How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is primed with these tips from Strogen's 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 turn off your system if there’s a jump 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 outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away in a storm. If your region 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 should be priority, but if time will let you, power off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
Once the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, make sure there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Strogen's Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. 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 prevent mold from getting into the unit 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 Strogen's and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.