It feels like storm season is every season. Spring brings rain storms and tornadoes, while summer kicks off hurricane season. By the time the Atlantic hurricane season comes to a close in November, snowfalls are upon the north. The safety of your family during dangerous storms should always take priority. But even when the winds die down and the rain dries up, you still want to make sure that your home and family remain unharmed. Here are some suggestions for preparing your home’s heating and cooling equipment for storm season.
Anchor Your Air Conditioning
Your outdoor air conditioning equipment should be installed on a concrete pad and properly secured to prevent the system from going airborne or washing away during a storm. If you live in a climate that is subject to hurricanes, it may be necessary to fasten your air conditioner with hurricane straps to protect the equipment from high winds. Ask your expert technician about securing your home’s air conditioning system during your Fall Tune-up.
Stop the Surge
You can’t literally stop the surge that often occurs during a storm, but you can safeguard your heating and air conditioning equipment from it. Install 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 heating system if there’s an increase in the line voltage. This will help safeguard the electrical components in your HVAC equipment that the power surge could hurt. Be sure never to touch any electrical components, and ask for expert help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors properly.
Provide Cover
You and your family need to seek shelter first and foremost, but if time allows, turn off your HVAC system and cover the outdoor equipment with a tarp. Before turning your system back on after the storm, make sure you remove the tarp and remove any debris.
This, Too, Shall Pass
Once the storm is over, ensure the system is safe before turning your heating and cooling system back on. First, make sure there are no signs of damage and remove any debris from around the equipment. Try to check and confirm there is no visible harm to any of the refrigerant or electrical lines running from your air conditioner. Call 301-476-4577 for a system inspection if appears there has been any damage or flooding to the system. Once you’ve had the equipment checked by an expert to ensure safe operation, turn the HVAC system back on immediately to help dry the home and restrict mold from getting into the system or ductwork.
If your system has had any damage, check out these tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Parker Pearce Service Experts and find out about our membership options to help keep your HVAC system in working order through all the seasons.
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing concern for many years. Today’s total student debt is more than $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your academic journey or advising someone who is, it’s important to weigh... Continue reading
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts With autumn around the corner, homeowners will soon be getting ready for the winter months ahead. Cold weather puts new demands on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your heating system for the heavy work it will soon be taking on, routine HVAC... Continue reading
The HVAC profession is in a continuous state of change. With technological advancements and ever-important environmental concerns, the skills required of HVAC specialists are evolving faster than ever. Preparing to adapt and fulfill these new challenges is essential for anyone looking to join the... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.