How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is coming, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is primed with these suggestions from Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut down your equipment if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being thrown in the air or washing away during a storm. If your area is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to keep your equipment safe from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family is priority, but if time will let you, 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 equipment back on at the end of a storm.
When the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, verify there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air for an inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the equipment back on immediately to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your system has suffered any damage, check out these tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Aramendia Plumbing and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC system in working order all year long.