Hurricane Season AC Tips for South Florida Homeowners

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and your air conditioner is one of the most expensive things sitting outside your home. A little preparation can protect it — and help you get cool air back quickly once the storm passes.

Before the storm

• Check that the outdoor unit is anchored. Florida code requires condensers to be secured to their pad. If yours isn’t strapped or bolted down, have it checked well before a storm is in the forecast.
• Clear the area. Bring in patio furniture, pots and anything else that could become a projectile and hit the unit. Trim loose branches nearby.
• Pre-cool the house. Run the AC a little cooler than usual before the storm arrives so the home stays comfortable longer if the power goes out.
• Know where your breakers are. You’ll want to shut the AC off at the thermostat and the breaker once the storm hits.

During the storm

Turn the system off at the thermostat and the breaker. Power surges, flickering and brownouts are hard on compressors and control boards, and flying debris can damage a running fan. Leave it off until the storm has passed and power is stable.

After the storm

• Look before you power up. Walk around the outdoor unit and check for debris, bent fins, damaged lines or a unit that’s shifted off its pad.
• Check for flooding. If water reached the outdoor unit’s electrical components, don’t turn it on. Have a technician inspect it first.
• Clear debris gently from around and on top of the unit once the power is off.
• Turn it on and listen. If you hear grinding, banging or buzzing, or the air isn’t cooling, shut it off and call for service.

Running AC on a generator

A central AC system needs a generator sized to handle the compressor’s startup load. Portable generators often can’t, and an undersized one can damage the equipment. If you’re planning backup power, talk with an electrician and your HVAC contractor about sizing.

Don’t forget humidity

After a storm, homes can get humid fast — especially with the AC off for days. Once power is back, running the AC helps dry the house out and reduces the risk of mold. If the system was off for a long time, a maintenance check is a good idea.

Storm damage to your system? Bentley HVAC serves homes across Broward County and answers the phone 24/7.

Related: Storms aren’t the only coastal threat to your AC. Learn how salt air corrodes outdoor units.