How to Protect Your AC System This Hurricane Season
How to Protect Your AC System This Hurricane Season
Living in South Florida means hurricane season is just part of the calendar, and your AC system is one of the most exposed pieces of equipment on your property. A little preparation now can save you from a much bigger headache (and a much bigger bill) after the next storm rolls through.
1. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Before a storm hits, walk around your condenser and remove anything nearby that could become a projectile: patio furniture, potted plants, loose branches, or debris. Flying debris is one of the leading causes of storm damage to outdoor AC units, and it's also one of the easiest things to prevent.
2. Trim Trees and Overhanging Branches
Take a look at any trees or large branches hanging near your unit. High winds can snap branches that would otherwise never come close to your system. Trimming back overgrowth ahead of storm season is a simple step that goes a long way.
3. Turn Off Power Before the Storm Hits
If a storm is approaching and you expect power outages or surges, turn off power to your outdoor unit at the disconnect box. This protects your system from power surges when electricity comes back online, which can damage sensitive electrical components.
4. Cover It, But Don't Seal It
If you choose to cover your outdoor unit, use a breathable cover made for AC units, not a tarp. Sealing your unit in plastic can trap moisture and lead to mold or corrosion inside the system, which creates a whole new problem once the storm passes.
5. Check for Proper Drainage
Standing water around your outdoor unit during and after a storm can cause serious damage. Make sure the ground around your unit slopes away from it and that nothing is blocking normal drainage in that area of your yard.
6. Have Your System Inspected Before Storm Season Peaks
A pre-season inspection can catch loose panels, worn mounting brackets, or existing electrical issues that make your system more vulnerable during high winds. This is exactly the kind of thing a seasonal tune-up is designed to catch, and it's one of the reasons we recommend scheduling maintenance before the peak of hurricane season each year.
After the Storm: What to Check Before Turning Your AC Back On
Look for visible damage to the outdoor unit, including dents, debris, or a unit that's shifted off its pad
Check for standing water around the unit before restoring power
Listen for unusual noises when you first turn the system back on
If anything looks off, don't force it. Give us a call before running a system that may have taken on damage
We're Here When You Need Us
As a woman-owned, family-operated business, we know what it's like to ride out a storm in this community too. If your system takes a hit this season, we offer emergency services and we'll get to you as quickly as we safely can.
Cooling and Heating Specialists LLC
📞 954-729-9956
📧 CHS.HVACPros@gmail.com
🌐 CoolingHeatingSpecialists.com
Licensed & Insured | CAC1824395 | EPA 608 Certified
