What Western Washington Homeowners Need to Know During Storm Season
When heavy rain settles over the South Sound for several days, many homeowners notice changes in how their HVAC systems behave. Longer run times, steam rising from outdoor units, and indoor spaces that feel cooler or more humid are all common concerns we hear during an atmospheric river or multi day storm.
Atmospheric rivers are long, concentrated bands of moisture that can deliver intense rainfall across the West Coast. Learn more from NOAA.
This guide explains when rain becomes a real concern for your heating system and how to protect your home during the wettest parts of the year.
TL;DR: HVAC systems in Western Washington are built to handle rain, but problems can occur when water pools around the outdoor unit, airflow becomes blocked by storm debris, or the system struggles after a power outage. A quick visual check after a storm helps catch issues early.
Fast Checklist: When Rain Becomes a Problem
- Look for standing water around the outdoor unit. Drainage should be clear and unobstructed.
- Clear away leaves, pine needles, and debris that restrict airflow.
- Check for unusual noises or steam that lasts longer than a normal defrost cycle.
- Inspect for full ice buildup on a heat pump. Light frosting is normal during cold, wet storms.
- After an outage, reset the thermostat and confirm the system has restarted correctly.
Heavy rain events like this week can cause widespread saturation across Western Washington. See the latest forecast update from Weather.com.
If you see something that does not look right, schedule a heating repair visit and we will inspect and explain your options clearly.
Common Storm Symptoms and What They Mean
| Symptom | Possible Cause | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit looks like it is steaming | Normal heat pump defrost cycle | Give it a few minutes. Steam should stop once defrost is complete. |
| Water pooling at the base of the outdoor unit | Clogged drainage or oversaturated ground | Clear debris and allow drainage. Standing water can cause damage and should be checked quickly. |
| System runs much longer than usual | Cold, humid air increases heating demand | Longer run times are normal during storms. Call if the system cannot reach your set temperature. |
| Full ice buildup on the heat pump | Airflow blockage or malfunctioning defrost cycle | Turn the system off and contact a technician. Heavy buildup is not normal. |
| Burning smell after a power outage | Dust in the system or electrical reset issue | Shut the system off and call if the smell continues. |
Why Heavy Rain Affects Heat Pumps and Furnaces
- Moisture load: Multi day rain increases humidity inside the home. This makes rooms feel cooler and forces the system to run more often.
- Defrost cycles: Heat pumps may enter defrost more frequently during wet and cold storms. Light steam and temporary pauses are normal.
- Blocked airflow: Storm debris can collect on the outdoor coil and reduce performance.
- Power fluctuations: Outages or flickers can cause temporary faults or system resets.
- Drainage issues: Oversaturated soil can lead to water pooling around the outdoor unit. Persistent pooling should be inspected.
Local river and flood risk may rise quickly in some areas during prolonged storms. Read a recent update from The Seattle Times.
For a full system check, our Precision Heating Tune-Up can identify possible issues and help keep your system ready for the next storm.
How To Prevent Weather Related HVAC Problems
- Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of leaves, branches, and wind driven debris.
- Make sure the unit sits on a level surface with proper drainage.
- Consider adding a weather guard above the outdoor unit to reduce excessive water flow.
- Schedule seasonal maintenance so performance issues are found before storm season.
Service You Can Count On During Stormy Weather
If your system is struggling to keep your home comfortable during heavy rain, our technicians can diagnose the issue and provide clear, reliable solutions. You can book a service visit online or contact our team for fast support.
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