From now until November, hurricane season will be tearing through the coastlines and wreaking havoc on many homes. But just because you’re inland, doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. As the impacts of these storms affect cities all over the country, it’s so important to take the right precautions to protect your home. And while many people tend to forget their HVAC on this to-do list, we want to make sure you’re not one of them. Here are 5 tips to prepare your HVAC for this season’s storms AND all the reasons you’ll be glad you did.

1. Schedule an Inspection
   Before anything else, make sure your unit is running properly in general. Older HVACs should be checked annually as is, but it’s even more important during the warmer and stormier months to make sure everything is performing as efficiently as possible. It’ll not only save you money overtime, but you’ll be more confident in your system when bad weather does strike. There’s nothing worse than a unit failing right when you need it most, so contact us to schedule your inspection today.
2. Get a Surge Protector
   We all know that lighting can do serious damage to our electronic devices, especially if they’re up and running during a storm. Well, your HVAC is no exception. The purpose of a surge protector is to help prevent damage to your HVAC’s inner mechanics by managing the uneven power supply caused by an unexpected lightning strike. An intense jolt of power could even cause an immediate crash of the unit’s circuit boards, so by installing a surge protector, it will protect your unit by taking the hit instead. You can’t always predict a storm’s behavior, so having a Plan B is the next best thing.
3. Cover It Up & Bolt It Down
   Outdoor units are vulnerable to an infinite number of falling objects and flying debris that can cause irreparable damage. Your neighbors may not have prepared quite as well as you have (cue flying patio furniture or lawn equipment), so in anticipation of a bad storm, cover your HVAC with a tarp or plywood that will help shield your unit from harmful material. Also, make sure all bolts and screws are secured tightly, so the unit can’t be lifted by strong winds.
4. Pre-Cool Your Home
   Since powerful storms are likely to cause power outages, it’s a good idea to cool your home before they do. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than usual and keep all blinds and windows closed to trap in the cold air in case the unit is off for a period of time during the storm. This will help keep your home cool and comfortable until help can arrive.
5. Turn Your Unit Off
   Even before the possibility of a power outage, it’s a good idea to turn your unit off altogether, just as you would with your other household electronics. If the storm does affect your power supply and your unit is still running, extensive damage to electrical panels could lead to costly repairs or a complete replacement. Make sure to also unplug any window units and move them inside, so you can seal all windows. This will help eliminate any weak points in your home that the storm could enter, as well as help keep your home cool as long as possible until it passes.

If you’d like more tips on how to protect your HVAC during hurricane season, any of our experienced technicians would be happy to chat with you! Contact us for help with how to keep your home safe and comfortable all year long.