How to Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm
How Do You Prepare HVAC Equipment for a Storm?
When a storm is coming, make sure your HVAC equipment is prepared with these tips from McKinley Heating Service Experts.
- Protect Your System from the Surge
Install a high-quality surge protector where any heavy appliances, such as a furnace, are plugged into a typical wall outlet, to automatically shut down your equipment if there’s a jump in the line voltage. Also, never to touch any electrical components, and ask for a technician’s help if you are not familiar with using surge protectors.
- Make Sure Everything is Anchored
Confirm your outdoor equipment is installed on a concrete pad and safely secured to avoid the equipment from being launched in the air or washing away throughout the course of a storm. If your area is prone to hurricanes, use hurricane straps to project your equipment from high winds.
- Cover Your Equipment (If Possible)
The safety of you and your family should be priority, but if time will let you, power off your heating and cooling system and cover the outdoor system with a tarp. Be sure to remove the tarp and any debris before you turn your unit back on following a storm.
- Check For Damage
Once the storm has passed, make sure the system is safe before turning it back on. First, make sure there are no indications of damage and clean any debris from around the equipment. Call McKinley Heating Service Experts for an equipment inspection if there is any damage or flooding to the unit. Once you’ve had the system inspected by a professional, turn the HVAC system back on right away to help dry the home and avoid mold from getting into the unit or ductwork.
If your system has suffered any damage, check out these recommendations on what to do if your equipment suffers damage and then call McKinley Heating Service Experts and learn about our membership plans to help keep your HVAC equipment in working order all year long.
