The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th with August and September usually being the most active months. As we approach this time of the year, here are a few tips for preparing and protecting your HVAC unit and home in case of a storm.
Prepare for the worst. Make sure your unit is secure and covered. Tighten the bolts and use hurricane straps to hold down your unit in case of high winds. Covering your unit is equally important. Strong winds can blow debris into your yard. Large branches and objects not tied down can damage your unit. To avoid damage, cover your unit with a tarp or even a plywood box.
If you are in an area that floods, water damage could be a potential hazard. Raise your unit to a higher elevation.
Finally, go ahead and cool your home. With severe weather comes power outages. Turn your AC down a few degrees lower than you would normally. Close all windows, blinds and doors to keep the cool air in. As the storm approaches, you will need to turn off the electricity to the unit or unplug it to avoid lighting strikes and electrical surges.
Once the storm has passed, and you have evaluated your unit for damage, turn your system on. Storms bring in high moisture conditions in which mold grows. Restarting your unit as soon as possible prevents this from occurring.
If you discover damage to your system, call a professional to inspect the unit and make repairs. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. is available 24/7, 365 for all of you HVAC emergencies.
