When hurricane season hits Central Florida, your HVAC system could be at risk. Orlando homeowners know that between June and November, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring powerful winds, heavy rains, and power outages. While you might be focused on stocking supplies and reinforcing windows, don’t forget one critical area: your air conditioning system.
At Aloha Air Cooling and Heating, we’ve helped countless Central Florida residents prepare their homes for storm season and your HVAC system is a key part of that. Here’s how to keep it protected and running efficiently, even during extreme weather.
1. Turn Off the System Before the Storm
One of the most important things you can do before a hurricane hits is turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat and breaker. Power surges or outages during storms can seriously damage the internal components. Shutting it down protects the system and avoids the risk of short-circuiting once power returns.
2. Secure and Cover Your Outdoor Unit
Your AC condenser, the outdoor part of your system, is exposed to flying debris and flooding during a storm. Secure it with hurricane straps and consider using a specially designed cover to shield it from damage. Just remember to remove the cover before turning the system back on.
Need help securing your outdoor unit? Aloha Air’s HVAC technicians can inspect and reinforce your setup for hurricane season.
3. Clear the Area Around the Unit
Remove any loose items, branches, or debris from around the AC unit. Anything that’s not secured can become a projectile during high winds. Keeping the area clear minimizes potential impact and gives your HVAC unit a better chance of surviving the storm intact.
4. Check Drainage Around Your Home
Flooding is a serious concern in many parts of Orlando and Central Florida. Ensure your AC unit is elevated or installed with proper drainage to prevent water from pooling. Standing water can lead to severe electrical damage or even total system failure.
5. Schedule a Pre-Storm HVAC Inspection
An HVAC tune-up before the season starts can identify any weaknesses in your system. Our experienced team at Aloha Air Cooling and Heating offers full system inspections, coil cleaning, and electrical checks to ensure your system is storm-ready and efficient year-round.
6. After the Storm: Inspect Before Restarting
Once the storm passes, don’t immediately turn your system back on. Inspect the unit for visible damage, debris, or flooding. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to restart, call a licensed HVAC technician. Aloha Air offers fast, reliable post-storm inspections to get your system safely back online.
Be Storm-Ready with Aloha Air Cooling and Heating
Whether you’re in downtown Orlando or the greater Central Florida region, Aloha Air Cooling and Heating is your trusted partner in HVAC preparation and recovery. We’re proud to provide expert diagnostics, repairs, and installations tailored to Florida’s unique weather challenges.
Schedule your hurricane prep HVAC inspection today! Call now or book online and make sure your comfort and safety are protected before the next storm rolls in.