Storms If you live in an area where storms occur frequently, you may wonder how to keep your home safe. Since part of the AC systems are outside, your unit is also at risk of damage. Instead of worrying, you can learn about what steps you can take to safeguard your AC.
Our Fairway Heating and Cooling professionals have expertise in HVAC system storm preparations. To help you, we will tell you how to protect your AC unit during a storm.
How Can Storms Damage Your AC?
Storms can affect your system in many ways. For instance, strong winds can cause debris contact with your outdoor unit. As a result, branches can damage the condenser’s metal fins, fan, or refrigerant lines. Storms with flooding can also injure your AC’s electrical system and motors.
With all storms, it’s necessary to take precautions. Doing so will prevent damage to your AC.
Why Should You Be Careful During a Storm?
It’s important to remain safe during a storm. Taking the wrong measures can put you at risk for serious harm. For instance, touching AC electrical wiring during hurricanes can result in the following:
- Accidental shock
- Electrical fires
- Burns
- Injury from down power lines
Down power lines can be extremely dangerous and even lethal. If you touch an exposed wire that appears to be inactive, it could still be live. This poses a serious risk of electrocution. So, stay away from fallen electric power lines, especially around your outdoor AC unit.
To reduce the potential for danger, it is best to keep track of storm updates. Knowing about the storm will help you determine when you can secure your outdoor unit if you haven’t already.
To keep yourself protected, here are some reasons why you should exercise caution:
Live Wires Don’t Always Spark
Down power lines can be live even if they aren’t visibly sparking. Touching them can cause electric shock. If they come in contact with your AC, you may
Sparks Lead to Fires
Electrical wires damaged during the storm could spark and cause a fire for your AC and home. Do not touch the wire or go near it.
Power Lines Can Electrify Nearby Objects
Power lines may also electrify surrounding objects, including your AC. As a result, this creates a greater danger zone. That’s why you must be attentive to your surroundings during storms. So, if you plan to go outside to check your unit, be attentive to your surroundings.
Here are some objects that power lines can electrify:
- Trees
- Fences
- Water puddles
- Vehicles
Floodwater Complications
During storms or hurricanes, flooding can create additional complications. Namely, floods may obscure fallen lines and nearby objects with an electrical charge. All these factors increase your risk for electrical shock.
Assume that all wires are live to keep yourself safe during a storm.
Ways to Keep Your AC Safe During Storms
Based on Fairway Heating and Cooling expertise, here is how to protect your AC unit during a storm:
Turn Off the Power
Before you do anything else, shut the AC power off at the thermostat and circuit breaker. This prevents power surges from lightning.
Cover Outdoor Unit
You can cover your outdoor unit with a tarp or specially designed cover. This will protect it from wind, rain, and debris.
Secure Loose Items
If any loose items may potentially damage your unit, secure them. For example, put away outdoor furniture. However, check for weather status updates to ensure it’s safe to go outside.
Don’t Rely on Surge Protectors for Severe Storms
Surge protectors prevent damage from lightning strikes but are ineffectivefor powerful surges. That’s because they are not designed to handle high voltage. While surge protectors work for mild storms, serious storms can still inflict harm on your AC.
Rely on Professionals
Call the right professionals if you’re in a precarious situation. Do not try to handle it on your own.
Call Fairway Heating and Cooling for Help with Storm Safety!
If you need help learning how to protect your AC unit during a storm, call Fairway Heating and Cooling in Tampa. As AC experts in the local area, we can provide you with more tips on how to keep your unit safe.
We can also give you further information on how to prepare your AC system for storms. Our team will help you with repairs, maintenance, and inspections.
Contact us today to speak to a customer service agent or to schedule an estimate!
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