Maintaining Your Heat Pump During Hurricane Season 
There are a lot of great things about living in Florida. Hurricane season isn’t one of them, and hurricane prep is nobody’s idea of a good time.
However, taking steps to maintain your heat pump as hurricane season draws near is important for reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs or replacement. It also helps ensure that your heating or cooling system is readily available to you once the storm has passed. Just as you prepare your windows and yard, you should also secure your HVAC system.
The Dangers of Hurricanes for Your Heat Pump
There are a lot of ways that your heat pump can get damaged during hurricane season even if the rest of your home remains relatively unscathed. This is why it’s so important to secure it.
Flooding and wind damage are two of the major risks. Wind can knock your outdoor unit over, or it can blow debris into the unit. Trees and branches may also damage it or some of its parts.
In addition, there’s the risk of damage from power surges. These may happen if a lightning strike travels along a power line or if your power goes off and then comes back on. This restoration of power can cause a damaging surge.
Perform Maintenance
Before you do anything else to get ready for the storm, start with a heat pump that’s in good condition in the first place. Have HVAC technicians perform a thorough maintenance check before hurricane season gets underway to make sure that it’s in good working condition.
As part of this pre-season maintenance, there are a couple of steps that are particularly important. Stay on top of regular air filter changes, ensuring that you’re adhering to the schedule recommended and using quality filters. In addition, lubricated motor bearings reduce friction between moving parts, which offers additional protection during heavy wind and rain.
Find Higher Ground
Moving your outdoor unit to a higher elevation can help protect it from flooding. Get it onto a sturdy surface. It’s best to do this with the assistance of an HVAC professional to ensure that your unit remains safe and in compliance with local code requirements.
Anchor Your Unit
Make sure that once you’ve elevated your unit, it’s also secured. You can get brackets or hurricane straps to help hold it in place. This will keep it from falling over in strong winds.
Remove Outdoor Debris
Clearing or securing debris or other items that could hit your heat pump and damage it is good practice in general. That same debris could otherwise damage your house, your vehicle or other people’s property.
Consider a Cover
You can protect your unit from rain and wind with a weather-resistant tarp or cover. Be sure to remove it once the storm passes.
Switching it Off
Turning off your unit is an option to help protect against potential damage from power surges. You should turn off both the thermostat and the circuit at the main electrical panel.
If you have a gas system, you may want to turn off the gas supply so that you don’t have to worry about leaks or other safety issues.
Consider a Surge Protector
Another option for protecting your heat pump from electrical surges is a whole-home surge protector. This will also protect your other appliances and electronics as well as your overall electrical system.
We’ll Get You Ready for Hurricane Season
Taking some or all of the above steps can help get your heat pump through the next hurricane unscathed. We can help you maintain your heat pump so that you’re ready for hurricane season.
We’re known for our prompt service. We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime! Get in touch with us and let us help you with all your heat pump maintenance needs.
