How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is ready with these recommendations from McElroy Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut down your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you need help assistance with surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your region is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The well-being of you and your family should come first, but if time permits, shut 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.
Once the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, verify there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call McElroy Service Experts for an inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the equipment back on ASAP to help dry the home and avoid 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 Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call McElroy and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.