How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is ready with these recommendations from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut off your system if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, don’t 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 outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away during a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to keep your equipment safe from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family should be priority, but if time will let you, turn off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on following a storm.
- Check For Damage
After the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, verify there are no indications 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 unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the system 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 HVAC system in working order all year long.