How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

June 08, 2015

Although we never want to deal with a hurricane, in Charlotte it’s a reality we must be prepared for. So if you don’t already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you think about air conditioner service when threatening weather is on the way. Of course it’s not the most critical worry during a hurricane, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your heating and cooling system in the event of an emergency weather situation.

Batten down the hatches.

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your AC 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 professional technician from Komfort Air Service Experts in Charlotte can provide a recommendation on the best way to secure your particular air conditioner.

Shut the system down.

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the first moments of a weather emergency it can be easy to panic and forget this and other simple yet vital tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t very familiar with your fuse box, it’s a great time to get acquainted! Shut off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and see which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Doing so before an emergency saves you the trouble and uncertainty 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 chair that has been launched 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 objects that could be a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could get thrown into 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 experts at Komfort Air have seen it all before. So whether Charlotte is expecting a big storm or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 704-705-8135 today or schedule an appointment online.