Thunderstorms ravaged North Central Florida last July, prompting the National Weather Service and the local authorities to issue several potential flooding warnings, as well as advisories for nickel-sized hail and high winds at 45-55 mph. While there were no reports of casualties, there were two separate non-fatal car crash incidents. Property damage also became an issue due to downed tree limbs and power lines.
In today’s post, HVAC maintenance services company Bounds Heating & Air discusses how residents can protect their HVAC systems from the damages brought on by inclement weather.
Secure
The July thunderstorm that swept over North Central Florida had wind gusts that reached up to 55 mph, strong enough to sever tree limbs and uproot power lines. To prevent high winds from uprooting your HVAC system, it’s best to secure your unit on a concrete base. Remove lawn ornaments, outdoor trampolines or any unsecured objects that can be blown towards your HVAC unit. Additionally, cover your air conditioning and heating unit using a tarp and some rope or duct tape.
The concrete base will help secure your HVAC system, while the tarp offers protection from any debris that might get into the small filter openings of the unit, reducing the chance of damage after the storm passes. However, it is still advisable that you inspect your heating or cooling system for any damage once conditions permit and call in HVAC repair if necessary.
Shut Off
Power interruptions are most likely to happen during severe weather. It’s best to temporarily shut off your HVAC system and all your electric appliances, for that matter. This will prevent the power surge from frying the circuits of your equipment once electricity comes back on. This practice is also best for when there are nearby lightning strikes. In addition, protect exposed wires before the bad weather hits.
While some elements are beyond your control, such as terrible weather and power outages, there are still things that you can manage. At Bounds Heating & Air, we recognize the importance of being proactive when it comes to protecting heating and cooling systems. We offer a wide range of HVAC-related services, such as air conditioning repair and heating system installation, no matter the season. Contact us at 352-472-2761. We serve Gainesville, FL.
