How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is primed with these suggestions from Atmostemp Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a common wall outlet, to automatically turn off your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’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 safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away during 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 safety of you and your family is priority, but if time will let you, power off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Atmostemp Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on right away to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your system 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 Atmostemp and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.