The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has predicted 2020 to be an above-normal season. If this prediction holds true, it’s very important to ensure your home is ready for whatever inclement weather comes our way. With all of the preparation necessary before a hurricane hits, it’s easy to forget about your HVAC system.
Here is a list of tips to help protect your HVAC system before and after the storm.
1. Turn off your air conditioning system
Make sure your entire system is turned off before the hurricane hits. You will want to do this at both at the thermostat and the circuit breaker. If flooding occurs, leaving the power on to your air conditioner can cause electrical shock. The risk of fire also increases.
2. Secure your outdoor A/C unit
The hardware holding your air conditioning unit can rust or come loose over time so check it to ensure it’s still operational. Loose equipment can move and cause major damage during a hurricane. Make sure to use hurricane straps or bolts to secure your system to its base.
3. Remove any loose/unsecured objects near your air conditioner
Doing this will help eliminate anything that could fly through the air and cause damage by hitting your unit.
4. Make sure your air conditioner is dry before you try to turn it back on
If flooding has occurred in your area, this is very important. Never restore power to a system until you are sure it is safe to do so. In this case, it’s safest to have a professional A/C technician do a thorough inspection to determine if it’s safe.
5. Check for any (impact) damage or debris
Debris left by a storm could cause your A/C unit to overheat or malfunction. If you’re not sure, this is another time you should have a professional technician check your system. You don’t want to end up causing additional, more expensive damage by turning it on too soon. Finally, salt water will have a corrosive effect on your system. You need to have it cleaned immediately or it can eventually destroy your system. A professional technician will know how to appropriately clean your equipment.
As your South Florida HVAC specialist, Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help with all of your hurricane preparedness questions. We will be there to help ensure your system is safe and ready to continue keeping your family safe and comfortable. Give us a call at (800) 813-1824 or contact us online.