How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

June 08, 2015

Although we never plan to deal with severe weather, in Raleigh it’s a reality we must be ready for. Whether or not you already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you think about air conditioner service when dangerous weather is on the way. Of course it’s not the most critical concern during a dangerous storm, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your system in the event of an emergency weather situation.

Batten down the hatches.

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your air conditioner is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, go a step further by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your professional technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Raleigh can offer advice on the best way to secure your specific air conditioner.

Shut the system down.

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the beginning of a weather emergency it can be easy to panic and forget this and other small yet important tasks. Shut down your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t already familiar with your fuse box, it’s an ideal time to get to know it! Turn 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 hassle 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 chair 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 things that could be a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could get thrown into 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 provide an expert opinion. The pros at Service Experts have seen it all before. So whether Raleigh is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 919-578-4329 today or schedule an appointment online.


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