Year after year, Floridians prepare for the inevitable — hurricane season. And, while some hurricane seasons are uneventful, it’s always smart to re-evaluate your hurricane plan prior to the season, as well as having a special plan in place this year for 2020’s unique circumstances.
When is the 2020 Hurricane Season?
From June 1 to November 30, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season takes place — covering areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. As some of you may already know, the 2020 hurricane season is expected to be more active than usual. The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has forecasted 13 to 19 named storms, of which six to ten could become hurricanes — with three to six of those becoming major hurricanes.
Preparing Your AC for Florida’s 2020 Hurricane Season
While we Floridians may feel like seasoned pros when it comes to hurricane season, it can be easy to forget certain things during your hurricane prep — like your air conditioning system. Despite your air conditioner being one of your home’s biggest investments, very few homeowners know how to prepare their AC for an impending storm. Here are a few quick tips to get your AC system ready to combat the elements.
How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for a Hurricane
Before the Storm
- Turn off your air conditioning system. Prior to a severe storm, power down your air conditioning system. This will help protect your system if your home experiences harsh power surges.
- Bring patio furniture inside. Patio furniture, bikes, toys, grills, tools and the like can cause severe damage to your air conditioning system during a storm. Prior to a storm, make sure heavy outdoor objects are brought inside or secured down.
- Cover your condenser unit with a tarp. Severe storms can bring extreme wind, which can cause debris to fly about and strike the outdoor component of your air conditioning system. Covering the condenser unit with a tarp can help prevent damage from windblown debris.
- Invest in a backup generator. A backup generator will help keep your home cool while allowing you to use other appliances if you experience a power outage.
- Get your trees trimmed. Uprooted trees and debris from torn branches are responsible for a lot of the damage caused during a hurricane. Trim your trees before the storm comes to better protect your condenser from damage.
After the Storm
- Don’t immediately power on your air conditioning system. A severe storm can cause damage to your air conditioning system, which can be worsened by turning your AC on immediately after a storm.
- Inspect your air conditioner. Once it is safe to go outside, inspect your air conditioning system to ensure it is in proper working condition.
- Schedule an appointment with an AC technician. It can be difficult to determine if your air conditioning system sustained damage with a visual inspection alone. Following a major storm, it’s best to have a professional AC technician perform a maintenance checkup on your system.
AC Service in South Florida
Hurricane season can be devastating, which is why being as prepared as possible is so important. By following these tips, you can help protect your air conditioning system from an impending storm. Looking for more AC tips or need to schedule an appointment? Contact the professionals at Sansone today.
Broward: (954) 800-2858
Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274
St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656