How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
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 recommendations from Levy & Son Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut down your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you do not regularly use 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 in a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to keep your equipment safe from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, turn off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor equipment with a tarp. Make sure you remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on at the end of a storm.
- Check For Damage
After the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, make sure there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Levy & Son Service Experts for an inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the equipment back on immediately to help dry the home and avoid mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Levy & Son and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.
