Hurricane season doesn’t let up until the end of November. That means that vigilance is warranted, as is making sure that you are taking the right precautions for the safety of your home and family. Proper planning prior to a storm is far less expensive than most of the potential damage your unit could suffer during the weather.

How Should You Prep Your HVAC for Stormy Weather?

The number one factor to be worried about is extreme wind. Tiny objects can quickly become dangerous or damaging projectiles.

• If you have tree branches hanging over your HVAC, trim them back.
• Police your yard and surrounding areas for loose items that can be picked up by the wind and remove them. 
• Invest in a cover for your HVAC unit to provide additional protection against flying debris.

In addition, you should also clean out your gutters so that they do not back up and overflow creating flooding… as well as securing a professional inspection before the storm hits. Our expert team at Trager Home Services can identify any potential problems and effect repairs before the storm comes.

Should You Cool Your Home Before a Hurricane?

When a hurricane strikes, power outages are common. Depending on where you live and the infrastructure damage, this can last for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. When considering HVAC preparation there are a few key things you must do.

When the storm is still a day or two away, set your thermostat to 5 degrees lower than usual. Make sure you keep doors and windows closed in order to allow the cooling to take effect unimpeded. When the hurricane gets near to your city, shut off the power to your HVAC system to prevent damage from electrical surges. If you are unable to find the power switch for your HVAC, simply unplug the unit.

Does My HVAC Unit Need Hurricane Straps?

Even if your HAVC unit is bolted down, you may want to consider straps for additional security. Hurricane winds pack a punch, even a lowly Category 1 hurricane boasts winds of over 74 mph. Sometimes enough to flip your HVAC unit over.

Long metal “tie out” stakes (look for corrosion proof one) and nylon ratchet straps are a good way to secure your unit, making it as safe as possible during the worst of the winds. The process is just like tying something down to the roof of your vehicle – keep your anchors parallel to each other and use multiple straps per unit for security. 

Let Tragar Home Services Help Keep Your Home Safe

Your family deserves an HVAC provider that has your health and safety at heart. At Tragar Home Services we have earned our reputation for 5-star / twenty-four / seven days a week service to our community. Our highly trained professional staff can identify and repair any HVAC problems, as well as providing other services such as HVAC installation and oil delivery. Contact us today before any storms arrive!