5 Ways to Protect Your HVAC System During During Hurricane Season

If you live in Myakka, FL, you’re familiar with hurricanes. These major storms are destructive and dangerous to houses and the HVAC systems. Here are a few preventive measures to minimize the chances of hurricane damage to your HVAC system:

Elevate Your Outside Unit

At the first sign of threatening weather, it’s best to elevate your HVAC system’s outside unit. Raising it will keep it out of floodwaters. A service technician can help elevate the system to a recommended height to avoid damage.

Examine Your HVAC System for Leaks

Check to make sure there aren’t leaks in your HVAC system. The risk of water damage could greatly increase if there’s a leak. An easy way to ensure that there are no leaks is to schedule professional HVAC maintenance.

Clear Debris Away From the Outside Unit

Eliminate any debris you find around the outside unit. This could be leaves or other plant materials. These can easily clog up the HVAC system and cause it to malfunction. A failing HVAC system will prevent you from using your air conditioner after the hurricane passes.

Cover and Secure the Outside Unit

The HVAC unit outside your house should have a cover during a storm. This cover will serve as an extra barrier to protect against the damaging effects of the storm. It’ll also block water from getting into your HVAC system and causing damage. You can use a tarp as the cover, but it’s best to invest in a high-quality cover designed for HVAC systems.

Turn Off Your HVAC System

After elevating the outdoor unit and covering it, turn off the power to the HVAC system just before the hurricane hits. You can turn it off at the main circuit breaker or thermostat. During a hurricane, lightning may cause an electrical surge, which could react with the wiring of your AC system and cause it to spark. Once a spark ignites, fire will begin to build up in your HVAC system and likely destroy it.

When a storm is coming, it can be hard to remember all of the steps you need to take to keep your HVAC system safe. However, with a professional service technician, you can have it ready for severe weather. For more information about AC inspection and repairs, contact our team at All American Heating & Cooling.

Image provided by iStock