How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is primed with these tips from Neal Harris 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 common wall outlet, to automatically shut down your HVAC appliances 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 do not regularly use 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 tossed in the air or washing away during 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 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 equipment back on after a storm.
- Check For Damage
Once the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, confirm there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call Neal Harris Service Experts 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 equipment 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 tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Neal Harris and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.
