How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season  

Although we never plan to deal with severe weather, in the U.S. it’s a reality we must be prepared for. If you already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you schedule air conditioner service when threatening weather approaches. Of course it’s not the most important concern during these times, but there are a few steps you can take to help protect your heating and cooling system in the event of an emergency weather situation. 

Batten down the hatches. 

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your AC is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, take extra care by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your professional technician from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in the U.S. can offer guidance on the best way to secure your specific air conditioner. 

Shut the system down. 

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the beginning of a weather emergency it can be easy to panic and forget this and other small yet important tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t intimately familiar with your fuse box, it’s a great time to learn it! Shut off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and take note of which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Taking action before an emergency saves you the trouble and danger of having to do so in the dark later. 

Clear the area around your air conditioner. 

Hurricane force winds can do a lot of damage but so can a wheelbarrow that has been thrown into your air conditioner. As long as it’s still safe to be outside, make sure you clear the immediate area surrounding your air conditioner. This means furniture, tools, toys, and any other number of objects that could turn into a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could be lifted off the ground and flung towards your air conditioner (or your home, for that matter) should be moved to a safer place and secured there. 

In the event that a hurricane or severe storm forces water into your air conditioner, DON’T restore power to your air conditioner. If you are unsure of its safety AT ALL, you should immediately call in a licensed professional to assess the damage. The experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing have seen it all before. So whether the U.S. is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 866-397-3787 today or schedule an appointment online.