When severe weather is on the way, it is important to take steps to protect your home and HVAC unit. One of the most important things you can do to protect your air conditioner is to clear the area around your unit of any debris that could cause damage. Make sure to trim any branches or shrubs that are close to the unit and check for any holes or cracks in the surrounding fence.
To learn more about how you can ensure your HVAC system is protected year round or to schedule an appoint with our heating and cooling professionals in St. Louis, contact Galmiche & Sons at 314-993-1110.
DIY Steps to Protect Your AC from Storms, Hail, and Floods
Here are some other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner in the event of severe weather in St. Louis:
- Turn the Power Off: Before severe weather strikes, it is important to turn your AC off. This will help protect it from electrical damage or power surges.
- Secure the Unit: Securely fasten exterior parts of your HVAC unit down with screws, so they do not fly away in high winds during storms.
- Protect the Wiring: Severe weather can cause a lot of damage, especially to unprotected wiring. In order to protect your air conditioner unit from severe weather, you should take the following precautions:
- Ensure that all wiring is properly insulated with the help of shrink tubing, electrical tape, or UL listed wire connectors.
- Using weatherproof conduit and fittings or installing the wiring in an accessible location where it can be easily protected from the elements are other ways to protect the wiring.
- Make sure that all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can create a hazard in severe weather and can also lead to water infiltration.
- Cover for Protection: Cover the HVAC unit with a tarp or move it to an area of your home that is not likely to be damaged by severe winds and high water. Covering your HVAC unit will also help keep dust from entering the system. It is important to make sure the cover is secure and that there is no way for water to get in. You should also make sure that all of the vents and openings on your unit are covered. Be sure to remove any insulation or excess material that may be protecting your outside units from roof or gutter leaks.
- Inspect for Damage: Once the storm or severe weather condition subsides, inspect all exterior parts of your HVAC unit for damage such as loose wiring, loose vents, dents in metal parts, rust, etc.
- Turn the Power Back On: Turn the power back on after the storm passes. If your HVAC unit is not making noise, but the breaker has not been tripped, turn off the power and then turn it back on. This will reset the power supply and restart the HVAC.
Call a Reliable HVAC Technician in St. Louis
The most important thing when you are considering how to protect your air conditioner is to realize that not all damage can be prevented. So it is important to call an HVAC technician in St Louis to inspect the AC after a severe weather event. If the technician determines that the system needs parts or repairs, you can get them done to enjoy uninterrupted air conditioning.
To learn more or schedule AC service in the greater St. Louis area, contact the heating and cooling experts at Galmiche & Sons today.
