Steps to Stormproof your HVAC System during Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are extremely destructive. You probably already know to stock up on water, nonperishable foods, flashlights, batteries, and stormproof your home. But most people forget about their HVAC system during hurricane season. To help you keep your family safe during hurricane season, we put together some tips to help you protect your home and HVAC system during hurricane season.
Before the Storm
Prevention is critical when it comes to protecting your home and your HVAC system during hurricane season. You’ve spent a lot of money to install and maintain your systems. If you don’t take precautions to secure your HVAC system to withstand the storm with minimal damage, it can cost you hundreds even thousands of dollars to repair or replace the unit. Here are some tips to get your HVAC system ready before the storm hits.
- Have a professional HVAC technician come out to perform a maintenance check on your systems.
- If your current climate requires you to use A/C, cool your home as much as possible before the storm since you are not able to use it during it. If you are using a window A/C unit, unplug and remove it before you seal the opening.
- Secure you’re A/C unit or any HVAC components are secured to the base using either hurricane straps or a protective cage. Put a tarp over your A/C unit to help keep any loose debris and objects from damaging the unit.
- Remove any loose debris and items around the unit to prevent any impact damage as well as trim any trees that can break free during the storm.
- In case the storm knocks your power out, purchase a generator to use until power comes back on.
During the Storm
There is still work to be done. To prevent damage to the unit during the storm, it is advised that you turn off the circuit breakers for HVAC equipment.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, here are some steps to make sure your unit is running properly.
- Step outside and check your equipment for any damage like dents or dings so that you know if you have to take any action. If you feel that something is obstructing your system and preventing your unit from working properly, contact Gulf Coast Air Systems before you turn your unit back on.
- Switch your breakers back on and make sure you restart your unit slowly while monitoring the equipment for any unusual noises.
- If your removed your window A/C unit or any outdoor furniture, feel free to put the items back into place.
- If any flooding occurs on the inside or outside of your heating and air conditioning units, never restore power to the system or turn the thermostat on until you have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your equipment. It’s best to call Gulf Coast Air Systems to schedule a system inspection on your unit.
Whether it’s hurricane season or not, you should always schedule an annual maintenance tune-up for your HVAC system to make sure it’s working efficiently. Give Gulf Coast Air Systems a call at (813)689-2082 to schedule your annual maintenance tune-up or if you have any questions.
