How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season
Although we never hope to have to deal with a hurricane, in Ocala it’s a reality we must be ready 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 severe weather approaches. Of course it’s not the most critical thing during a dangerous storm, but there are a few tips to help protect your air conditioner 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 precaution by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your expert technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Ocala can offer advice on the best way to secure your individual air conditioner.
Shut the system down.
This may seem like an obvious step, but in the first moments of a violent storm it can be easy to panic and forget this and other simple yet critical tasks. Shut down your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t already familiar with your fuse box, it’s a great time to get acquainted! Shut off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and observe and note which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Taking action before an emergency saves you the hassle 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 items that could turn into a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could damage 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 provide an expert opinion. The experts at Service Experts have seen it all before. So whether Ocala is expecting bad weather or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 352-414-4006 today or schedule an appointment online.
