We are halfway through Hurricane season, the threat is far from over. If you’re concerned about the Hurricane season, which starts from June 1 to November 30, or are simply afraid of summer storms, it’s recommended to safeguard your HVAC system from the weather this season.
Hurricanes deliver more than just rain and wind. In fact, they produce power outages that may leave you without air conditioning and other household equipment for hours or days. Visit Ready.gov for information on how to prepare your whole house for severe weather. Take extra care of your air conditioning system so you can keep it cool between hurricanes.
Protect Your Air Conditioner
Secure your air conditioner before, during and after hurricanes and summer storms. Follow some smart steps below to minimize damage to your air conditioner and get it back up and running as quickly as possible after the electricity is restored.
1. Precool Your Home
If you expect losing power during a storm, cool your house in advance so that you can be comfortable until electricity is restored. Set your thermostat’s setting to colder than normal, close the curtains and blinds, and keep the doors and windows closed to keep the chilly air inside.
2. Turn-Off Electricity
Hurricanes comes with lightning and cause a power surge. An outage can damage your A/C unit. To protect your home equipment and devices you can install a whole-house surge protector. However, there’s also a danger that debris may get lodged in your outside unit and cause the engine to overheat. Protect yourself by turning off the electricity to your air conditioner. We advise that you switch off your thermostat and circuit breaker.
3. Clear Your Yard
Go around your property and make sure nothing could blow around during the storm and damage your outdoor unit. Clear all items such as lawn furniture, bikes, propane tanks, and any material inside or under shelters.
4. Protect Your AC Outdoor Unit
Secure your outdoor unit by covering it with hurricane straps, tarp, or cage. Strong heavy winds can carry flying objects and possibly may hit and damage you’re A/C unit. After turning off your air conditioner, protect it from flying debris by covering it with a tarp or plywood. Strong winds may bring down branches and trees that might cause damage if they fall on your unit. Ensure that the covering is removed as soon as it is safe to do so. Covering your unit for too long may retain moisture, leading to the growth of mold and mildew.
5. Secure Your AC Unit
If you have a second-story air conditioner, remember to attach the external condenser unit with hurricane straps to keep it in place during high winds. If your location is prone to floods, you may choose to have a professional HVAC technician raise your unit for increased safety.
6. Check For Possible Damages
Check for damages before turning on your air conditioning system. This is among the most crucial measures. Don’t forget to check storm damage before reactivating the system. Flooding or flying debris may have harmed your unit, and turning it on might exacerbate the damage. In addition, storm winds may create disconnections inside your air conditioning unit, which may result in refrigerant leakage. Turn on your air conditioning as soon as it seems safe to do so. This will prevent mold and mildew growth.
7. Contact a Skilled Professional
Calling a professional HVAC technician to evaluate your unit for storm-related damage is the safest course of action. This will provide you with the assurance that it is running correctly and safely. They may also assist you if you need to purchase a new HVAC system.
If you are having difficulties and in need of a professional HVAC technician service provider, Call Caloosa Cooling immediately at 239-226-0202.
Protect Your Home From Hurricane
In addition in securing your air conditioner, you may take a few basic precautions to safeguard your house. Please take note that these recommendations do not guarantee that you or your house will be “safe” during a severe storm. Please check weather warnings and leave the area as advised by local authorities.
- Lock All Windows and Doors Securely – Ensure that all doors and windows are secured to protect your residence from flying glass and debris. Numerous properties in locations prone to hurricanes are equipped with window, porch, and door protection systems for increased security.
- Prepare Your Garage Door – If strong winds knock down your garage door and enter your garage, it is more likely that your whole roof will be pulled off.
- Trim Adjacent Trees – Keep an eye out for dead branches and overhanging trees on your property and remove them before a severe storm might cause harm. Other unsecured items in your yard, such as patio furniture and barbecue grills, must also be secured.
- Unplug Devices or Get a Surge Protector – Electrical surges are a very real threat during a violent storm and may cause significant damage to your pricey kitchen equipment and home entertainment systems.
- Prevent Water Damage to Your House – If possible, elevate your vehicle and remove valuables from the floor. Ensure that you have enough flood insurance and a current house inventory to facilitate any future property claims.
Get Help From Caloosa Cooling
When it comes to professional air conditioning, residential HVAC solution, commercial HVAC solutions, and AC maintenance in Southwest Florida, Caloosa Cooling is the company to rely on. We serve clients with only the highest quality HVAC services possible. Excellence is the foundation that we were built on. Our professional team will be glad to assist you in all your HVAC system needs.
We are ready to service HVAC Solutions to you from Sarasota down to Marco Island, Florida and surrounding areas.
- North Port
- Englewood
- Port Charlotte
- Punta Gorda
- Boca Grande
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Lehigh Acres
- Captiva
- Estero
- Bonita Springs
- Immokalee
- Ave Maria
- North Naples
- Naples
- Marco Island
Caloosa Cooling, your Air Conditioning Service Provider in Southwest Florida offers the following services:
>Heating
We will be ready to help you analyze what you need in the way of a heating system when you give us a call.
Cooling
We will keep you comfortable with the perfect and affordable Air conditioning & HVAC installation or replacement you need!
Sales
We sell and service the following major brands: Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Daikin & Tempstar.
Installations
We offer a free analysis of your A/C needs in order to give you an accurate estimate of needs and costs.
Repairs
We have dedicated A/C repair staff to service all A/C repairs as well as regular servicing A/C units.