We’re nearly half-way through hurricane season and looking pretty good. But no sooner than we say that, Wham! Bam! Here comes Wilma, or Gloria, or whats-its-name.
If you live in Florida, you know about hurricanes. But what about your HVAC system? Is your air-conditioning system ready to take a hit? What can you do to protect it? And what should you do to protect your home and system while you’re cleaning up after a big storm?
Before the storm— in fact, maybe you should do it now, while you’re thinking of it— make sure that the outside condenser is securely battened down on a concrete slab, with the appropriate metal tie-downs.
When storm warnings are issued, cover the outside unit with a tarp. Then turn off your system, both at the thermostat and at the circuit breaker. This could prevent damage from power surges and possibly fire.
When the storm subsides, make sure that it’s completely safe to turn it back on. You could check with your power company about lines that are down in your neighborhood. If you’ve had damage inside the home— flooding or structural damage to the roof or walls— you might want to call your trusty HVAC guy before you power it up.
In fact, it’s a good idea to have the system checked out even if there is no visible damage. The system wasn’t built to withstand lightning strikes, 100-MPH winds, or flooding. Valves can be corroded after being soaked; electrical contacts can be frayed; a power surge or a brown-out can cause immediate or longterm damage.
Make sure there are no downed lines in your area. Do you see any scorched electrical wires? Remember to clean the vents and fan of any garbage or dead leaves that might have accumulated.
Of course there are more important things to worry about during a hurricane than whether your AC is safe. But taking these little precautions will mean one less detail to worry about— and will help you keep your cool while you’re discussing property damage with your insurance company.
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