How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

June 08, 2015

Although we never hope to have to deal with tropical storms, in Memphis 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 think about air conditioner service when severe weather looms. Of course it’s not the most important concern during these times, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your air conditioner 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, go a step further by securing the air conditioner with reinforcement using bolts, straps, or rope. If it’s about time for your regular air conditioner service, your expert technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Memphis can offer advice on the best way to secure your individual 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 smaller yet critical tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t intimately familiar with your fuse box, it’s an ideal time to learn it! Shut off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and take note of which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Doing so before an emergency saves you the inconvenience and risk 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 chair that has been launched 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 items that could turn into a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could damage 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 provide an expert opinion. The professionals at Service Experts have seen it all before. So whether Memphis is expecting a big storm or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 901-235-1196 today or schedule an appointment online.


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