How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is ready with these tips from Church Services.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically turn off your system if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’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 properly secured to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away during 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 will let you, power off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your equipment back on following a storm.
Once the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, confirm there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Church Services for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and avoid mold from getting into the equipment or ductwork.
If your air conditioner 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 Church Services and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.