Hurricane Season AC Prep: How to Protect Your Air Conditioner Before and After a Storm

Quick answer: Before a hurricane, have your outdoor unit’s tie-downs checked, clear loose objects nearby, pre-cool your home, and switch the AC off at the thermostat and breaker when the storm arrives. After the storm, don’t turn the system back on until you have checked the outdoor unit for debris, flooding and damage. If the unit was underwater or damaged, have a technician inspect it before restarting.

Hurricane season in South Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, which overlaps with the months your air conditioner works hardest. A little preparation protects an expensive system and gets your home cool again faster once the power comes back.

Before the storm

1. Schedule a check-up early in the season. Make sure the system is running well and the condensate drain is clear.
2. Inspect the tie-downs. Outdoor units in Florida are anchored to their pad. Rusted or loose straps should be repaired before a storm.
3. Clear the area. Bring in patio furniture, planters and anything that could be thrown into the unit.
4. Pre-cool your home. Lower the temperature a few degrees before the storm so the house stays comfortable longer if power goes out.
5. Turn it off when the storm arrives. Switch the AC off at the thermostat and the breaker to protect it from power surges and flickering power.
6. Don’t leave it wrapped. A breathable cover during the storm is fine, but never run the system with a tarp or cover on it.

After the storm

1. Look before you switch it on. Check the outdoor unit for debris, bent fins, damaged lines or a shifted pad.
2. Check for flooding. If water reached the outdoor unit’s electrical parts or the indoor air handler, do not run it. Have it inspected first.
3. Clear debris. Remove leaves and branches from around and on top of the unit.
4. Restore power carefully. Once utility power is stable, turn the breaker on, then set the thermostat to cool.
5. Listen and watch. Loud noises, burning smells, or warm air mean it’s time to shut it off and call a technician.

Power surges and generators

Storms bring surges that can damage capacitors, contactors and control boards. A surge protector for the AC system is an inexpensive way to reduce that risk. If you use a generator, make sure it is sized and connected correctly for your air conditioner, and never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage.

Need help after a storm? Our team offers 24/7 AC repair in West Palm Beach and pre-season maintenance.

AC damaged or not cooling after a storm? Call Cool Moon AC Refrigeration And Appliance Inc at (786) 306-2025, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.