How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is ready with these tips from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, for example, a furnace, are plugged into a common wall outlet, to automatically shut down your HVAC appliances if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’s help if you are not familiar with using 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 tossed in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your area 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 is priority, but if time allows, shut 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 equipment back on following a storm.
When the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on right away to help dry the home and avoid mold from getting into the system 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 HVAC equipment in working order all year long.