2 minutes reading time
(347 words)
Preparing your Air Conditioning System for Hurricanes
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a “near-normal” hurricane season this year, but you don’t need a very active season for just one hurricane to make landfall and wreak havoc.
Secure the Unit
Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.
Clear and Cover
Prior to the storm, bring in any outdoor tables, chairs or other items that could become airborne and cause damage to the AC System. You can even cover the outside unit with a tarp in order to keep it free from flying leaves, dirt and other debris, but make sure to remove the covering before you turn the unit back on!
Cool Down Your House
Before the threat of the storm is imminent, try cooling your house as much as possible so you are comfortable for a while after you turn off your AC System.
Turn Off the Power
Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the AC is left on during a thunderstorm or hurricane. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your AC but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Wait 20 Minutes
Keep the AC System turned off until the storm passes and don't be in a rush to turn it back on. In the event of flooding, do not restore the power to the equipment until the system is completely dry and you are certain that it is safe to do so.
Even if the unit looks unharmed and it is not flooded, wait a minimum of 20 minutes after the power is restored to turn the AC System back on. Unstable or “dirty” power is common in the minutes after the power returns.
Stay safe this hurricane season and make sure to include your Air Conditioning and Heating System in your Hurricane Preparedness Plan.
Stay Informed
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
About the author
Comment for this post has been locked by admin.
Comments
21 April 2023
In addition to its stated aim of curbing inflation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which was signed into law in August of 2022, is the largest federal investment to fight climate change in U.S. history. It accomplishes this by offering tax credits...
30 November 2022
Bottom Line: New energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces are going into effect this January 1, 2023 and that means air conditioning prices are going up so, if you’re about due for a new air conditioning system, there...
01 June 2022
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its forecast for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 and they’re predicting another above-average hurricane season, with 14 ...
07 April 2022
For years, Freon® (R-22) was synonymous with residential air-conditioning refrigerant. Recognizing that the manufacture of Freon had an adverse effect on the environment, the EPA began a decade-long transition to more environmentally friendly product...
21 October 2021
It’s fall and that means the leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping - for our friends up north. Here in Sarasota, it’s still HOT (and the leaves are still green) and that means we still want the AC blowing COLD. On the Suncoast, we dep...
26 May 2017
We are delighted to hear that Gold Star Father Kris Hager will be attending our Memorial Day lunch. Kris is the chairman of Gold Star Fathers of Florida, Inc. and he regularly speaks at events honorin...
10 May 2015
During the hot Florida summer months it's easy to rack up a high electric bill. Here are a few ways you can save money and still stay comfortable. Did you know that setting your air conditioner only 5...