How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Hurricane Season

Although we never hope to have to deal with a hurricane, in Birmingham it’s a reality we must be prepared for. If you already have a plan to keep your home and family safe, be sure you think about air conditioner service when threatening weather approaches. Of course it’s not the most critical 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 air conditioner 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 professional technician from Norrell Service Experts in Birmingham can offer advice on the best way to secure your particular air conditioner.

Shut the system down.

This may seem like an obvious step, but in the initial stages of a weather emergency it can be easy to panic and forget this and other simple yet important tasks. Switch off your air conditioner from the thermostat first. Then, if you aren’t very familiar with your fuse box, it’s an ideal time to get acquainted! Switch off the fuse connected to your air conditioner and take note of which fuses control other areas or appliances in your home. Taking action before an emergency saves you the inconvenience and uncertainty 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 rake that has been thrown 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 things that could turn into a projectile in unstable weather. Anything that could get thrown into 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 professionals at Norrell have seen it all before. So whether Birmingham is expecting hurricane-like conditions or if you just want to schedule an air conditioner service before any future storms hit, call 205-267-0023 today or schedule an appointment online.