How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm?
When a storm is on its way, make sure your HVAC equipment is prepared with these recommendations from Stevenson Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, for example, a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut down your HVAC appliances if there’s a spike in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to avoid the equipment from being tossed in the air or washing away during a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to keep your equipment safe from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The well-being of you and your family is priority, but if time allows, power off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor unit with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on following a storm.
- Check For Damage
When the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Stevenson Service Experts for an equipment 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 equipment or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these recommendations on what to do if your equipment suffers damage and then call Stevenson Service Experts and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.