How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
When a storm is on its way, make sure your heating and cooling equipment is primed with these recommendations from Barlow Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Invest in a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, like a furnace, are plugged into a common wall outlet, to automatically shut off your HVAC appliances if there’s a increase in the line voltage. Also, do not touch any electrical components, and ask for an expert’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 properly secured 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 is priority, but if time allows, turn off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. You must remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your equipment back on at the end of a storm.
When the storm has passed, ensure the system is safe before powering it back on. First, make sure there are no signs of damage and clean any debris from around the unit. Call Barlow Service Experts for a system inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the equipment inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on as soon as possible to help dry the home and prevent mold from getting into the equipment or ductwork.
If your equipment has suffered any damage, check out these tips on What To Do If Your Air Conditioning System Experiences Flooding or Hail Damage and then call Barlow and learn about our membership plans to help keep your heating and cooling equipment in working order all year long.