Although we never hope to have to deal with tropical storms, in West Palm Beach it’s a reality we must be prepared for. So if you don’t already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you schedule air conditioner service when severe weather looms. Of course it’s not the most critical worry during a dangerous storm, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your air conditioner in the event of an emergency weather situation.
Batten down the hatches.
Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your AC is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, take extra care by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your experienced technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in West Palm Beach can provide a recommendation on the best way to secure your specific air conditioner.
Shut the system down.
This may seem like an obvious step, but in the first moments of a weather emergency it can be easy to panic and forget this and other smaller yet important tasks. Turn off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t very familiar with your fuse box, it’s an ideal time to learn it! Switch off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and observe and note which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Doing so before an emergency saves you the trouble and danger of having to do so in the dark later.
Clear the area around your air conditioner.
Hurricane force winds can do a lot of damage but so can a wheelbarrow that has been thrown into your air conditioner. As long as it’s still safe to be outside, make sure you clear the immediate area surrounding your air conditioner. This means furniture, tools, toys, and any other number of items that could become a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could be lifted off the ground and flung towards your air conditioner (or your home, for that matter) should be moved to a safer place and secured there.
In the event that a hurricane or severe storm forces water into your air conditioner, DON’T restore power to your air conditioner. If you are unsure of its safety AT ALL, you should immediately call in a licensed professional to assess the damage. The pros at Service Experts have seen it all before. So whether West Palm Beach is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call today or schedule an appointment online.