How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is prepared with these suggestions from San Antonio Air Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase 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 increase in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you do not regularly use surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to avoid the equipment from being tossed in the air or washing away throughout the course of 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 safety of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, turn off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on after a storm.
When the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, make sure there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call San Antonio Air Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had an inspection 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 unit or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these recommendations on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call San Antonio Air and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.