Pompano Beach, FL (July 2012) –Hurricane season in the Atlantic began June 1st and ends November 30; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal hurricane season of between nine and 15 named storms. The first hurricane of 2012 formed in mid-June, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and peak hurricane season is August to October Lindstrom Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a locally owned and operated business since 1975, wants homeowners to be ready for anything this season may bring.
“While ensuring your family’s safety is the first priority, securing property should be the second. Many people neglect their outdoor air conditioning unit when preparing their home for a storm. This can be one of the most expensive things to replace if it’s damaged,” states Joe Canosa, General Manager of Lindstrom Air.
There are five major hazards associated with hurricanes: storm surge and storm tide, heavy rainfall and flooding, high winds, rip currents, and tornadoes. With the exception of rip currents, any of these may damage an unprotected outdoor unit.
When a hurricane is predicted, as part of your preparations:
- Turn off your air conditioning system both at the circuit breaker and the thermostat to avoid the chance of power surges that may be a fire hazard or shock hazards due to flooding.
- Use hurricane straps to secure your equipment. Check that any bolts that attach your system to the base are secure and not rusty. If the unit moves, it can cause serious damage.
- Clear the area around your air conditioner. Most people move all loose objects, such as furniture, plants, and toys indoors, but it’s especially important to put anything away that may act as a projectile in high winds and damage the unit.
After the storm has passed, ensure that the unit has not sustained any damage before you attempt to turn it on. “If you suspect any damage, have a professional technician inspect the unit first to ensure it’s safe to operate,” says Canosa. The types of damage an air conditioner may sustain during any major storm include:
- Impact damage. If there is any debris around your unit that may have hit it, or if there is any visible damage that was not present before the hurricane, have it inspected before restoring power.
- Movement. If your air conditioner has moved at all, it may be unsafe to operate due to loose plumbing or wiring.
- Flooding. If any flooding occurred during the hurricane, there is a risk of electrical shock when you turn your air conditioner on.
- Salt water damage. If any salt water came into contact with your system, it can have long-term corrosive effects. Have it cleaned by a professional immediately.
As part of every family’s hurricane preparations, ensuring that property is safe is key. Since it is outdoors, securing an air conditioning unit should be a top priority. Doing so may save you thousands of dollars and can help get your home comfortable as soon as possible after the storm.
For more information on hurricane readiness, visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
To learn more about Lindstrom, visit www.lindstromair.com.
Lindstrom Air Conditioning and Plumbing
Lindstrom Air Conditioning and Plumbing was founded by Carl Lindstrom in 1975 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Lindstrom has evolved into one of Florida's oldest and most trusted service companies with more than 150 team members. Lindstrom is proud of their tradition of excellence serving homeowners and businesses in Florida. Lindstrom is committed to investing the time and resources needed to improve the quality of life for the residents and businesses in the Southeast Florida area.
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