How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is ready with these suggestions from Comfort Masters Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a common wall outlet, to automatically shut down your system if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being tossed 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 well-being of you and your family should be priority, but if time allows, turn off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. Make sure you remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your equipment back on at the end of a storm.
Once the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Comfort Masters Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on ASAP to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the unit 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 Comfort Masters and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.