Here in Charleston, SC, we’re no strangers to the occasional hurricane as the summer season comes to a close. What many homeowners fail to realize, however, is that while your HVAC system is built to survive a hurricane event, it’s only able to do so if you take the proper precautions.

If your home’s HVAC equipment fails following a hurricane, Preferred Home Services has the professional technicians you need to repair it back to working condition. Contact us to schedule heating or cooling repair services today!

How To Protect Your Charleston HVAC Equipment During a Hurricane

Because hurricane season typically happens toward the end of the summer, the southern heat will still be in full swing. However, powering off your air conditioner is essential during a hurricane, as failure to do so can result in costly repairs that you could have avoided. There are a few steps that homeowners can take ahead of time to protect their HVAC equipment and maintain their home’s comfort.

Run Your Air Conditioner Before the Storm

Hurricanes rarely occur without providing sufficient warning before they hit. Since you’ll need to turn off your air conditioner once the storm arrives to prevent damage, it’s recommended that you run the unit at a lower temperature in the days leading up to the hurricane. This will allow your home to reach a cooler temperature so that you can maintain comfort for longer if your home loses power.

Protect Against Power Surges

Like all electronic devices, air conditioners and heating units are highly susceptible to damage from lightning strikes and power surges that typically arrive with a hurricane. While the likelihood of a lightning strike hitting your home is pretty low, power surges are much more common and can seriously damage your home’s HVAC equipment. This is why it’s crucial for Charleston homeowners to install a surge protector for their air conditioning system, as this will help prevent critical damage to your units.

Look For Hidden Damage

Even if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, hidden storm damage can still occur. After a hurricane hits, it’s important to look for hidden damage that may be affecting your system. To ensure you’re not facing imminent repair requests, be sure to do the following:

  • Examine the environment surrounding your unit and identify any water damage, dents from projectiles (such as tree limbs), or any other obvious signs of damage.
  • Turn the HVAC unit back on at the circuit breaker to ensure it works as expected.
  • Don’t let your system idle, as it can increase the risk of developing mold and more serious problems for your home down the road.

Choose Preferred for Charleston, SC HVAC Services

At Preferred Home Services, our team is proud to have earned our title as one of Charleston’s top HVAC specialists. We have years of experience delivering the top-quality heating and cooling solutions that families need following a hurricane. If your system has incurred damage following a severe storm in the region, trust our team to deliver the long-lasting solutions you need.

Contact us by calling 843-405-3601 to schedule HVAC service in your home today!