Hurricane season can be a stressful time for homeowners living in Kershaw, SC, and the surrounding areas. As you prepare your home for a tropical storm, don’t forget about your air conditioning system. A powerful hurricane can cause severe damage to your outdoor unit, leading to expensive AC repair and a hot, uncomfortable home after the storm passes.
Your air conditioner is a significant investment that keeps your family comfortable. So, taking a few proactive steps to protect your air conditioner from a hurricane is essential. This guide will walk you through what to do before, during, and after a storm hits.
Hurricanes present multiple threats to your air conditioning system. High-velocity winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles, causing significant unit damage. Flying debris, such as branches from falling trees or unsecured patio furniture, can damage the casing and compromise the delicate fins.
Flooding is another major concern, as water can destroy the electrical components. Even without flooding, heavy rains and salt spray from coastal storms can cause corrosion and rust. These hidden dangers can degrade your system over time, long after the hurricane passes.
Finally, erratic power failures and subsequent power surges when electricity is restored can fry the sensitive electronics in your air conditioner. A single power surge from a lightning strike or downed lines can damage the compressor or other vital parts. These risks make proper preparation for the storm season absolutely critical.
Preparation is your best defense against storm damage. Before the hurricane hits, work through this checklist to secure your air conditioner. These actions can help your AC unit easily survive the storm.
The first and most important step is to cut the power to your AC unit. Go to your home’s electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioning system to the off position. This disconnects the unit entirely, protecting it from erratic power and sudden power surges when the electricity is restored.
Leaving the power on creates a risk of electrical shock and can cause catastrophic failure if water gets into the wiring. This simple action also prevents electrical smoke and fire hazards and protects your outdoor unit and indoor air handler from damage.
Protecting the outdoor air conditioning unit from windblown objects is crucial. You can use a specially designed hurricane cover or a heavy-duty waterproof tarp. Secure the cover firmly with bungee cords or hurricane straps to prevent it from blowing away.
Don’t wrap the air conditioner so tightly that you trap moisture inside, which could encourage mold growth. The goal is to create a barrier against debris and rain. Some homeowners build a temporary plywood enclosure around the unit for extra protection, leaving about 2 feet of space on all sides.
Your yard can become a source of dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Before the storm arrives, walk around your property and secure any loose items. This includes patio furniture, grills, potted plants, yard tools, and children’s toys.
Trim any weak or overhanging tree branches that could fall and crush your outdoor unit. Storing outdoor items, such as garbage cans, in a garage or shed is also a good idea. The fewer windblown objects there are, the safer your property will be.
If you have a window air conditioner, you should remove it from the window entirely. Store it indoors to prevent it from being ripped out by the wind and causing damage to your home or a storm window. Securing the window opening with plywood is also recommended.
In regions that see frequent tropical storms, such as Kershaw, SC, the AC installation should include anchoring the outdoor unit to its concrete pad. Most modern installations do this, but it’s worth checking. Hurricane straps are metal brackets that bolt the air conditioner unit to the slab, preventing high winds from moving or flipping it.
To make things easier, here is a simple table summarizing the essential steps to take before a storm.
| Action Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Turn Off the Power at the Circuit Breaker | Prevents damage from power failures and surges. |
| Cover Outdoor Unit | Protects from flying debris and driving rain. |
| Clear Yard of Loose Items | Removes potential projectiles like patio furniture. |
| Remove Window AC Units | Prevents the unit from being dislodged by wind. |
| Inspect Hurricane Straps | Confirms the unit is securely anchored. |
Don’t rush to turn your system back on immediately after the storm passes. You need to perform a careful inspection first to check for damage. Wait until local authorities have declared the area safe and the power is restored and stable.
Start by removing the cover and any debris from on and around the outdoor unit. Look closely for dents, bent fins, or cracked housing. If the unit was submerged in floodwater, don’t attempt to turn it on under any circumstances. Call for professional HVAC services immediately.
Once you’ve done a visual check, you can restore power at the circuit breaker. Listen carefully for any unusual noises coming from the unit as it starts up. Loud buzzing noises or a grinding sound are clear indicators of a problem that needs immediate AC repair.
While you can handle basic prep and inspection, some situations require an expert. If you see any signs of damage, smell electrical smoke, or hear buzzing noises coming from the unit, call an HVAC contractor. Attempting a do-it-yourself repair on a damaged system can be dangerous.
A professional can perform a comprehensive AC tune-up to confirm all components are working correctly. They’ll check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and the condition of the motor. This is also a good time to ask about duct cleaning to improve your indoor air quality, as storms can sometimes introduce contaminants into the system.
If the damage is too extensive, your technician may discuss options for an HVAC replacement. While this is a worst-case scenario, having a reliable professional to guide you is invaluable. Many companies also handle heater repair and offer integrated plumbing repair services.
For long-term peace of mind, consider investing in a whole-home surge protector. This device is installed at your main electrical panel and protects all your appliances, including your air conditioner and/or heat pump, from damaging power surges. It’s a wise investment for anyone living in a storm-prone area.
Regular AC maintenance is also a powerful tool. Signing up for annual maintenance plans ensures your system is inspected and serviced by a pro. With our plans, maintenance is performed regularly to help keep your unit running efficiently and spot potential weaknesses before hurricane season begins.
These service checks often include cleaning the coils, tightening electrical connections, and lubricating moving parts. A well-maintained system is more robust and better equipped to handle the stress of a major storm. It helps your air conditioner run efficiently, keeping your home cooler longer.
In North Carolina, we know how sticky and hot it gets after a tropical storm. That’s why your air conditioner is more than just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for staying cool and comfortable. Taking a few simple steps before a hurricane hits can save you from expensive repairs and a whole lot of stress.
Tasks such as turning off the power to your AC and clearing out any loose yard debris can really make a difference. Once the storm passes, give your unit a thorough inspection before turning it back on. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to call us.
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