Hurricane and air conditioning units: Prepare your Air conditioner before the hurricane
Hurricanes are common in different parts of the world. Every year they play havoc in a few states of the United States as well. Broken windows, uprooted trees, and damage to the garden are some of the effects of the hurricane. Storms also affect air conditioning units. To save your expensive unit, you need to protect it during hurricane season. Here we are discussing some tips, which can protect your HVAC unit.
Don’t ignore regular maintenance
Regular maintenance of all home appliances is very important for the efficient working of these machines. The same is true for the HVAC unit as well. Don’t ignore regular maintenance of your system. When you start preparing your unit before the hurricane starts with regular maintenance activity. Experts recommend that preventive maintenance must be done once a year. Maintenance activities prevent regular wear and tear and will prepare your unit before a stressful period. Moreover, it will save you money, which you have to spend on repairs if you ignore maintenance.
If you will not be ready for the storm, you may have to face heavy damage.
What to do before the storm?
Hurricanes are very damaging, but the good thing is, they can be accurately predicted. Weather forecasting centers can predict hurricanes 36 hours before the storm hits an area. This is enough time for the preparation. The duration and intensity of a hurricane can also be calculated now.
Most people run to store food items in the house, while others find shelters and other protection for glass windows. During this chaos, don’t forget to protect your air conditioning unit. Here are some steps, which you can take to protect your air conditioner.
- Cover it properly: The first thing for safety is to cover the unit properly. A waterproof tarp should be in every house. Waterproof material will protect the unit, as rainwater can be damaging to the air conditioner.
- Place the air conditioner on a concrete slab: You should take care of your AC at the time of installation. Keep it on a solid concrete slab. It will act as a foundation for the unit and when water collects like a pond on the roof, the slab will keep your unit out of water.
- Use tie-down straps: The above-mentioned slab can also be used as an anchor for protection. Use tie-down straps and secure your unit. This is a building code requirement in many states of the United States like Florida. The straps should be strong enough to withstand high-speed winds. The speed of wind during a hurricane can be around 150 mph or more.
- Clean your yard: The next step is to clean the yard and remove everything which can fly with strong wind. Remove patio furniture and if there is any outdoor toy. You can use your garage for the storage of such items.
A hurricane kit can help
In states like Florida, where hurricanes are common, residents must have a hurricane kit. The kit includes food, water, a first aid box, a flashlight, and a small radio. It covers the necessities and helps you to service during a hurricane. Hurricane kits are also available for air conditioners. They are installed with the units. If you use a generator to start your air conditioning unit, this kit will be helpful. If you have no idea about the kit, you can ask professionals. They will not only provide you with the kit but will install it too.
Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature before the storm
Storms are often accompanied by a power failure in the area. So, depending on the season, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. In summer, use the air conditioner and cool down your home for the upcoming stress. Similarly, you can use heaters, if it is getting cold outside. In summer, keep it cooler than normal. Close curtains to add another protective layer and keep the temperature down for a long time.
What to do during the storm?
Now you are all set and have done all the preparation before the storm. When a storm hits the area, first of all, shut down your air conditioning system. There can be a power failure or in some cases power fluctuations, which can be damaging to the HVAC units, so shutting down is the best solution. You can use fans during the storm, but avoid using AC units. It’s not about the power supply only, lightning can also strike and can damage the capacitor of the AC. In this case, you have to do compressor repair, which can be very costly. To avoid such incidents you can use surge protectors. These are designed for the safety of air conditioning units. They protect against power fluctuations and lightning strikes.
What to do after a storm?
Finally, the storm is over, what to do now? Now you have to turn on your air conditioning system, but make sure the storm is over and it’s safe to turn on your system. However, inspect your unit before turning it on. Despite all the care and protective measures, if you notice any damage, don’t turn it on. Call a professional HVAC professional. He will inspect and evaluate the extent of the damage. If you see no damage, you can turn in the unit, but schedule an inspection by the experts. Sometimes the damage is not visible but it’s there and only an expert can figure it out. If damage is detected at the right time, it can save your expensive unit and save your time as well.
Hopefully, you will find these tips helpful and will have a safe hurricane season. Keep in mind that air conditioning systems need protection and safety for proper working. So make sure it is protected during any extreme weather conditions. Do regular inspections and maintenance to extend the life of your system. Hire expert technicians for maintenance and repair. Only experts can understand the problems of such complex machines. Inexperienced technicians can damage your unit.
About Century Air Conditioning & Heating
Century Air Conditioning & Heat was established in 1986. We’re a family owned and operated HVAC contractor in Orlando, FL. For over 36 years, we’ve been a trusted source for air conditioning equipment, heating equipment and related services. Century is an A+ BBB accredited business.
Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:
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