How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your HVAC equipment is ready with these recommendations from Epperson 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 standard wall outlet, to automatically turn off your HVAC appliances if there’s a spike in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outside cooling equipment is installed on a concrete pad and securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your area is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family is priority, but if time allows, power off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor equipment with a tarp. Make sure you remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your system back on following a storm.
After the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, confirm there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Epperson Service Experts for an inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on immediately to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your equipment 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 Epperson and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.