When hurricane season in Lakeland, FL is approaching, there are some steps that you can take to prepare your HVAC system and home for potential winds and precipitation. Investing in preparedness now can make a big difference in the extent of damage that your home and HVAC system experiences during a storm. Let’s look at some tips to prepare.
Inspect Your Outdoor Equipment
You likely have some HVAC equipment that is installed outside of your Lakeland home. In most cases, this is your air conditioning unit. When the initial installation took place, hopefully your unit was installed slightly off the ground. This can help to protect it during a storm. If it wasn’t, you can consider having it mounted to the side of your home or up on blocks.
If there is a hurricane forecasted, you can pile sandbags around your outdoor units to protect them from excessive wind speeds, blowing debris, and precipitation. It’s not recommended that you cover your outdoor units for any extended length of time, but you can use a tarp or cover during a storm. Just make sure that you remove the cover once the storm is over and you’re ready to turn your equipment back on.
You should also check your yard for any tree limbs, high grasses, shrubs, or weeds that may be too close to your HVAC equipment. While they may not be causing any issues right now while the sun is shining, they could easily fall or blow into your unit during a hurricane, causing extensive damage.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance Appointments
Your HVAC system should be inspected once per year. This appointment is an opportunity for a professional to spot minor issues that need to be repaired before they become major concerns. When a hurricane blows through, many homes will require the emergency assistance of an HVAC company. Routine maintenance can decrease the risk that you’ll be one of these homes. You may be able to go right back to enjoying comfortable indoor air once the power goes on when routine maintenance is a priority.
Turn Your HVAC System Off During a Storm
When a storm is approaching, make sure that you turn your HVAC equipment off completely. If the power goes out and back on frequently, you want to avoid the risk of a surge damaging your system. You can consider the installation of a surge protector to safeguard your HVAC system as well as other areas of your home.
If you want to ensure that your home is comfortable during an impending storm, adjust your thermostat before the wind starts to blow. When you shut your system down, you should be able to maintain comfort for at least a little while.
Consider a Post-Storm Inspection
Once a storm has passed through, it can be helpful to have a professional come out for a one-off inspection. This will ensure that nothing was damaged during the storm. Not all damage is immediately visible and could lead to catastrophic issues if left unaddressed. If you notice anything is amiss with your system once a storm has passed, always call in a professional to take care of the problem for you. Trying to fix a problem yourself could make the issue worse. It could also put you and your family in danger if you’re not experienced with this type of work.
Signs of Storm Damage to Watch Out For
There are several signs of HVAC damage that you should watch out for once a storm has passed. It’s a good idea to do a visual inspection of the various parts of your system before you turn it back on. Look for any water accumulation around your indoor and outdoor units. If everything looks ok, you can power your units back on. Listen closely for any odd sounds, such as clanking, grinding, or loud humming. Check for electrical or burning smells once your system has turned on. If you notice anything is wrong, turn your HVAC system off and call a professional for assistance.
If you are in need of an HVAC inspection before or after a storm, reach out to the team at Snowbird Heating & Cooling. We proudly serve the Lakeland area, helping with new equipment installation, emergency repairs, and routine maintenance. We also perform indoor air quality testing to ensure your home is healthy and safe. Contact Snowbird Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment.
