North Carolina consistently ranks among the top five states most vulnerable to hurricanes, with the Outer Banks, Jacksonville, and other coastal areas frequently enduring the brunt.
Inland areas aren’t exempt, facing heavy rainfall and flooding that can damage homes and disrupt lives. Preparing your home for hurricane season is essential, and your HVAC system deserves your attention in these situations to maintain safety and prevent issues from arising in the future.
Taking proactive steps to protect your HVAC equipment can save you from costly repairs and ensure your system will keep you comfortable when the storm settles. We’ll break down the tasks you can complete to best protect your unit.
Raise Your Outdoor Unit
Flooding is one of the most devastating consequences of hurricanes, particularly for coastal and low-lying areas like the Outer Banks and Jacksonville.
Your outdoor HVAC unit can withstand heavy rain but not standing water. If it’s installed at ground level, standing water around the unit can lead to electrical malfunctions, permanent damage, and fire hazards.
Installing your outdoor unit on a raised concrete slab provides essential protection against floodwaters. A higher placement not only minimizes flood damage but also ensures better airflow around the unit for optimal performance.
Consult an HVAC professional to assess your current setup and recommend the right elevation based on your property.
Cover Your Outdoor Unit During the Storm
Your outdoor HVAC unit faces threats from wind-driven debris and excessive water exposure during a hurricane. Covering the unit with a tarp, secured by hurricane straps, is a simple and effective way to minimize damage.
First, secure the unit with hurricane straps to anchor it in place. Then, blanket it with a tarp to provide additional protection from flying debris and excess moisture. The tarp may not hold up through the entire storm, but it will help shield the unit for as long as possible and deter animals from seeking shelter inside.
Avoid covering your unit while it’s on or even during the winter because it can trap moisture and promote rust. Remove the tarp immediately after the storm to allow the unit to dry.
Secure Outdoor Furniture & Objects
Hurricane winds turn everyday home items into dangerous projectiles that can damage your air conditioner, heat pump, siding, or roof. Securing these items before a storm can protect both your HVAC system and your home:
- Lawn chairs and tables
- Potted plants
- Decorative yard items
- Umbrellas
- And more
Gather these items and store them indoors or in a secure shed to prevent them from going airborne. You should also consider trimming weak branches on nearby trees. Fallen branches are a serious hazard.
If you have large items that can’t be moved, anchor them securely to reduce their likelihood of damaging your home and HVAC unit.
Adjust Your Thermostat Right Before the Storm Hits
If you decide to turn off the power to your HVAC system, which we strongly recommend, make sure to adjust the thermostat a few hours before landfall.
Raising or lowering your thermostat a few degrees can help maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature for longer without the HVAC system running. Turning off your HVAC system will protect it from power surges and electrical damage caused by outages that happen during hurricanes.
If you experience issues with your HVAC system or thermostat functionality, you should schedule an AC or heating repair as soon as possible.
Call Comfort First to Inspect Your HVAC System After the Storm
After a storm, inspecting your HVAC system is essential to ensure it’s safe to operate. Start by clearing away debris and checking for visible damage like dents, bent fins, or loose components.
Remember, hidden issues like electrical malfunctions or internal water damage often demand the eye of a trained HVAC professional. Comfort First Heating & Cooling offers thorough post-storm inspections to identify and repair problems you may miss.
With over a decade of experience serving North Carolina, we know how to prepare your home and AC unit for extreme weather.
Schedule same-day HVAC repair by contacting us today for service in the Outer Banks, Jacksonville, the Triangle, the Triad, or Charlotte.
