Winter is not the only season with damaging storms. It’s common for the Midwest to experience severe storms during the spring and summer seasons, which can wreak havoc on a residential HVAC system. Storm damage often results in costly repairs and a shortened functional life span. For this reason, make sure your air conditioner is properly protected if the forecast calls for heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, or thunder. Here are a few tips on preparing your A/C for whatever Mother Nature may bring.

How to Make Sure Your Residential HVAC System Is Ready to Withstand a Storm 

1. Cover & Secure the Outdoor Unit

One of the first steps is to cover the outdoor air conditioning unit with a tarp or plywood. This will keep debris from getting inside it and ruining the condenser, and prevent heavy rainfall from flooding the system. Also, always secure the unit with tie-down straps if especially high winds are expected. 

2. Install a Surge Protector 

In the event lightning strikes your home, it can cause irreparable damage to your residential HVAC equipment. Installing a surge protector will shield your A/C unit from becoming overloaded with energy because it will help to ground the lighting. It’s a smart idea to use power strips with surge protectors for other smaller appliances and electronics.

3. Turn the System Off 

Even if you have a surge protector, consider turning your HVAC system off completely as the storm gets closer. This will shield the unit from electrical surges if lightning strikes or the power goes out and then comes back on. As an added measure of defense, you can also turn off your breakers.

4. Schedule an Inspection 

The best action you can take to prepare your residential HVAC system for any season is to have a professional inspection performed. If there are any minor problems present, the technician will find and fix them before a storm has the chance to turn them into major issues. 

If you have any concerns about the condition of your air conditioner either before or after a storm, don’t hesitate to contact Living Comfort HVAC. They offer high-quality residential HVAC services throughout the greater Cincinnati and Dayton, OH areas. Their technicians are highly skilled and experienced in providing heating and cooling solutions that allow equipment to operate at peak performance for year-round comfort. Call (513) 833-3876 to schedule an inspection or visit them online to learn more about the services they specialize in.