How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is ready with these tips from Fras-Air/General Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically turn off your equipment if there’s a spike in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’s help if you need help assistance with surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your area 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 is priority, but if time permits, turn off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. Make sure you 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 starting it back up. First, confirm there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Fras-Air/General Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on ASAP to help dry the home and avoid mold from getting into the equipment or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these recommendations on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Fras-Air/General and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.