Hurricane Air Conditioning Tips
Hurricane Season Is Here – Be Prepared!
Hurricane season has arrived and as we all begin to make preparations we must also consider the aftermath of the catastrophic event. The aftermath is when we all come together and where we find the most damage. We also understand that you may have your home damaged and that may also include your air conditioning units. Here is our safety guide to help you deal with your AC unit on the aftermath of a hurricane. Let’s talk about hurricane air conditioning tips.
What Is A Hurricane
A hurricane is a large storm system mainly found in the tropical areas. This storm comes with strong and violent circular winds. It is, therefore, critical that we try to learn some safety measures to take in our homes to prevent our family members from injuries. It is also crucial that you have some preventive measures that will protect the air conditioning unit and heating system in your home from damage. The following are some of the tips that will explain how you will deal with your air conditioning after a hurricane.
Access the air conditioner for damage
Once the hurricane is over, and the power is back, you are advised not to start the major appliances. Turn them one by one to avoid damage of some sensitive equipment. Check the air conditioner before you restart it. There are a few ultimate hurricane air conditioning tips, but assessing the damage caused will certainly help. Look for some obvious damage that would have been caused by windblown objects or falling trees. Check if the air conditioner was submerged with water and if the cooling fan and the vents are clear of debris. Also, ensure that all the electrical and refrigerant lines are intact and there is no damage.
Common damages due to Debris or flooding
There are some obvious signs that you will see at the side of the house and on the unit itself that will help you know if it was submerged by floods. There will probably be some dirt stain left on the exterior walls. This will assist you to know the depth of the water and see if the air conditioner was in the water. You can also see some skim of mud on the air conditioner.
If the air conditioner was submerged, get a professional to inspect and clean it before turning it on. Dirt may prevent the internal systems to work properly and the cooling systems to lose efficiency. Electronic systems may short out when the unit is turned on. Checking on damages is one of the most helpful hurricane air conditioning tips.
Call the service people before you turn the unit on if it was hit by trees or other objects blown by the wind
Check the rest of the central air system
If the water from the flood had entered the house, it is crucial that you check the air handler and the furnace. Get an HVAC contractor to inspect the unit if water had touched any of the two pieces of the equipment. Water may have caused corrosion on some important parts or shorted out electronics. Checking on central system is one of the most advisable hurricane air conditioning tips for the survival!
No obvious visible damage
When you ensure that the machine is fine, that is it has not been hit, submerged in water and free from debris; then you can turn it on a test it. Be on the watch out as you do this. Once the cooling system is on, do another thorough check up. If it sounds right, go near the unit and smell for any signs of smoke or electrical shorting. Check the unit regularly just to be sure that it is working perfectly.
It is advisable to get a professional check the unit if you have any doubts. Turn it off any time you are not in a position to monitor it. This is because of the immense power outages that may cause a fire when the power is back.
