When the summertime rolls around, that means fun outdoors, days on the water, and…hurricanes. When you live in an area that could be affected by these mega storms, then you know there are quite a few different things you will need to do in order to ensure your home and family is prepared for hurricane safety. This usually means coming up with an emergency plan, having extra provisions on hand, and tracking storms that come anywhere near. But, there is one thing that you may be overlooking – your A/C system.
You will want to make sure you don’t end up with expensive repair costs if a hurricane does hit. So, let’s talk about some things you need to do to ensure your HVAC system has the best chance of surviving the storm.
Shutting Off the System
If you are evacuating, go ahead and turn off the unit completely. If you plan on riding out the storm, you will need to turn off the system if power outage is imminent. If you don’t, and the power goes out, this could end up burning out the compressor or blowing circuits in the home. Additionally, there is always a chance for flooding, and that could cause severe damage if the HVAC unit is left turned on.
Covering the Unit
If you can, go ahead and cover your HVAC unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting of some type. While this won’t stop damage if something very large and heavy falls on it, it will protect the unit from tree branches and flying debris. It can also make your job so much easier when it is time to clean up after a hurricane.
When excessive water gets into an air conditioning system, this can cause mold to grow, and that will wreak havoc on your home and your family. By covering the unit, you can protect it from excess water damage as long as you make sure the cover is tight and secure.
After the Storm
Once the hurricane has moved through, you will want to make sure your HVAC unit isn’t damaged or flooded. It’s a smart idea to have it inspected by a professional. This is especially important if you have any reason to believe that there could be mold in the A/C/ system – such as if it has been flooded or you had to leave it turned off for an extended period of time. Repairs may be needed if there is any damage. Cleaning could be required if mold has gotten in. And, in some extreme cases of severe flooding or severe damage, you may have to get the system replaced.
However, if you took steps to protect it during the storm, hopefully, you won’t have to pay any replacement costs.
Hurricanes can usually be tracked for days before they make landfall. That means you should have time to get prepared for the storm. If you plan on evacuating, you will want to make sure your house is protected as much as possible. Even if you will be riding out the storm, you will want to be as prepared as possible. Your A/C system may not be especially high on your list of hurricane preparedness priorities, but imagine if you come home to find it damaged beyond repair? That’s a lot of expense to deal with and it could mean time without climate control as you wait on insurance to agree to pay.
So, it only makes sense to take a little extra time (as long as you aren’t putting yourself or your family in danger) to secure your air conditioning system by covering it with durable material and turning it off when the storm arrives. When in doubt, be sure to consult with the professionals at Berner A/C & Heat for all you A/C repair needs, (504) 822-8080, and (985) 727-2302.
