How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your HVAC equipment is prepared with these tips from Stevenson Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, for example, a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut down your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside A/C equipment is installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away in a storm. If your area is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should be priority, but if time will let you, power 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 system back on following a storm.
When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, make sure there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call Stevenson Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on immediately to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your air conditioner has suffered any damage, check out these suggestions 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 plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.