Although we never hope to have to deal with a hurricane, in Hilton Head Island it’s a reality we must be prepared for. So if you don’t already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you schedule air conditioner service when dangerous weather approaches. Of course it’s not the most crucial worry during a dangerous storm, but there are a few tips to help protect your system 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 Epperson Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Hilton Head Island can offer guidance on the best way to secure your particular 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 small yet important tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t intimately familiar with your fuse box, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted! Switch 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 inconvenience 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 wheelbarrow 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 objects that could be a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could be lifted off the ground and flung towards 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 provide an expert opinion. The experts at Epperson Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning have seen it all before. So whether Hilton Head Island is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call today or schedule an appointment online.