How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is prepared with these recommendations from Becht/Givens 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 turn off your equipment if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’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 thrown in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The welfare of you and your family should be priority, but if time allows, turn off your heating and air conditioning system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. Be sure to remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on at the end of a storm.
Once the storm has passed, be sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Becht/Givens Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on ASAP to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the equipment or ductwork.
If your air conditioner has suffered any damage, check out these suggestions on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Becht/Givens and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.