Date: September 20, 2023
Preparing your HVAC system for a hurricane is essential to ensure that you don’t experience any damage during the storm. In this section, we’ll go over how to set the thermostat and protect the outdoor unit before the storm hits.
Setting the Thermostat
Before a hurricane arrives, it’s important to set your thermostat to the highest possible temperature. Doing so will help minimize the amount of work your air conditioner has to do during the storm, reducing wear and tear on its components. Additionally, setting your thermostat higher than normal can help reduce energy costs while you’re without power.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you can also set it to turn off automatically when it reaches a certain temperature. This will help prevent any damage that could occur if your air conditioner continues running when there isn’t enough power available.
Protecting the Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioning unit’s outdoor unit is particularly vulnerable during a hurricane due to high winds and flying debris. To protect it from damage, you should cover it with a waterproof tarp or other durable material before the storm hits. Make sure that all sides of the unit are covered securely and that no gaps remain uncovered. If you need extra protection, you can also use tie-down straps or bungee cords to secure the tarp in place.
You should also inspect your outdoor unit regularly throughout the hurricane season for any signs of wear and tear or rusting components that could make it more vulnerable during storms. If you notice anything amiss, contact an HVAC professional for repair or replacement services as soon as possible.
Once you’ve taken all necessary precautions, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your air conditioner is well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at it!
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Precaution
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Description
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Set Thermostat
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Set thermostat to highest temp and turn off automatically if using programmable thermostat.
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Protect Outdoor Unit
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Cover outdoor unit with waterproof tarp and secure with tie-down straps or bungee cords.
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Regular Inspections
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Regularly inspect outdoor unit for signs of wear and tear or rusting components.
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After the Storm
When a hurricane has passed, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure your air conditioning unit is safe and functioning properly. It’s important to inspect both the indoor and outdoor units of your HVAC system after a storm. This will help you determine if any damage was done and what repairs may be necessary.
Visual Inspection of Both Units
Start by visually inspecting both the indoor and outdoor units of your HVAC system for any signs of damage. Look for dents, cracks, or other signs of physical damage. If you notice any issues, it’s important to contact an HVAC professional right away as they can assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
If there is no visible damage, check to see if the unit is still running correctly. Make sure all power switches are in their proper positions and that all connections are secure. If everything seems to be in order, then you can move on to cleaning away debris from around the unit.
Cleaning Away Debris
It’s important to clean away any debris that may have accumulated around the unit during the storm. This includes leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris that could potentially clog up the system or cause further damage. You should also check for any standing water around the unit that could lead to corrosion or electrical problems down the road.
Once you’ve cleaned away all debris from around the unit, it’s time to turn your attention back inside your home. Check all vents and registers for any blockages or obstructions that could impede airflow throughout your home. If you find anything blocking them, remove it so your air conditioner can run as efficiently as possible when it comes time to turn it back on again.
Finally, once you’ve completed all these steps, it’s time to turn your air conditioner back on again and test its performance levels against those before the storm occurred. If everything seems normal then congratulations! Your A/c unit made it through another hurricane unscathed!
Inspect and clean hvac system after a storm to ensure proper functioning. Check for visible damage, secure power switches, clear debris, remove obstructions from vents.
HVAC Professionals and Hurricane Prep Guide
As the hurricane season approaches, it is important to take necessary precautions to protect your home’s HVAC system. While there are some steps you can take to prepare your air conditioning unit for a hurricane, it is highly recommended that you contact a NATE-certified technician to ensure that everything is working correctly. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and is an organization that certifies technicians in the HVAC industry. By hiring a NATE-certified technician, you will be able to rest assured knowing that your HVAC system is in safe hands.
Benefits of Working with NATE-Certified Technicians
NATE-certified technicians are highly trained and experienced professionals who know how to properly service and repair all types of HVAC systems. They have been tested and certified by NATE on their knowledge of the latest technologies, safety protocols, installation techniques, troubleshooting methods, and more. This means they are better equipped to handle any issues that may arise during a hurricane or other natural disaster.
In addition to their expertise, NATE-certified technicians can also provide valuable advice on how best to prepare your HVAC system for a hurricane. They can inspect your system for any potential problems and recommend preventive measures such as installing storm shutters or reinforcing outdoor units with sandbags or plywood boards. They can also advise you on when it’s best to turn off the power supply before the storm hits and how to safely restore power afterwards.
Keeping Our Hurricane Prep Guide Handy
At Champion Services, we have compiled our own comprehensive hurricane prep guide which includes tips on how best to prepare your HVAC system for a hurricane. We recommend keeping this guide handy so that you can refer back to it whenever needed. It covers everything from setting the thermostat before the storm hits and protecting the outdoor unit from debris damage, to visual inspections of both units after the storm passes and cleaning away debris from around them. It even provides helpful advice on what type of generator is best suited for powering an hvac system during an emergency situation.
No matter what type of HVAC system you have in your home, it’s important that you take proper precautions before a hurricane strikes. Contacting a NATE-certified technician is one of the best ways to ensure that your system is prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Keep our hurricane prep guide handy so that you can quickly reference it when needed!