Hurricane season in Central Florida runs from June 1st through November 30th, putting us right in the height of this unpredictable time of year. Hurricane Hermine was a wake up call for a lot of Port Orange residents, resulting in mass power outages and damaged property. Will you be ready when the next hurricane hits?
For Florida residents, one of the most valued assets of the home is the air conditioning system. With that being said, here are some useful guidelines to prep your air conditioning system from the wind, rain, and flooding that can come along with hurricane season:
1. Schedule maintenance.
To maximize the life of your HVAC system, it's a good idea to have it proactively serviced every spring and fall by a certified Port Orange HVAC technician. During the fall maintenance, consider installing hurricane straps to keep your system intact. Other precautions that should be taken include removing debris from outdoor units, trimming nearby trees and branches that could cause damage to the units, and even covering outside units with a cage or tarp to help prevent windblown objects from coming in contact with the compressor.
2. Turn your air conditioner off during the storm.
Anytime a hurricane hits, an obvious concern is a power surge, which can compromise your HVAC system. Therefore, it's best to turn your air conditioner off during a storm, both at the thermostat and from the circuit breaker.
3. Inspect your air conditioner post-storm before turning it back on.
Once the storm leaves, inspect your outside unit for any obvious signs of damage. If you see frayed wires, projectile damage, scorch marks, and any other storm-related damage, it's best to contact your Port Orange HVAC professional before turning your air conditioning system back on. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Longtime Florida residents know that hurricane season is no joke. There are a number of critical steps that you should take to prep your home for a hurricane, and taking your air conditioning system into consideration should certainly be part of the process.
Our team at East Coast Heating and Air Conditioning in Port Orange, Florida is proud to offer professional, friendly HVAC service as well as address any questions that you may have about your system to ensure that it's hurricane-ready. Please contact us today to schedule routine maintenance for your system so that you're ready for the next storm that comes our way.
