As hurricane season approaches, ensure your home and HVAC system will weather the storm.
Hurricanes can be extremely destructive, but preparing for one could be the difference between a minor setback and complete misfortune. If you live in a place prone to hurricanes, you probably know to stock up on water, nonperishable foods, flashlights and batteries, as well as setting up hurricane protection for your home. But most people completely overlook their HVAC systems.
However, HVAC preparation is a critical component of hurricane preparedness. There are a few ways to protect your HVAC unit in a storm to avoid costly repairs later. Learn what to do before the storm hits to keep your heating and air conditioning on afterwards.
Preparing your HVAC system for a hurricane
Make sure your air conditioner is ready to brave the storm by having a preventive HVAC maintenance check.
Once the storm is on its way, unplug any electrical items in case of a power outage. Shut off the breaker to your HVAC unit to decrease the possibility of damage to the system, which could result in costly HVAC repairs after the storm. This will also reduce the chance of blowing circuits or the fuse box when the electricity comes back on.
In addition, protect your HVAC unit's exterior components. Use tarps to keep fragments thrown in the wind from damaging or getting stuck in the unit. You can also board up the unit so it can withstand extreme winds, possible lightning strikes and anything else the hurricane could have in store.
You won’t want to waste any time without air conditioning once the storm passes. Proper preparation means you’ll get your system back up and running in no time.
As of Sept. 11, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angi. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angi for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angi.
