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 prepared 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 standard wall outlet, to automatically turn off your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside A/C equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your region is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family should come first, but if time allows, turn off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor equipment with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your equipment back on at the end of a storm.
Once the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, confirm there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on ASAP 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 recommendations 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.