HVAC Hurricane Preparedness: Tips for Homeowners

Weather events lead to about 100 major power outages annually across the US; thirty-seven states commonly experience major outages due to major storm events, extreme temperatures (both cold and hot snaps), and flash flooding.

During the Gulf Coast hurricane season, from early June to late November, the potential for widespread power outages is the greatest. Extreme storms can down utility poles, while trees and limbs can take out power lines.

Your own experience with such storms should inspire you to make significant plans for how your family can weather power outage events. Government agencies offer suggestions for extensive storm planning steps to help families prepare. This article will focus on plans for the 24-hour period before a hurricane event.

If you determine to ride the storm out at home and expect to be without power for from two days to one week, you can take the following steps to prepare.

• Do not depend upon store shelves to be fully stocked with emergency supplies. If you have not prepared an emergency stock of water and ready-to-eat meals, expect the race to gather last-minute supplies to be long, frustrating, and perhaps, counterproductive.
• Hurricanes produce three devastating conditions:
  • Strong storm surge along the coast
  • High winds, between 75 to 150 mph
  • Heavy rainfall

Minimize damage from these conditions by:

• Prepare for rising waters with sandbags as needed
• Make sure trees and shrubs are well-trimmed
• Secure lawn furniture, furnishings, tools, and toys
• Protect your outdoor AC unit from falling or flying objects. Hurricane straps are available from the local home improvement stores. If you cover the unit, make sure the AC is completely off first.

• Make sure available communication devices are charged, including all cell phones, available portable chargers, and laptop computers. You cannot control whether cell towers or internet service remain in service, but be as prepared as possible. They are a vital link, both to emergency responders and to family members checking on your status.
• Turn the thermostat down in the hours leading to the arrival of the storm. The AC will not only cool the air, but will cool the walls, floors, and furniture. A hurricane will bring warm temperatures and while the power is off, the house will begin to heat up. Keep windows and door closed until the storm is over and the heat/humidity have made the house muggy.

The same is true of refrigerators and freezers: keep the doors closed unless opening it is absolutely necessary. This will keep cold and frozen food at the proper temperature for as long as possible. After the storm, prepare to grill food outdoors while waiting for the power to be restored.

• If your HVAC system does not have a surge protector make sure to turn off your HVAC system during the storm. Expect frequent lightning strikes and intermittent power surges as the storm arrives. Neither are good for your HVAC system. If you have a cover for the outdoor AC unit, the time to install it is after shutting the system off.

Once the power is restored make sure to remove the cover for your outdoor unit; without adequate airflow it will overheat and cause a catastrophic failure.

Prepare for the hurricane season by having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Let us avoid certain maintenance problems and detect others. For months after a major hurricane, we anticipate a full schedule of repair and replacement for several months. The time to schedule preventative maintenance is now before the season begins.

Let us help with your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to equip you for HVAC Hurricane Preparedness and answer questions around your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness, repair, and installation needs.