How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is prepared with these suggestions from Orangutan Home Services.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like 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 A/C 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 community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should be priority, but if time allows, shut 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 following a storm.
When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call Orangutan Home Services for a system 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 immediately to help dry the home and prevent 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 Orangutan Home Services and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.