How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is ready with these suggestions from Service Experts Home Services by Enercare.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically turn off your system if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, don’t touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’s help if you do not regularly use 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 tossed in the air or washing away throughout the course of 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 welfare of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, turn 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 equipment back on following a storm.
When the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before starting it back up. First, make sure there are no indicators of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Service Experts Home Services by Enercare for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on ASAP to help dry the home and prevent 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.