How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

June 08, 2015

Although we never want to deal with a hurricane, in Fort Wayne it’s a reality we must be prepared for. So if you don’t already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you schedule air conditioner service when dangerous weather is on the way. Of course it’s not the most crucial concern during a dangerous storm, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your system in the event of an emergency weather situation.

Batten down the hatches.

Or in this case, the air conditioner! Make sure your system is firmly attached to its base. If any bolts or screws are loose to begin with, tighten them up. Then, take extra precaution by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your professional technician from Rolf Griffin Service Experts in Fort Wayne can offer guidance on the best way to secure your specific air conditioner.

Shut the system down.

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the beginning of a violent storm it can be easy to panic and forget this and other small yet vital tasks. Shut down your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t very familiar with your fuse box, it’s an ideal time to learn it! Switch off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and see which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Knowing what to do before an emergency saves you the inconvenience and danger of having to do so in the dark later.

Clear the area around your air conditioner.

Hurricane force winds can do a lot of damage but so can a wheelbarrow that has been flung into your air conditioner. As long as it’s still safe to be outside, make sure you clear the immediate area surrounding your air conditioner. This means furniture, tools, toys, and any other number of objects that could become a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could be lifted off the ground and flung towards your air conditioner (or your home, for that matter) should be moved to a safer place and secured there.

In the event that a hurricane or severe storm forces water into your air conditioner, DON’T restore power to your air conditioner. If you are unsure of its safety AT ALL, you should immediately call in a licensed professional to assess the damage. The pros at Rolf Griffin have seen it all before. So whether Fort Wayne is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 260-557-1275 today or schedule an appointment online.


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