Prepping Your Home’s HVAC Equipment for Storms 

Sometimes it feels like storm season is all year. Spring arrives with rain storms and tornadoes, while summer ushers in hurricane season. Before the Atlantic hurricane season tapers off in November, snowstorms are upon the north. The well-being of your family during treacherous storms should absolutely take priority. But even while the winds die down and the rain dries up, you still need to be sure that your home and family are safe. Check out these recommendations for preparing your home’s cooling and heating equipment for storm season. 

Secure Your Air Conditioning 

Your outdoor AC equipment should be placed on a concrete pad and properly anchored to avoid the air conditioner from going airborne or washing away over the course of a storm. If you live in a climate that is subject to hurricanes, it may be required to fasten your air conditioner with hurricane straps to protect the system from high winds. Ask your air conditioning technician about anchoring your home’s air conditioner during your Fall Tune-up. 

Stop the Surge 

You can’t really avoid the surge that often occurs during a storm, but you can safeguard your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment from it. Put in a high-quality surge protector where any sizable appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut down your heating system if there’s an increase in the line voltage. This will help safeguard the electrical components in your heating and cooling equipment that the power surge could hurt. Make sure you never touch any electrical components, and seek expert help if you are not comfortable using surge protectors properly. 

Provide Cover 

Your loved ones and you need to find shelter first and foremost, but if there is time, shut off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. Before turning your system back on after the storm, be sure to remove the tarp and get rid of any debris. 

This, Too, Shall Pass 

When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning your heating and cooling system back on. To get started, verify there are no signs of damage and remove any debris from around the equipment. Try to evaluate and confirm there is no noticeable harm to any of the refrigerant or electrical lines running from your air conditioner. Call 614-334-3192 for an equipment inspection if it looks like there may have been any damage or flooding to the air conditioning. Once you’ve had the system checked by an expert to ensure safe operation, turn the heating and cooling system back on immediately to help dry the home and restrict mold from getting into the equipment or ductwork. 

If your equipment 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 Stevenson Service Experts and learn about our membership options to help keep your heating and air conditioning system in working order all seasons long. 

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >

$50 OFF Any Repair

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!
print

Make No Payments for 30 Days!

  • Upgrade to Worry-Free Comfort with the Advantage Program and make NO payments for 30 days!
print

© 2024 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.