How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is primed with these suggestions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut down your HVAC appliances if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’s help if you do not regularly use surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away in a storm. If your community 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 is priority, but if time allows, power off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
Once the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. 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 heating and cooling system back on right away to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these suggestions 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 heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.