Tips For Protecting A Home's Air Conditioner From Severe Storm Threats

Posted on: 23 May 2019

As a homeowner living in an area that is prone to severe storms, you've probably learned how to secure your windows and other parts of your home from an incoming storm. What you may not have considered, though, is the importance of securing your central air conditioning unit. Here's what you need to know about storm threats to your home's air conditioning unit and how to protect it.

Why Secure The Air Conditioning Unit?

You might wonder why you should even worry about your air conditioning unit. The fact is that severe storms pose several threats to a central air system. A variety of dangers from power surges to physical unit damage are all risks. These things could lead to catastrophic damages, especially if an electrical issue leads to a short circuit and a house fire.

How Do You Secure Your Air Conditioning Unit?

There are several different threats and security measures you should take with your air conditioner to ensure its safety, and that of your home, in the event of a storm.

Electrical safety: The power surges that come with some storms can fry your air conditioner's circuit boards, but you could also face breaker tripping and the potential for electrical fires. Prevent these by investing in a whole-home surge protection system and ensuring that your air conditioner's circuit breaker is turned off during severe storms.

Physical damage: The biggest physical damage threat to your central air conditioner comes from trees and limbs around your property. A strong storm can knock these down, potentially striking the outdoor unit. Make sure that limbs are cut back away from your home, and have any dead or dying trees removed before storm season.

Uprooted air conditioner: Particularly in areas that are prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, you need to consider the structural stability of the outdoor unit. It could be ripped from the pad in severe conditions. If your area is prone to this type of severe weather, talk with your air conditioning maintenance contractors about tying down the air conditioning unit. Anchored straps will help to keep it secure.

Severe storms are nothing to take lightly as a homeowner, but far too many people overlook the risks to a central air system. With this information, you can go into this year's storm season prepared to protect your air conditioner. Talk with your air conditioning services technician today for more information about protecting your home's system.

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