It is important to minimize risks by taking protective measures beforehand. If you live in an at-risk area, you likely already have a basic preparation checklist that you go through each year as hurricane season approaches. But if you are new to such an area or don’t know that preparing your hvac supply near me unit for inclement weather is also important. Protecting your HVAC system from storm damage is critical to avoiding long term problems. Here are some ways to help you prepare your HVAC unit for a hurricane.
Be Prepared For Power Failure
It’s no surprise that in bad weather power lines are most vulnerable in such cases. Therefore, it is very common for power outages to occur, and you need to be prepared for them. The first thing you need to do is make sure your home or facility is at the right temperature before the storm hits. Downgrade your HVAC system a few degrees lower than normal and close all blinds, doors and windows. Since power interruptions can hamper your daily activities, you can keep a backup generator in your home that provides you with enough power for the essentials in your home to lessen the effects.
Check Your System
It’s important to have your hvac supply near me system checked before a hurricane hits to save money in a lot of ways. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that all bolts on the unit are tightened, fastened with storm or condenser straps, all mechanical and electrical parts of the indoor and outdoor units are in good health, and the outdoor unit is in good condition. Ignoring even the slightest problem with your system can exacerbate the problem, and therefore it is always a good idea to have a professional check your system and catch the problem early.
Shut Down the System During a Storm
It’s important that you shut down the HVAC system and unplug it, as there’s a good chance a lightning strike near a local utility pole could cause a surge of electricity that blasts through the power lines and your system isn’t built to withstand that much electricity. Shutting down and unplugging your system will protect it from the power fluctuations that can occur. While such occurrences are rare, it is always a good practice to be extra careful.
Protect the Outdoor Unit
Many people ignore the importance of securing their outdoor unit and end up facing tremendous damage. With wind speeds of this magnitude, it is very common for an outdoor hvac supply near me to be knocked over if it is not fastened properly. In other cases, other flying objects can also damage your system. Therefore, to avoid such damage, make sure you cover your system with something sturdy that acts as a shield.
