How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure your HVAC equipment is ready with these tips from Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Purchase a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, for example, a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut down your HVAC appliances if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for a professional’s help if you need help assistance with 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 throughout the course of a storm. If your community 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, power 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 unit back on at the end of a storm.
After the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, confirm there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the system. Call Chief/Bauer Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had an inspection by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and limit mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your air conditioner 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 Chief/Bauer and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.