With hurricane season and stormy weather predicted, it’s important to make sure you prepare your HVAC unit. You can’t control the weather, but you can use a checklist to get yourself ready for an unpredictable weather season. Damage to your HVAC system gets expensive, and there are ways to prepare your HVAC unit during hurricanes or stormy weather.
Be Ready for the Power to Go Out
When there is a hurricane or stormy weather, it is common for the power to go out. If it’s hot out, turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees to get your home cooler than normal. Shut all of your curtains, doors, and windows if possible to keep in the cool air. If you have time, invest in a backup generator to use to run systems like your HVAC system.
Make Sure Your System is Secure
Take the time to inspect your exterior HVAC unit and make sure it is secured tight. Check the bolts, and tighten any that are loose. Use straps to keep the lid secure on your HVAC unit. Check the height of your unit, and use sandbags to protect the base of your unit from water damage if you get too much rain.
Keep Your System Off When the Weather Hits
If a hurricane is about to hit your property, turn off your HVAC system during the storm. It is common for thunder and lightening to occur during a hurricane, and you want to be sure that your system does not suffer from a surge caused by a lightening strike. When you keep your system unplugged and turned off during the storm, it won’t get damaged from changes to your power supply.
Protect Your HVAC Unit from Flying Objects
Hurricanes or stormy weather can cause serious damage to your HVAC unit when flying objects scatter throughout your yard. Take the time to remove any large objects that could go flying into your HVAC unit. Use a heavy board to cover your HVAC unit and secure that down with rope or bungee cords. You can avoid serious damage to your HVAC unit by covering it with protection.
When you aren’t sure how to prepare your HVAC unit during a hurricane, get the help you need from a professional. An HVAC company can come and inspect your system, and ensure that it is secured for the stormy weather coming. If you need parts for your HVAC system, visit us at All Appliance Parts in Sarasota and Bradenton.
