Is Your AC System Hurricane-Ready?

Volusia County residents have to deal with strong winds, heavy rainfall and occasional power outages during hurricane season even in years when there are no Category 4 or 5 storms. Smart homeowners in Florida begin preparing for hurricane season weeks in advance of the first storm, and they don’t neglect their air conditioners. Rapid changes in barometric pressure, extreme humidity and heavy rain can all affect an air conditioner’s performance, and objects blown by powerful winds can severely damage condenser units.

You really don’t have to do very much to make your AC system hurricane ready, and the preventative action you take could prevent costly repair bills. You’ll want your air conditioner to function perfectly after a storm to keep you comfortable and maintain air quality in your home, so let’s take a look at the steps involved.

Preparing for a Storm

Hurricane AC prep in Florida should begin with an air conditioner inspection and service. If your system has a problem, you will want to know about it before the first storm hits. The hurricane season in Florida begins on June 1, so you should schedule an inspection in April or early May.

This will give HVAC professionals enough time to order parts if they discover issues during the inspection. To avoid problems, choose an HVAC contractor with plenty of experience and good reviews. Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning has been keeping DeLand residents comfortable for more than a century, and we have an A+ rating from the BBB.

Servicing Your Air Conditioner

Regular servicing will keep your air conditioner running reliably for years. All of our maintenance plans include two service visits each year, and we advise our customers to schedule one of those visits before hurricane season begins.

During an air conditioner maintenance call, our NATE-certified technicians:

• Clean evaporator and condenser coils.
• Replace the air filter.
• Clear the condensate pan.
• Check electrical connections.
• Test and recalibrate the thermostat.
• Inspect ductwork.
• Check refrigerant pressure.
• Check blower operation.
• Thoroughly test system.

Making Necessary Repairs

If your air conditioner hasn’t been serviced in recent years, repairs may be necessary to restore its performance. Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning keeps a wide range of parts in stock, so we should be able to have your air conditioner running like new again in no time.

Some signs that your AC unit could need a repair include:

• Warm or hot air
• Insufficient air flow
• Water leaks
• Frequent cycling
• Unusual noises

Safety Steps

Once your air conditioner has been serviced and any necessary repairs have been made, you’ll want to take steps to prevent damage to your unit and keep your family safe during a storm. You should remove objects that could cause damage, make sure your unit is secured and place a cover on your unit to protect it from flying debris. Let’s take a look at each of these HVAC storm-preparation steps in a little more detail.

Removing Objects That Could Cause Damage

Hurricane-force winds can rip branches off trees and hurl even heavy items with tremendous force. You won’t be able to do much to prevent debris from the street or a neighbor’s property from striking your unit, but you can remove obvious dangers from your own yard. Prune shrubs and trim trees that are close to your air conditioning condenser. Also, move patio furniture, grills and kids’ toys into your garage.

Securing Your Condenser Unit

Check your AC’s condenser to make sure that it’s secured to its concrete base. If it isn’t, use hurricane brackets or straps to hold it firmly in place. Installing hurricane brackets is a complex job that requires special tools, so it may be a good idea to have the work done by a professional. The installers at Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning have years of experience, and they can install hurricane brackets that will keep your condenser unit safe and secure, no matter how hard the wind blows.

Protecting Your Condenser Unit From Rain and Flying Debris

You will need two layers of material to protect your air conditioner from hurricane rain and winds. Plywood sheets will protect it from flying debris, and a waterproof cover will keep rain at bay.

Place four sheets of plywood against the sides of your air conditioning condenser and a fifth sheet on top of the unit, and then slide the waterproof cover over the unit and the plywood. For added protection, use ratchet straps to tighten he cover and keep it in place. You can’t run your air conditioner while it’s covered, so remember to remove the straps, cover and plywood before you turn your system back on.

When a Hurricane Hits

You will have to switch your air conditioner off when you cover it, so set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal to precool your home before a storm hits. Air conditioners continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off, so set your thermostat to the “off” position and flip the AC breaker when you cover your unit.

This will protect your system from power surges during the storm. When weather conditions improve and power is restored, go outside to check on your unit before you switch your system back on.

Conducting a Post-Storm Inspection

You will want to start your AC system up as soon as possible after a storm to keep mold and bacteria out of the compressor unit and ducts. Before you do, remove the cover you placed on the condenser unit and look for nearby pools of standing water. Check for downed power lines before you do this.

After you remove the cover, clear any debris from the vents and fans and inspect the condenser unit closely for signs of damage. When you switch your system back on, go back outside and make sure your unit isn’t making any strange noises.

Follow this procedure when you turn your system back on:

• Set the thermostat to “off.”
• Flip the breaker back on.
• Wait for the system to reset.
• Turn the thermostat to cool.
• Check that the system is working properly.

Enjoy Peace of Mind During Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are the price Sunshine State residents pay to live in paradise. Severe storms cause power outages, downed trees, destroy fragile structures, and they can also damage air conditioning systems. You can protect yourself against storm-related AC issues by having your system inspected and repaired before hurricane season starts and taking steps to prevent wind and water damage, and the friendly professionals at Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help.

We have been serving Volusia County residents since 1921, and we know how to prepare for a storm. If you want to enjoy peace of mind during the hurricane season, call the HVAC replacement, maintenance and repair experts at Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning today.