How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season  

Although we never plan to deal with tropical storms, in Fort Lauderdale it’s a reality we must be prepared for. Whether or not you already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you include air conditioner service when dangerous weather looms. Of course it’s not the most critical worry during these times, but there are a few steps you can take to help protect your system in the event of an emergency weather situation. 

Batten down the hatches. 

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your air conditioner is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, take extra care by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your expert technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Fort Lauderdale can offer advice on the best way to secure your specific air conditioner. 

Shut the system down. 

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the first moments of a hurricane it can be easy to panic and forget this and other smaller yet critical tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t intimately familiar with your fuse box, it’s a great time to get acquainted! Turn off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and see which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Taking action before an emergency saves you the trouble and danger of having to do so in the dark later. 

Clear the area around your air conditioner. 

Hurricane force winds can do a lot of damage but so can a rake that has been flung into your air conditioner. As long as it’s still safe to be outside, make sure you clear the immediate area surrounding your air conditioner. This means furniture, tools, toys, and any other number of items that could become a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could be lifted off the ground and flung towards your air conditioner (or your home, for that matter) should be moved to a safer place and secured there. 

In the event that a hurricane or severe storm forces water into your air conditioner, DON’T restore power to your air conditioner. If you are unsure of its safety AT ALL, you should immediately call in a licensed professional to assess the damage. The pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning have seen it all before. So whether Fort Lauderdale is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 954-736-4314 today or schedule an appointment online.