Preparing Your AC for Hurricane Season

For homeowners along the Gulf Coast and across Florida, hurricane season (officially June 1 to November 30) means planning ahead. Your HVAC system, especially the outdoor unit, is exposed to wind, debris and flooding. A few steps before and after a storm can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe. Always follow guidance from local emergency officials first; this guide covers the HVAC side only.

Early in the season

• Schedule maintenance before the busiest part of the season, so your system is in good shape and you know its condition.
• Photograph your equipment and the labels showing model and serial numbers, for insurance records.
• Ask about tie-downs. Many coastal areas require or recommend hurricane straps or anchors that secure the outdoor unit to its pad or platform. A contractor can tell you if yours is secured properly.
• Consider elevation. If your area floods, ask whether raising the unit on a platform makes sense.
• Ask about surge protection. Storms bring power surges and outages that can damage electronics.
• Trim trees and branches that could fall on the unit.

When a storm is coming

1. Pre-cool your home while you still have power, and close blinds to keep heat out.
2. Clear the yard of loose items that could become debris and hit the unit.
3. Turn off power to the system at the thermostat, the breaker panel and the outdoor disconnect before the storm arrives, especially if surges or flooding are possible.
4. Don't wrap the unit in a tarp while it's running. Some people cover the unit with a breathable cover or plywood top only while it's off during the storm, but remove any covering before you run it again.

After the storm

Safety first

Stay away from downed power lines and standing water that could be energized. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 or your gas utility from a safe place.

Inspect before restarting

Before turning the system back on, walk around the outdoor unit and look for:

• Debris inside or against the unit, including leaves and branches.
• Damage to the fins, cabinet, fan grille or refrigerant lines.
• A unit that has shifted or tipped on its pad.
• Signs that floodwater reached the unit (water lines, mud, debris on top).

If the unit was flooded, don't run it

If floodwater reached the outdoor unit or the indoor air handler, do not turn the system on. Water can damage electrical components, controls and motors, and running it can create a shock or fire hazard. Have a licensed technician inspect it first. Many parts can be evaluated, and the technician can document damage for insurance.

Watch for moisture and mold

Long outages in humid weather can let moisture build up inside homes and ductwork. If you notice musty odors once the system is running, or visible mold around vents, ask a contractor to inspect the air handler and ducts.

Generators and your AC

Central air conditioners draw a lot of power, especially at start-up. Most portable generators can't run them. Never connect a generator to your home's wiring without a proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician, and never run a generator indoors or in a garage due to carbon monoxide risk.

Insurance tips

Coverage depends on your policy and whether damage was caused by wind, flood or power surge. Keep your before-and-after photos and the technician's written assessment. Call your insurer before major replacement work if possible.

Safety first

Some HVAC checks are safe for any homeowner: the thermostat, the air filter, a single breaker reset, and keeping the outdoor unit clear. Others are not. Leave refrigerant, capacitors, wiring inside the unit, and anything involving gas to a licensed professional. If you ever smell gas or see smoke or sparks, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility from a safe place.

More guides

• Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air? 8 Causes and What to Check
• AC Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide
• How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?
• AC Frozen? What Causes Ice on the Coil and What to Do

This article is general information, not professional advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed HVAC contractor about your specific system.