Year after year, Florida homeowners dread hurricane season. In the aftermath of a hurricane, the focus often revolves around repairing structural damage to homes. However, another aspect that requires immediate attention is the HVAC system.
It is no secret that hurricanes destroy anything in their way, your HVAC included. In this blog, the experts at AC Today will guide you through the steps you should take after a hurricane, helping you restore comfort to your home.
1. Safety First
The aftermath of a hurricane can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to prioritize safety. Ensure your home’s power supply is disconnected to prevent electrical shocks. Gas leaks are very hazardous, so if you suspect one, immediately turn off the gas supply and contact the professionals.
2. Visual Inspection
Once it is safe to go outside, inspect the exterior of your HVAC system. Look for physical damage such as debris, fallen trees, or flooding that may have impacted the unit. If you notice any physical damage, do not turn on the system to avoid any further damage.
3. Turn off the System
If you notice significant damage to your unit, you must power down the system at the thermostat and circuit breaker. Think of it this way. You wouldn’t try to turn on and drive a car that had a breakdown. Your HVAC is no different!
4. Clean and Replace Filters
The last thing you want is for your indoor air quality to be negatively impacted, so this step is crucial. Replace your HVAC system’s filters after a hurricane because it is likely that debris has affected them. You may also want to consider replacing or cleaning your filters in the weeks following the hurricane due to increased dust and debris in the air.
5. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Unfortunately, it isn’t always noticeable when your HVAC has been damaged after a hurricane. To have the peace of mind that your system is working correctly and that there is no permanent damage, it is always wise to call the professionals.
Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can be stressful, but taking these steps will help you restore comfort in your home. The skilled technicians at AC Today are familiar with taking care of units after major storms hit. If you are in need of our expert service for your Sarasota, FL home, give us a call at 941-751-2642.
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