Preparing for Stormy Weather During Hurricane Season

Orlando is considered to be among the most hurricane-safe cities in Florida. Hurricanes tend to lose momentum once they make landfall, but even so, tornadoes and flooding can cause significant damage as the storms move inland. It’s always wise to be prepared during hurricane season — especially when it comes to protecting your HVAC system and avoiding costly repairs in case of damage.

Preparing for a Hurricane

1. Keep your home well supplied with survival items. Even though we’re not likely to bear the brunt of a hurricane, Orlando could lose power or experience transportation slowdowns and blockages from downed trees and power lines if a storm sweeps through. Be sure to have the following on hand:

• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight, batteries, and battery-operated weather radio

2. Protect your HVAC system. Besides felled trees, flying debris, and downed power lines, significant rainfall may also occur as the storm passes over, leading to flooding of homes and streets. Follow these tips to protect your HVAC system:

• To prevent damage from power surges, turn off the air conditioner before the storm hits.
• If your home is in a flood-prone area, take steps to protect your outdoor compressor. If it’s in a low-lying area, consider having the concrete base raised so it’s less likely to be damaged by flood waters. Another option is to build a concrete fence around it.
• If you’re concerned about wind damage, make sure the unit is securely anchored on its concrete base, and tie it down with hurricane straps. You can also cover it with a sturdy tarp, anchored with secure tie-downs.
• Some homeowners protect their compressors from storm damage from trees and debris by building metal cages over them.
• If you suspect your unit has been flooded, don’t turn it on until it’s been inspected by an HVAC professional.

To learn more about preparing for hurricane season, contact Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve served the Orlando area since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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