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5 Ways to Prepare Your Home and HVAC System for a Hurricane in Florida

Hurricane season in Florida is no joke. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding can cause severe
damage to your home and its systems, including your HVAC. As a homeowner, it’s essential to
take precautions to protect both your family and your property before a storm hits. Here are five
ways you can prepare for a hurricane, with a special focus on maintaining and protecting your
residential HVAC system.

1. Secure Your HVAC Unit

– Why It’s Important: High winds during a hurricane can turn outdoor items into dangerous
projectiles. Your outdoor HVAC unit is vulnerable to damage from flying debris or even toppling
over if not properly secured.
– What You Can Do: Ensure your HVAC unit is bolted down securely to a concrete slab.
Additionally, you can invest in a protective cage or cover specifically designed to shield the unit
from wind-blown debris. Before the storm hits, turn off the power to your unit to prevent electrical
damage from power surges.

2. Elevate or Flood-Proof Your Outdoor Unit

– Why It’s Important: Florida is prone to flooding, especially during hurricanes. If your outdoor
HVAC unit sits in a low-lying area, it’s at risk of water damage, which could result in costly
repairs.
– What You Can Do: If your area is flood-prone, consider elevating your outdoor unit on a
platform or installing a flood barrier around it. This precaution can protect the unit from being
submerged in water and extend its lifespan.

3. Inspect and Clean Your HVAC System Before the Storm

– Why It’s Important: Routine maintenance helps ensure your HVAC system is in good working
condition before the storm. If your system is already struggling, a hurricane could exacerbate
any existing issues.
– What You Can Do: Schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC
company like Total Air Solutions to inspect, clean, and service your system before hurricane
season. Checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and ensuring proper drainage can help your
system recover more easily if it’s affected by the storm.

4. Turn Off and Cover the Unit During the Storm

– Why It’s Important: Running your HVAC system during a hurricane increases the risk of
electrical surges, short circuits, or even complete failure if the outdoor unit becomes damaged.
– What You Can Do: Before the storm hits, turn off the system at the thermostat and the circuit
breaker to avoid damage from power surges. After turning it off, cover the unit with a
weatherproof tarp or specially designed HVAC cover to keep out rain, leaves, and debris.

5. Have a Post-Storm Plan for Your HVAC System

– Why It’s Important: Once the storm has passed, it’s crucial to assess any damage to your
HVAC system before turning it back on. Running a damaged unit could cause further harm or
shorten its lifespan.
– What You Can Do: After the hurricane, remove the cover and inspect the outdoor unit for
visible damage. If the area around the unit flooded, wait until the water recedes before doing
any inspections. Check for debris, bent fan blades, or any unusual sounds when restarting the
unit. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact Total Air Solutions to assess the damage
and make necessary repairs.

Conclusion

Preparing your HVAC system for a hurricane is just as important as securing the rest of your
home. By following these five steps, you can help prevent costly damage and keep your home
comfortable once the storm has passed.
For peace of mind and expert assistance, trust Total Air Solutions for all your HVAC needs
before, during, and after hurricane season. Schedule a maintenance appointment with us today
by calling 1-888-426-1770. Stay safe, and let us help you weather the storm!

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