How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is primed with these suggestions from Eveready Service Experts .
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut down your system if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, never to 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 securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away during a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to protect your air conditioning system from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, shut off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. Make sure you remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on at the end of a storm.
When the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, verify there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Eveready Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the equipment back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your system 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 Eveready Service Experts and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.