How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm

How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm? 

When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is prepared with these suggestions from Stevenson Service Experts. 

  • Protect Your System from the Surge 

Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a standard wall outlet, to automatically shut off your HVAC appliances if there’s a spike in the line voltage. Also, do not 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 securely fastened to avoid the equipment from being tossed in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your community is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds. 

  • Cover Your Equipment (If Possible) 

The safety of you and your family should come first, but if time will let you, shut 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. 

  • Check For Damage 

Once the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, confirm there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call Stevenson Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the equipment. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the heating and cooling system back on right away 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 suggestions on what to do if your equipment suffers damage and then call Stevenson Service Experts and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.