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 prepared with these tips from Roland J. Down Service Experts .
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut off your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’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 in a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The well-being of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, shut off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
- Check For Damage
When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, confirm there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Roland J. Down Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on right away to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your air conditioner 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 Roland J. Down and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.
