During hurricane season, it's important to know what to do before one arrives — especially when it comes to your air conditioner unit.
There are many resources out there to let you know if a hurricane is approaching, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
While your AC system can easily survive a hurricane, it can only do so when you take the proper precautions.
What To Do When A Hurricane Hits
When a hurricane hits, powering off your air conditioner is absolutely essential. Failure to turn your AC off during a hurricane can result in costly repairs that could have easily been avoided. Don't forget, all it takes is one storm to cause permanent damage, so while you're preparing the rest of your home for an incoming hurricane, don't forget to turn off your AC system!
Protect Against Power Surges
Like your other electronic equipment, your AC is highly susceptible to damage from lightning and power interruptions that come with severe weather like hurricanes. While a direct strike by lightning is rare, the more common worry is the potential for a power surge. This is why making sure you have a surge protector installed for your HVAC system is a precaution that will give you peace of mind if you're caught in a bad storm.
Storm Damage Can Be Hidden
When it comes to storm damage to your HVAC system, it's important to remember that a lot of damage can potentially be hidden, and you may have burnt wires, burnt capacitors, or even a fried compressor that can fail up to weeks later. Calling a professional for an inspection after a storm can ensure that these problems are identified promptly before any further damage is caused.
Call A Qualified Contractor For An Inspection
Once the storm has passed, it's important to make sure you get your AC running again in a timely fashion. When allowed to sit idle for an extended period, you start to run the risk of bacteria and mold in your ducts. However, it's important to make sure that the storm hasn't caused any damage to your system, or it may make the problem worse. Promptly calling an HVAC technician to perform a thorough inspection is a great idea to make sure you can safely operate your system.
Need help finding an expert in your local area to check out your AC system after a storm? We may know of one...