Hunkering Down for Hurricane Season: HVAC Tips
Hurricane season is already in full swing in South Carolina. If you’ve lived here for a while, you probably have hurricane preparation down to a science. While you’re busy stocking up on supplies and securing your home, don’t forget about your HVAC unit.
When a hurricane hits, high winds, flying debris, and flooding all pose serious threats to your outdoor unit. Here are 4 tips to protect your HVAC unit from damage during big storms.
Surge Protector is a Must-Have
Lightning from a hurricane- or any thunderstorm- can severely damage your HVAC unit if it isn’t properly protected. A single strike is enough to cause a power surge that fries the electrical components of your system, rendering it inoperable. This kind of damage can be costly to repair and may require a complete replacement of the unit.
We recommend a surge protector to all our customers as an extra layer of defense, helping to absorb and dissipate the energy from a lightning strike before it reaches your system. Surge protectors are small investments compared to the cost of an HVAC system.
Elevate your Unit
Elevate your HVAC unit to protect it during a hurricane. Even if your yard doesn’t typically flood, it’s at a higher risk during severe weather.
Your HVAC unit is water-resistant to withstand rain, but it is not waterproof and cannot sit in standing water for extended periods of time. Make sure your unit is raised on a concrete slab or another sturdy platform that keeps it above flood level.
Flooding can not only damage your unit, but it can also lead to electrical fires or mold growth, creating serious hazards for your home.
Invest in a Generator
Investing in a generator is a smart move, especially during hurricane season when power outages are common. A generator ensures that your HVAC system can continue running, keeping your home comfortable even if the power goes out.
However, if you don’t have a generator, a simple trick is to set your AC a few degrees cooler than usual before the storm hits. This way, your home will stay cooler for a longer period if the power does go out.
Clear Debris
After the storm has passed, clear debris from around your HVAC unit if possible.
Fallen tree limbs or other debris can block your unit’s airflow, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage. Ensuring that the area around your unit is clear will help maintain optimal performance and prevent costly repairs.
As you prepare for the next big storm, don’t forget to prepare your HVAC unit. Hopefully, these tips prevent damage, but if something does go wrong, All American is here to help you.