How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

June 08, 2015

Although we never want to deal with a hurricane, in Grand Island it’s a reality we must be ready for. Whether or not you already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you think about air conditioner service when severe weather looms. Of course it’s not the most crucial thing during a hurricane, but there are a few tips to help protect your air conditioner in the event of an emergency weather situation.

Batten down the hatches.

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your system is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, take extra care by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your expert technician from McElroy Service Experts in Grand Island can offer guidance on the best way to secure your individual air conditioner.

Shut the system down.

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the initial stages of a hurricane it can be easy to panic and forget this and other smaller yet critical tasks. Shut down your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t already familiar with your fuse box, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted! Turn off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and take note of which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Doing so before an emergency saves you the hassle and uncertainty of having to do so in the dark later.

Clear the area around your air conditioner.

Hurricane force winds can do a lot of damage but so can a rake that has been thrown into your air conditioner. As long as it’s still safe to be outside, make sure you clear the immediate area surrounding your air conditioner. This means furniture, tools, toys, and any other number of items that could be a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could damage your air conditioner (or your home, for that matter) should be moved to a safer place and secured there.

In the event that a hurricane or severe storm forces water into your air conditioner, DON’T restore power to your air conditioner. If you are unsure of its safety AT ALL, you should immediately call in a licensed professional to assess the damage. The professionals at McElroy have seen it all before. So whether Grand Island is expecting a big storm or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 308-210-4398 today or schedule an appointment online.


chat now widget box