Hurricane Season HVAC Preparation

When a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast for Northeast Florida, your HVAC system should be part of your preparation checklist. The outdoor condenser unit is the most exposed component and the most likely to sustain damage from wind, flying debris, or flooding.

Turn off your air conditioning system at the thermostat and at the electrical disconnect before the storm arrives. This protects the system from power surges and prevents the compressor from attempting to start under abnormal conditions. If your area is under a flood watch, turn off the system at the breaker panel as well.

Do not cover the outdoor condenser unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting during a storm. Covers can trap moisture and debris against the unit and may blow off and cause damage. The condenser is designed to withstand rain. What it is not designed for is impact from projectiles or submersion in standing water.

If you have time before the storm, clear the area around the outdoor unit of loose items — patio furniture, potted plants, decorations — that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure or move anything within several feet of the unit.

Do not turn your HVAC system back on immediately after a storm. Walk around the outdoor unit and inspect it visually before restoring power. Look for visible damage to the cabinet, bent fins on the coil, debris lodged in the unit, or signs that the unit was submerged in water.

If the unit was submerged or shows signs of water intrusion into the electrical components, do not attempt to restart it. Contact an HVAC technician to inspect the system before powering it on. Running a flooded compressor can cause permanent damage.

If the unit appears undamaged, allow at least 24 hours after the storm passes before restarting. This gives the refrigerant oil time to settle back into the compressor. Restore power at the disconnect first, wait a few minutes, then set the thermostat to cooling mode.

After a major storm, schedule a maintenance visit even if the system appears to be running normally. A technician can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, clean debris from the coil, and verify that the system is operating within normal parameters. Storm conditions can cause subtle damage that is not immediately apparent.

Check your air filter after the storm as well. Storms can pull dust, debris, and outdoor air through gaps in the building envelope, loading up the filter faster than normal.