How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is primed with these suggestions from A1 Chesney Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, for example, a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut off your system if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’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 safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your region is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, power off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
After the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call A1 Chesney Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on immediately to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit 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 A1 Chesney and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.