How to Protect Your AC System During Hurricane Season

by | May 5, 2025 | AC installation, Air Conditioners, General HVAC

How to Protect Your AC System During Hurricane Season Atlantis Air Conditioning is here to help you stay calm, safe, and storm-ready

How to Protect Your AC System During Hurricane Season: Storm-Ready Cooling

As hurricane season approaches, homeowners and property managers across Florida face a familiar concern: protecting their air conditioning systems from damage. Your HVAC system is not just essential for comfort—it’s critical for safety during Florida’s intense heat. Storm-ready cooling should be a top priority as we move toward the June 1 start of hurricane season.

How to Protect Your AC System

This guide will cover the most effective ways to prepare your AC system for storms, from surge protection to emergency service planning. At Atlantis Air Conditioning, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation can save thousands in repair or replacement costs and keep families and tenants cool, even when the power goes out.

Secure the Outdoor AC Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit is particularly vulnerable during high winds and flying debris. An unsecured unit can become a significant safety hazard and be severely damaged.

Tips to Protect Your AC Unit:

  • Use hurricane-rated straps or brackets to anchor the unit to its base
  • Clear surrounding debris like loose limbs or lawn furniture
  • Trim nearby trees and shrubs that could fall or blow into the unit

Investing in a custom hurricane cage for your condenser adds an extra layer of protection that insurance companies often reward with discounts.

2. Install Surge Protection

Hurricanes bring lightning, which can fry your HVAC system in a flash. A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel can safeguard your air conditioner’s electronics and prevent costly damage.

Why Surge Protectors Matter:

  • Prevent power surges from damaging control boards, capacitors, and motors
  • Help extend the lifespan of your entire HVAC system
  • Often required for warranty protection on newer units

Talk to your HVAC technician or electrician about adding a dedicated HVAC surge protector for an extra layer of storm security.

3. Plan for Emergency Service

It’s common for HVAC service lines to be overwhelmed right after a storm. A pre-arranged emergency service plan ensures your system is prioritized for inspection and repair.

Benefits of an Emergency HVAC Plan:

  • Early access to repairs when technicians are in high demand
  • Peace of mind knowing who to call
  • Priority scheduling for vulnerable family members or tenants

At Atlantis AC, we offer service agreements that include priority scheduling, emergency support, and seasonal inspections—all designed to give you one less thing to worry about during hurricane season.

4. Shut It Down Before the Storm

Always turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat and the circuit breaker before a significant storm hits to avoid system damage from power surges or flooding. After the storm, inspect the area and wait for professional evaluation before restarting.

Steps to Take:

  • Turn off the thermostat and the AC unit breaker
  • Cover the outdoor unit with a tarp or AC cover if flooding is expected
  • Wait for the system inspection before turning it back on

This simple precaution can protect your compressor, control board, and other sensitive components.

5. Inspect and Maintain Regularly

Routine inspections before hurricane season help catch weak points in your system that could fail under pressure. Maintenance should include:

  • Checking refrigerant lines for wear or cracks
  • Tightening electrical connections
  • Ensuring proper drainage and elevation to prevent flooding

Ask about our hurricane-season prep inspection, which is available every May and June.

Bonus: Portable Cooling Options

A backup cooling plan can be a lifesaver in extended power outages, especially for families with elderly relatives, small children, or pets. Battery-operated fans, window AC units with portable generators, or even portable cooling systems can make a huge difference.

Keep backup supplies handy:

  • Extra air filters
  • Power cords and surge strips
  • Battery-powered fans
  • Generator fuel and extension cords

Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits

Hurricane season may be unpredictable, but your cooling system doesn’t have to be. With some preparation now, you can save time and money and avoid emergencies when they matter most.

From surge protection to emergency plans, Atlantis Air Conditioning is here to help you stay calm, safe, and storm-ready. Schedule your pre-season inspection or learn more about our storm protection packages today.

👉 Visit AtlantisAC.com or call (561) 586-1233 to book your storm-prep HVAC service.

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