How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is primed with these recommendations from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically turn off your equipment if there’s a spike in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your area is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should be priority, but if time allows, turn off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor equipment with a tarp. Be sure to remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on following a storm.
After the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, make sure there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for an inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on immediately to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your system has suffered any damage, check out these tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Service Experts and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.