If you live in Florida, then you understand that hurricanes are a reality for Florida residents, and storm damage can even extend beyond the obvious. It’s something that is unfortunate, but something that every Florida resident should be prepared for if they are affected. Believe it or not, HVAC systems can be affected after a hurricane, which makes post-hurricane HVAC inspections extremely important for safety, comfort, and prevention of long-term damage. We are going to give you our top tips and checklist for a post-hurricane HVAC checklist from our experience at All Year Cooling and Plumbing.
How Hurricanes Can Damage Your HVAC System
Hurricane damage is often focused on homes, extremities, and the typical things that you might worry about if you are facing a hurricane, leaving out HVAC systems. However, high winds, flooding, and flying debris can cause significant damage to your unit and ductwork. This can cause a multitude of problems like electrical shorts, corrosion, blocked airflow, and refrigerant leaks, which can all leave you without full HVAC efficiency. Hidden damage that you might not see right away can lead to more issues down the road, as well as unsafe operation and even full system failure if it’s not fixed soon enough.
HVAC Checklist for Post-Hurricane
Dealing with a hurricane can be devastating and difficult, but it can be a reality for many Florida residents. We understand how important it is to look at everything post-hurricane to assess damage, which includes your HVAC system. Because your HVAC sits outdoors, it can take on a lot of damage in the event of a hurricane, making this checklist an essential part of recovery from a hurricane. Here’s a step-by-step checklist that you can use to ensure your HVAC is not damaged and can run properly.
Turn It Off Before Inspecting
The first thing you should always do is turn off the entire system before you start inspecting it to avoid any electrical hazards. You should also never restart an AC system right after a power surge or flood due to safety precautions.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit for Visible Damage
Because the HVAC unit is outdoors, there could be a possibility that it was affected by debris, flooding, or high winds. Look for visible damage, like debris, denting, and dislodged components. Look around for signs of flooding near the unit and remove any branches or leaves that might be blocking it.
Look at Electrical Connections and Wiring
Be sure to be very careful when inspecting this part of your unit, but look for signs such as exposed wires, burnt smells, or tripped breakers. A professional should assess and repair any electrical damage done to your unit.
Check for Flood or Water Damage
Standing water can damage internal components of the HVAC system and lead to mold growth or system failure. It’s also important to note that saltwater exposure, which is common in coastal areas like Florida, can accelerate corrosion as well.
Inspect Ductwork and Air Filters
Although your ductwork might not be outdoors, there is still a potential that humidity or floodwaters can introduce contaminants, mold, and debris. We recommend that you replace your air filters immediately following a hurricane. If you notice that any water has intruded into air ducts, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned to ensure there is no risk of mold growth.
Test Thermostat and Indoor Unit
Only move on to this step if everything has been cleared for safety before you start this. Test out the thermostat and check that the display is working and the settings are reading accurately. Listen out for any unusual noises or vibrations upon turning it on.
Common Post-Hurricane HVAC Issues in Florida
When it comes to hurricanes, there are a lot of factors that can cause damage, and HVAC systems can take the brunt of it as they are located outside. Here are some of the most common post-hurricane issues we’ve seen in Florida.
Flood damage caused corrosion, motor failure, and short circuits
Debris that has clogged coils, airflow, and caused system strain
Power suggests that it is a result of compressor or circuit board damage
Mold growth due to humidity and flooding
Reduced efficiency due to dirt, debris, and/or damaged components in the system
Preventative Measures You Can Take Pre-Hurricane
Living in Florida means that you might experience multiple hurricanes, which is why we are here to give you some of the preventative measures you can take to minimize the damage as much as possible.
Secure your outdoor unit with hurricane straps or anchors
Install a surge protector to protect your HVAC system, specifically
Schedule pre-storm maintenance to ensure system resilience
Keep the area around your condenser free from debris throughout the year, including trees or bushes
Cover your outdoor unit if your manufacturer recommends it in the event of a hurricane– just remember to uncover before restarting it
Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you have gone through a hurricane and are trying to get things back to normal post-hurricane, it’s important to set up a professional inspection with All Year Cooling and Plumbing. We never recommend doing any repairs or extensive inspections yourself due to the dangers and risks associated with DIY HVAC maintenance and repair. Post-storm inspections are extremely important to ensure that everything is ready to be operable from the inside out. Not only this, but for safety and insurance purposes, it’s important to have your unit inspected prior to turning it back on and running it as normal. Hidden damages or buildup, like mold, could cause both costly maintenance and health problems. At All Year Cooling and Plumbing, we offer post-hurricane inspections to check the electrical components, refrigerant levels, drainage, ductwork, and system performance to ensure it’s safe for use. If you are interested in scheduling an inspection, contact us today, and we will get your system back up and running smoothly post-hurricane.