How Will a Hurricane Impact My Air Conditioning Unit in Murrells Inlet, SC?

Your air conditioner can survive a hurricane as long as you properly prepare before the storm arrives. If you don’t take the proper steps to prepare your HVAC system, you could end up paying to replace it. There are many ways you can limit or prevent damage to your air conditioning unit before a hurricane in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Are AC Units Designed for Hurricane Weather?

Most AC outdoor units can withstand heat, cold, wind and rain. Outdoor AC units aren’t able to survive heavy rain or flooding. Connections can block out moisture, but you should seal the electrical components.

Severe rain from hurricanes can still short out electrical connections in the AC unit. If your outside unit was underwater, have our professionals inspect the damage. The high winds can bring various debris, which can clog the coils as well.

What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

While there are many steps you can take to protect your HVAC system before a storm, shutting off the unit should be first. During a big storm, there could be several power outages, which can add a lot of stress to your system. Depending on how severe the damage to your electrical components is, you may need our professionals to repair or replace your HVAC system.

A new unit will suffer the same issues during a major storm as an old one. Before the hurricane hits, turn your home’s temperature down a few degrees. If the indoor temperature is lower, your home will stay cooler for longer while the AC unit is off.

What Should You Do During a Hurricane?

During a hurricane, the obvious dangers to your outside unit are flooding or debris in the wind. One of the most common events is lightning striking your AC unit, which is a common occurrence. Lightning can blow fuses, burn wires, burn capacitors or fry compressors.

A capacitor is like a battery for your AC and can be expensive to replace. Covering your outdoor unit and securing it with hurricane rope will protect it from debris. Installing a storm surge protector for your HVAC system will help protect the unit from lightning.

After a hurricane, wait until the HVAC unit is completely dry before turning the system back on. Once a major storm passes, our professionals can properly clean the AC unit. If you need any AC maintenance or inspections in Murrells Inlet, SC, call Air Doctor Services to schedule an appointment today.

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