Tips to Protect Your AC Unit Before, During & After a Hurricane

Proper preparation prevents poor performance. It’s also the key to protecting your family, your budget and your peace of mind throughout hurricane season.

If you haven’t done so already, stock your home with vital emergency supplies and items, such as:

• Nonperishable food supplies
• Large quantities of bottled or tanked fresh water
• Medical kit containing sterile bandages, pain relievers, burn ointment, antiseptic and vitamins
• At least two dependable battery-powered flashlights
• Personal hygiene items
• A battery-operated radio with frequencies for emergency broadcasts

One more thing you will want to keep on hand is our number. From our emergency cooling and heating service in Trinity, FL, to our emergency plumbing service in Pasco County, FL, Cornerstone Pros offers the emergency services you need to address any home comfort crisis that arises.

Although we’re only a call away, it’s important you do your part to secure your serenity, too. You don’t want one disaster to lead to another. So, to prevent a major AC repair or a system replacement, it’s important you prepare your air conditioner for the storm. Here’s how:

Before a Hurricane Arrives…

A hurricane’s powerful winds and heavy rain can cause severe damage to your air conditioner. You can’t stop the elements from storming in, but you can minimize your system’s exposure to them.

Before severe weather hits, take these precautions:

• Schedule AC maintenance. A system that is in peak condition will deal with the sudden rush of high winds and abuse far better than a malfunctioning unit.
• Inspect in and around your unit. Remove debris or any loose material that could end up lodged in your unit and cause damage.
• Secure your air conditioner to its base. Hurricane straps or metal hold-down brackets will prevent your unit from shifting or wobbling.
• Cover your air conditioner with a nylon or vinyl tarp and then secure it with bungee cords. This helps keep any debris a hurricane kicks up out of your unit, reducing the risk of it causing severe systematic damage.

During a Hurricane…

Hurricanes can cause mass power outages. If there was a power surge before your home’s power failed, then it’s crucial you shut off the power to your air conditioner at the unit itself and the main breaker. This will prevent your air conditioner from sustaining severe electrical damage, eliminating the risk of a fire or other serious problem.

After a Hurricane…

After a hurricane has moved through, it’s natural to want get back to normal life right away. But choosing to operate your air conditioner without first having it inspected by a certified professional is a huge mistake. That’s because severe weather can damage your unit. If problems aren’t addressed or faulty parts aren’t repaired, it can put you at risk for costly and dangerous repercussions.

A thorough inspection allows you to catch and address any hurricane-related trouble, ensuring your unit is safe to operate.

From powerful winds to heavy rain, here are some common issues:

• Your unit may have been submerged in water due to flooded areas. When this happens, your unit may become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold. Failing to remove contaminants will take a toll on your home’s IAQ and, ultimately, your well-being.
• Debris may be lodged in your AC due to heavy winds. Failing to remove any junk before operation can cause serious damage.
• Prolonged exposure to water due to heavy rain can damage an air conditioner’s electrical components. Keep your unit off until a professional certifies it’s safe to operate.
• Your air conditioner’s refrigerant line may have been damaged and is now leaking. This issue must be addressed immediately. Leaking refrigerant is harmful to the environment and causes your energy bill to skyrocket. Even worse, dried up refrigerant puts your health at risk and could lead to the need for a major AC repair. 

Take Action Before It’s Too Late!

To ensure that your air conditioner is ready to weather the elements, get in touch with Cornerstone Pros today by filling out our online form or calling us at 813.995.7558!

Keep this in mind. From replacing a hot water heater in Trinity, FL, to performing circuit repairs in Pasco County, FL, we provide HVAC, plumbing and electrical services for nonhurricane-related emergencies, too!