How to Protect Your HVAC System from Hurricanes

When hurricane season starts in Southwest Florida, protecting your home becomes a priority. Outdoor AC units are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage. Hurricane season lasts a full six months from June 1 to November 30 each year, making it essential to prepare and protect your AC from a hurricane before storms hit.

There are plenty of things you can do to prepare your AC unit for hurricane season, including:

• Inspect and secure your outdoor AC unit
• Turn off the system before the storm hits
• Cover and protect vulnerable components
• Check and restore your system safely after the storm

Read on to learn more about preparing your AC system for a hurricane.

Shield Your HVAC Investment—Get Storm-Ready with Advanced Air!

Protecting your AC during hurricane season starts with an Advanced Air maintenance plan. Sign up for annual HVAC tune-ups, priority service, and discounted repairs. Call (888) 853-5143 for fast, convenient scheduling, or sign up for a plan on our maintenance plan page.

During a hurricane, power surges can damage your HVAC system and put your home at risk. Lightning strikes or blown transformers can send electricity down the line, damaging electrical components and the AC compressor.

Shutting off the system at the main breaker reduces the chances of a catastrophic event and prevents the unit from turning on during a storm. To keep temperatures comfortable during the storm, pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat for a few hours before you shut off the unit.

Water and debris could damage vulnerable components inside your AC. A breathable, manufacturer-approved AC cover provides better protection than a plastic tarp, which can trap moisture inside the unit.

A plywood or metal cage offers additional protection. Remember to remove the cover once the hurricane has passed so your unit gets sufficient airflow once you turn it back on.

After a hurricane, you should inspect your HVAC system before restoring power. Check for tripped breakers, disconnected wires, visible damage, and debris or flooding that might affect performance or cause it not to work.

Avoid restarting your AC if you notice water pooled around the base, and call a licensed HVAC technician for a professional inspection and AC repair service if you have any concerns about possible damage.

Schedule Hurricane-Ready HVAC Service with Advanced Air!

With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and no-surprise pricing, Advanced Air is dedicated to protecting your HVAC unit from storms and getting you up and running after a hurricane.

For yearly inspections and priority service if you need repairs, sign up for our maintenance plan. Call (888) 853-5143 to get your AC unit protected today.

How Can a Hurricane Damage an AC Unit?

Airborne debris carried by hurricane winds can strike your AC unit during a storm, and flooding can cause moisture to get inside the unit. Electrical surges can also damage the electronic components of your HVAC system.

Why Should You Cover Your AC Unit Before a Hurricane?

Covering your outdoor AC unit before a hurricane keeps out moisture and flying debris, such as branches and garden decor caught by storm winds.

When Should You Prepare Your AC for a Hurricane?

Inspections and maintenance should be done before hurricane season starts on June 1 or in the early part of the season. Immediate preparations, including turning off your unit and securing it with straps, can be handled within the 24 to 48 hours before a storm is expected to hit your area.