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 primed with these suggestions 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 standard 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 a professional’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being tossed in the air or washing away during a storm. If your region is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to keep your equipment safe 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 system with a tarp. Be sure to remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on following a storm.
- Check For Damage
When the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your system has suffered any damage, check out these tips 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 heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.
