Another major storm is headed this way and the season is a long way from over. Preparing for a Hurricane can become stressful, so make sure you are taking the time to protect the major systems of you home by doing some Hurricane prep for your AC. Your AC unit is an expensive piece of your home, so make sure you do a little prep before a storm hits your area. And after a storm, be cautious and be safe.
Hurricane Prep for Your AC – Before the Storm
Just like other areas you need to prepare for, your AC system needs some attention as well. There are not many things to do to protect your unit. Here are some tips for preparing for an oncoming storm.
Cool Your Home Before the Storm Hits
Prior to the arrival of the storm, it is a good idea to turn your thermostat down a few degrees below your normal temperature. Close all your blinds and doors to keep the cold air in as much as possible. We all know how hot it gets in Florida and even a few hours without AC at this time of year can be very uncomfortable.
Turn off Electricity and Unplug Unit
When the storm is close, we recommend that you turn off your unit and unplug it if possible. Also, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the equipment. Power outages, power surges and spikes can destroy electrical components. Even if you do not lose power, issues elsewhere in the power grid can result in damaging surges and spikes.
Flood waters can also cause major issues with electrical components and fry your system.
Cover and Protect Outside Equipment
After you turn off the power to the unit, consider securing your unit with hurricane straps or tarps or some structure to protect it from flying debris. Tree limbs and other flying material can severely damage equipment and even pull it form a pad.
Make sure to secure items in your yard so they do not become projectiles during the storm.
Also, if you a prone to flooding, sandbagging around your unit could protect it from rising water.
After the Storm
After the storm has passed, resist the urge to turn on your unit. Damage to outdoor equipment, debris and flood waters can cause any number of issues to your unit, some seen and others unseen. Turning on a unit before checking it out could damage or even ruin your AC unit.
Watch for Flood Waters
If any part of your AC system was or is underwater during or after a storm, do not turn on your system. Water and electricity definitely do not mix so you must be cautious.
Flood waters can also introduce debris to your equipment and it is important to have the unit professionally cleaned and serviced if it was ever underwater.
Uncover and Inspect Your Outdoor Equipment
If you covered your unit before the storm, when it is safe, uncover and inspect the unit. If there were any flood waters – defer to the point above and leave it turned off.
Be sure to check power lines and drain lines as well as the main equipment. If you see any damage, contact a professional and do not turn on the unit.
Resist the Urge to Turn on Your System
The important thing to remember is that if you suspect any damage or if you have had any flood water – do not turn on your unit, do not plug it in, and do not turn on the breaker. Doing so may cause serious damage to your unit.
If you lose power, wait until the power is full restored before attempting to turn it on. Many times, when there is a power outage, power will come on and go out when crews are working on the power grid. This can result in surges and spikes. Give it some time to make sure the power is stable before turning it back on.
Call the Professionals at TROPIC AIRE
If you see any damage or if you had any flooding, it is time to call in a professional to check it out. We will inspect, repair, service and clean your system and make sure that it is functioning correctly. Call us directly at (904) 664-2768 or contact us using our simple online contact form.
Be Cautious and Be Safe
We know that it can get uncomfortable in North Florida when there is just a few hours without AC, but be overly cautious with your AC system. Minor issues that are untreated can become huge issues.
Most importantly, keep yourself and your family safe.