pressure nitrogen, ensuring unblocked condensate drainage.
• Replacing dirty filters improves air flow and reduces organic material that can feed mold.

An air conditioner that worked well until now, doesn't guarantee it will make it through the humidity.

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Prepare for Power Outages with a Backup Generator

Unfortunately, the increased demand on the power grid along with the possibility of landslides, could result in power outages. Helbing recommends installing a home backup generator. This type will turn on automatically as soon as the power goes out. Helbing explained that the systems his company installs and services are primarily powering critical systems such as refrigeration and HVAC.

For more information about Air-Tro visit www.airtro.com