Living in Florida, we are well-adjusted to dealing with these storms and what to do to prepare for them. Safety kits, evacuation plans, storm shutters, and more.
So, what was that about my HVAC?
While you may have stocked up on water, batteries and other essentials, one thing you may not have thought to add to that checklist is to make sure your home's HVAC system is ready for the storm. Not only is preparing your HVAC important to help reduce the likelihood for any damage to the system, but it also helps keep you and your family safe.
Secure it.
Another important step when preparing your AC system for hurricanes and stormy weather is to secure your outdoor unit by checking to make sure all of the bolts are tightened on the unit. Due to the high winds of these storms, AC units can be easily lifted or shifted. Making sure your unit is strapped down with hurricane or condenser straps is recommended to avoid this.
Cool it down.
These storms don't just bring rain and wind. They also cause power outages that can leave you without the comfort of your air conditioning and other home appliances for hours or days. We recommend cooling your home before the storm hits. Turn your AC down a few degrees lower than normal and keep all of the blinds, doors, and windows closed as much as possible. As the storm gets closer, turn off the electricity or unplug your unit altogether in order to prevent damage through electrical surges from lightning strikes.
Protect it.
Once off, be sure to cover your AC unit with a tarp or plywood to protect it from flying debris like tree limbs, branches, or any other potentially hazardous objects that could be flying around. Remember, just because you've prepped your yard for a hurricane, does not mean your neighbor has.
Generate it.
Having a generator to keep your house powered up during outages will make a world of difference for your post-storm comfort. The interlock kit allows you to safely disconnect your panel from the utility feed and switch it over to the generator, which is being fed through a new generator breaker. This provides both an economic and a dependable way to keep your house up and running when the power is out.
Check it.
After the storm, the main thing to remember is that you should not turn your air conditioning back on until you have assessed your unit for damage. This is one of the most important steps. Flooding or flying debris could have damaged your unit and turning it on can make the problem worse. Also, storm winds many cause disconnections within your AC unit, which could lead to toxic refrigerant leaks. If you have found any damage or you are unsure if there is a problem, contact us and we'll be happy to come out and inspect the system and make any needed repairs.
The Badger Bottom Line
September is peak hurricane season - and you need to be prepared. Along with ensuring those safety kits are ready, you will want to take some steps to protect your A/C system from damage. If your power does go out, having a manual interlock generator installed ahead of time will make a world of difference for you and your family. If you do notice damage following the storm, your safest approach is to set up an appointment for a Badger Bob's visit by simply calling 941.225.2775 or going to https://badgerbobs.com/schedule-now/.