Hurricane Season Is Here: How to Protect Your HVAC System Before the First Storm
June kicks off tourist season in Wilmington, but it’s also the harbinger of another phase: hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, so now is the time when homeowners should start preparing HVAC systems and related equipment before tropical weather becomes a real threat.
There are several simple but important steps homeowners can take:
Protect the outdoor unit. We recommend using hurricane straps, about 1 to 2 inches wide, to anchor the condenser to its concrete pad. Cover the top of the unit with either plywood or a breathable heavy-duty cover. It’s important not to wrap the whole unit in plastic because that can trap moisture and cause damage. Aside from clearing debris around the unit, also move potted plants, outdoor furniture, and large branches away from it.
Safeguard against power surges. Storm-related outages and surges can damage HVAC equipment, thermostats, and other electronics. Turn off both the air conditioning at the thermostat and the master switch or circuit breaker and install an HVAC surge protector for surges from lightning.
Have a post-storm protocol. It’s important to wait before immediately turning the unit back on. If a unit has been submerged, hit by debris, or exposed to electrical issues, it should not simply be turned back on without inspection. Check for physical damage or debris stuck inside. You should also allow time for the electrical grid to stabilize to avoid damage from post-storm power surges and remove the cover before switching the power back on.
Keep up with HVAC maintenance. Doing so is important during this time because storm season humidity can create moisture and air quality issues that stress HVAC systems. You can also check with an HVAC technician about surge protection and how to properly disconnect power. Additionally, June is a good time to talk about generators and what systems in your home may or may not be supported during an outage. All of these questions and more can be answered by techs at Green Dot, who are a simple click away at greendothvac.com.
