Prep Your HVAC Ahead Of Hurricane Season

Schedule AC Maintenance & Repairs

Regular AC maintenance is a great way to protect your HVAC system before the storm arrives. When you call LIBERTYAIR for AC repair in Gainesville, FL, our technicians thoroughly inspect every unit for potential issues. Addressing these issues before they become a bigger problem increases the probability of the HVAC still working properly after a hurricane passes.  We can also provide guidance and tips for ways to safeguard the system during the storm.

Inspect Around The Unit

Take a look at the area the unit is in. Loose items such as lawn ornaments, patio furniture, and tree branches can strike and damage the unit during a tropical storm or hurricane. Anchor these items or bring them indoors before the storm.  

Anchor & Cover The Air Conditioner

Major hurricanes pack extremely high winds that can move large and heavy objects, including the outdoor part of an air conditioner. Specially designed straps can help anchor the unit to the concrete pad. Technicians with LIBERTYAIR can help you choose appropriate anchors for the unit. Once it’s anchored, cover the unit to protect it from flying debris during the storm. Most tarps available at home improvement stores are enough as long as they are secured.

Turn Off The Unit During The Storm

Once the storm has passed, the danger to your air conditioner isn’t over. It’s important to turn it off before the storm arrives to protect it from a possible power surge when the power comes back. Turning the unit off at the circuit breaker and thermostat is best.

Use Generators & Battery-Powered Fans

Whether you’ve lived in Florida for years or are about to experience your first hurricane season, generators and battery-powered fans are a great way to stay cool without power. Generators come in two common forms, standby and automatic. Standby generators use fuel and an extension cord to power fans and other indoor appliances. Automatic generators are installed in a home and use natural gas or propane to power appliances, including the air conditioner.

Keep Blinds & Curtains Closed

A significant amount of solar and radiant heat seep through a home’s windows. Keeping the blinds and curtains closed is a good way to reduce the temperature, especially when you don’t have the option of turning on the AC.

Close Off The Warmest Rooms Indoors

How a room is positioned in a home impacts how hot it gets during the day. Rooms on the south and west sides of a home are most likely to get overheated. Close the doors and place a towel at the bottom to keep the heat contained in those rooms.

Leave The House

Take a break from the heat and visit a mall, library, or another place you know has air conditioning. Or, ask friends and family who have power — and air conditioning — if you could stay with them. A day or two can make all the difference in keeping cool in more ways than one.

• At least a three-day supply of water with one gallon of water per person, per day;
• At least three days’ worth of nonperishable food items;
• Flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries;

• Seven-day supply of medications and first-aid items; and
• Copies of personal documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, proof of address, and medical information and records.