Here in Sarasota, mid-July means one thing: we’re about to enter the heart of hurricane season. Weathered Sarasotans know the pre-hurricane season drill by heart – stocking up on supplies, checking shutters, and making a plan. However, one of the most critical components of your home’s comfort and safety is often overlooked until it’s too late: your air conditioning system.
Ensuring your HVAC system is in peak condition before a storm is named is the key to riding out the aftermath in comfort. Here’s a guide from your neighbors at D&D Air on what you can do today to prepare.
Pre-Hurricane Season HVAC Checklist
Phase 1: Pre-Storm Prep (What to Do Now)
This is the most important phase. These are the steps to take during the “clear sky” days before any storm threatens our coast.
Clean and Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your condenser unit (the unit outside) is tough, but it’s vulnerable to two things: flying debris and restricted airflow. Now is the time to trim back any overgrown bushes, low-hanging tree limbs, or branches near your unit. Secure potential yard projectiles like patio furniture, grills, and garden tools. An ounce of prevention here can save you from a costly repair caused by a flying object.
Ensure Your Condensate Drain Line is Clear
This is a critical, often-neglected step. Your AC system removes gallons of humidity from the air every day, which exits your home through a condensate drain line. If this line gets clogged with algae and sludge, the water will back up, potentially causing an indoor leak and significant water damage. During a power outage, your condensate pump (if you have one) won’t work, making a clear, gravity-fed drain line even more vital. A professional tune-up will always include checking and clearing this line.
Schedule a Professional “Pre-Hurricane” Tune-Up
Think of this as a wellness check for your AC. A system that is already struggling with a weak capacitor or a failing fan motor is far more likely to fail completely under the stress of power flickers or the heavy workload after a storm. During a tune-up, our expert technicians will:
- Clean the coils for maximum efficiency.
- Check electrical components for wear and tear.
- Test capacitors and motors to ensure they can handle the strain.
- Clear that crucial condensate drain line.
A clean, well-maintained system is a resilient system. It runs more efficiently, is less likely to break down, and will be ready to restore comfort to your home as soon as the power is stable.
Don’t wait – schedule your professional tune-up right now.
Phase 2: During a Storm Watch or Warning (Immediate Actions)
Once a storm is officially on its way, take these final steps.
Power Down Your System.
Before the storm arrives, turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat. Then, for added protection, go to your home’s breaker box and shut off the breaker for both the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser. This protects the sensitive electronics from the power surges and brownouts common during a hurricane, which can easily destroy a compressor or circuit board.
Cover the Outdoor Unit.
You can use a specialized hurricane cover or even a sturdy piece of plywood securely strapped to the top of the unit. The goal is simply to protect the fan motor and grille from falling limbs or flying debris. CRITICAL REMINDER: You must remove any cover before turning your system back on. Running an AC unit while it is covered will cause it to overheat and fail almost immediately.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed and power is stably restored, remove the cover, clear away any debris, and perform a quick visual inspection before turning the breaker and thermostat back on.
Your family’s comfort and safety are too important to leave to chance. Getting your HVAC system ready now ensures that when you need it most, it will be there for you.
To schedule your pre-hurricane season tune-up and get peace of mind, call D&D Air today at 941-297-0089.
Stay safe out there, Sarasota!
