The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively quiet so far, but activity is predicted to be well above average as we enter the seasonal peak of storm activity. Hurricanes and tropical storms have often brought Long Island extensive damage and extended power outages, and every resident should be prepared for such occurrences. Any pre-storm checklist should include a plan to protect your HVAC system. Damage to your unit can be costly to repair and can prolong the amount of time you have to go without air conditioning after a storm.
Does My HVAC Unit Need Hurricane Straps?
Because these storms pack intense winds, they can cause serious damage to your HVAC system. An unsecured exterior unit can be torn off its platform or concrete pad, costing you thousands of dollars, even with insurance.
Hurricane straps, also known as tie-down clips, provide an anchor for your unit, giving it a much better chance of surviving a storm intact. Tie-down clips are installed at each corner of the unit, securing it to its pad or platform. When properly installed and maintained, tie-down clips protect your unit from winds up to 150 mph.
How Should You Prep Your HVAC for Stormy Weather?
Installing tie-down clips is just one item to check off your HVAC preparation list. These are some other actions you can take to protect your system from wind, lightning, debris, and power outages:
- Check your tie-down straps to be sure they are secure and show no signs of rust, wear, or damage. Replace them if necessary.
- Clear your yard of anything that could become airborne during a storm. Lawn furniture, planters, toys, tools, downed limbs, or debris can become projectiles that crash into your unit. Prune any trees or shrubs that may hit your unit in high winds.
- Cover your unit prior to the storm’s arrival to keep debris from entering once the winds pick up. Use a heavy-duty tarp or specially designed A/C cover and secure it well.
- Install a surge protector in case of lightning strikes and power fluctuations as the storm approaches.
- Turn off your system before the storm arrives to protect it from power surges, brownouts, and sudden outages. Be sure to shut it off both at the thermostat and at the breaker.
Should You Cool Your Home Before a Hurricane?
We recommend turning down the thermostat several degrees to thoroughly cool your home before a storm arrives. That way, your home will stay cooler longer should the power go out. Be sure to close all windows, doors, curtains, and blinds to keep the temperature down as long as possible. Don’t fall prey to the myth that opening your windows prevents damage from a storm’s pressure changes. All that does is allow cool air to escape and rain to enter your home.
Express C.O.D Can Help Your HVAC System Weather the Storm
Our parent company, Tragar Home Services, can help prepare your HVAC system for the next storm. Our experienced HVAC specialists have been providing first-class service to homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties for more than 60 years. Our team can handle all your HVAC needs, from installation, to repairs, to lifetime maintenance. For storm prep, installation, upgrades, maintenance, or to schedule a COD oil delivery, contact us today!