June 1 through Nov. 30 is the Atlantic hurricane season. Preparing your HVAC system ahead of time is ideal to limit the risk of damage to it and your home. This system is a crucial aspect of comfortable living and is expensive to replace. Taking proactive measures like the ones below can help defend your HVAC system from extreme weather.
Landscape
Check that the area around the unit is free of debris and vegetation. It’s also important that no overhanging branches snap off and land on your unit. Hire a landscaper to trim back any overgrown plants, trees, or shrubs that may be too close to the unit. Have them mow your grass so it won’t grow into it.
Clear space around the unit permits proper airflow. Small debris, such as leaves and twigs, may not seem like a big deal, but they can obstruct the system’s airflow, reduce efficiency, and strain the unit.
Schedule a Tune-Up Appointment
We recommend scheduling an HVAC tune-up appointment during spring and fall. Considering the Atlantic hurricane season starts in spring, call us before June 1st. This allows you to get the date and time slot that’s convenient for you and still leaves time for us to come back and do repairs if necessary. You’ll also beat the rush of other homeowners calling us to schedule an appointment.
We can check that your system is ready for the first extreme weather event of the season. One of our HVAC technicians will inspect the vital components, such as the refrigerant levels and condenser, to ensure everything is working correctly. We’ll also change your air filter so it’s completely clean, and you won’t have to worry about changing it for another month or two.
If the technician tells you your system needs repairs, we recommend scheduling another appointment immediately so we can do them before the first hurricane. Knowing your system is ready to handle the extreme weather can give you peace of mind and help you feel more prepared.
Fix Door and Window Leaks
Evaluate your windows and doors to ensure they’re in good condition and don’t let in drafts. If these areas aren’t properly sealed, warm and cool air inside your home can escape through small openings, and hurricane winds and rain could also enter. This situation is problematic for multiple reasons.
Water can sneak through even the smallest openings in your doors or windows. If it gets near your mementos, it could cause issues ranging from mold to damage.
Another issue is that this influx of extreme weather can cause temperature fluctuations within your home. Your HVAC system struggles to keep up with and maintain its efficiency and provide you with a comfortable space. The more it has to do this, the more strain it puts on itself. It may also increase the chances we’ll have to visit your Florida home to repair or replace the system if the damage gets bad enough.
Fixing your windows with caulk or weather stripping can help decrease the drafts, while door draft blockers are ideal for your doors. A better option would be replacing these windows with ones that are energy efficient. Consider extra protection by installing storm shutters that prevent water from getting in and safeguard the glass from getting broken by flying debris.
Find the Switch on the Panel
Some Florida homeowners, especially if they recently moved to the property, are unsure where their electrical panel is. Before hurricane season starts, locate the electrical panel and find the switch that corresponds to your HVAC system. Label each switch if it’s not done already.
Turning off your HVAC system via the electrical panel before a hurricane lands in your area is a crucial safety measure. Hurricanes and other severe weather often result in power surges, and keeping your HVAC system running during the storm can expose it to potential damage. Power surges could overload the system or harm components, leading to costly repairs or, if the damage is bad enough, an entire replacement.
By turning off the switch before the hurricane, you’re ensuring it remains protected from electrical fluctuations. If it restarts automatically when the power is restored, you’re also helping protect it during a power outage.
Before you shut down your HVAC system right before a hurricane, make the temperature inside a little warmer or cooler than usual for that time. This can help make your home a little more comfortable during the storm, even with the HVAC unit off; make sure not to open any doors or windows that could let out the air.
Cage It Up
Living in Florida means protecting many areas of your home from flying debris, including your outdoor HVAC unit. One of the best ways to shield it from debris during a hurricane is to put a cage around it. These cages are typically composed of durable materials such as steel, providing a physical barrier that helps safeguard units against debris like heavy branches. You can opt for a custom cage or one made for your HVAC unit model.
These cages are designed to protect your HVAC system and leave plenty of space around it so that it will continue to work efficiently without restricting airflow. They also help keep animals away from it, including your pets or other critters in the neighborhood.
Get a Cover for the Outdoor Unit
As beneficial as a cage is, it’s also ideal to cover the entire cage. While the cage protects the unit from flying debris, it can’t safeguard it from rain. Buy a cover designed to withstand hurricane winds and rain.
You can put the cover on right before the hurricane and check that it’s properly secured so that it won’t fly off. The cover will help protect the components from anything that can sneak past the cage’s holes, such as small rocks and rain. When the hurricane is over, you can easily remove the cover so that only the cage remains. We don’t recommend using your HVAC unit while the cover is still on it.
Anchor the HVAC Unit
Hurricane winds can knock over the unit or move it far enough that it falls off its pad. To prevent this, one of our technicians can install tie-downs. These small, incredibly durable devices can withstand strong hurricane winds. They attach the condenser unit to the concrete slab underneath.
Add a Generator Hookup to the Electrical Panel
After a hurricane is over, it’s common to have power outages for a few days or longer. The most efficient way to get your HVAC running again during a power outage is to have a generator powerful enough to run the unit and other essential items, like the refrigerator. These generators can be configured to connect to the electrical panel when needed. Work with an electrician if this is something that you want to explore.
Don’t put your HVAC system at risk during hurricane season. Snowbird Heating & Cooling in Auburndale, FL, offers HVAC services, including repair, installation, and maintenance, for all heating and cooling systems including ductless systems, to clients in and near the area who need assistance. Contact us today to get your HVAC system in top shape.
