Protecting Your AC System Before & After a Hurricane: Expert Tips

Following a hurricane, many homeowners in Sarasota focus on visible property damage, but your air conditioning system often faces hidden, long-term risks. Skip Stanton from Aqua Plumbing & Air shares critical advice on how to detect and mitigate storm damage to keep your unit running efficiently.

Immediate Steps After a Storm

If you suspect your AC unit has been submerged in water (especially more than a foot), do not turn it back on immediately

• Prioritize Safety: If you are evacuating before a storm, turn off the breakers to your AC unit to protect against power spikes or brownouts when electricity returns
• Professional Inspection: If the unit was underwater, have a professional technician inspect it first. They can safely dry out critical components like contactors, capacitors, circuit boards, and fan motors, potentially saving you from expensive full-system replacements

Identifying Common Post-Storm Issues

Even if your unit seems to be functioning, it may have underlying issues caused by the storm:

• Debris & Blockage: Water and debris can clog the condenser coil, hindering performance
• Refrigerant Line Damage: If refrigerant lines were underwater, they can cause the unit to "slug," leading to damage and cooling inefficiencies .
• Ductwork Concerns: In homes with package units or manufactured homes, ground-level flooding can saturate ductwork, creating persistent moisture and humidity issues inside the home
• Corrosion: If your home is near the coast, saltwater exposure is a major risk. Wash off the unit as quickly as possible to prevent rapid rust and corrosion, which can significantly shorten the unit’s lifespan

Future Mitigation: Prepare for the Next HUrricaine

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If you live in a flood-prone area, consider these steps to safeguard your equipment for future storms

• Elevate Your Unit: For block homes, use a wall bracket to mount the condenser unit off the ground. For frame homes, you can install an engineered stand on a poured concrete slab
• Secure the Unit: Use hurricane strapping to keep units from being overturned or damaged by high winds and water movement

Bottom Line: Regular maintenance, especially during the fall inspection season, is the best way to gain peace of mind and ensure your AC system is reliable and ready for the next season

Watch the Full Expert Interview

You can view the full discussion and expert tips here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eubbMIG3mz4