In Houston, we see our fair share of hurricanes. With their high-speed winds, torrential rain, and potential for flooding, the last thing you need is your air conditioner knocked out of commission on top of everything else. Get ready for the next big Houston-area hurricane (or the fallout form a tropical storm in the Gulf) with our guide to securing your AC against an oncoming storm.

Hurricane Tips for Your Air Conditioning System

If your cooling system has an outdoor component, added security can keep it safe in a hurricane or tropical storm. Mix and match the AC hurricane-proofing strategies that work best for you:

  • Cover your outdoor unit. Using a waterproof tarp or a specialty hurricane cover, keep out as much of the heavy rain as you can. Don’t forget to remove it when the storm’s passed so the unit can dry out!
  • Remove your window AC unit during a hurricane. The best thing to do with your window air conditioner during a hurricane is to remove it. Bring the unit inside to avoid having it ripped out of the window, damaging both it and your home. Securely shut the window until the storm is over.
  • Invest in a security cage. Air conditioner security cages are usually people’s first defense against human vandals. But these sturdy metal enclosures can also protect your outdoor AC unit from flying debris and minimize damage.
  • Anchor outdoor units on a hurricane slab. Hurricane slabs or hurricane pads for air conditioners are heavy-duty concrete slabs that you can mount your AC on to provide an anchor point. They can prevent hurricane-force winds from blowing away your outdoor cooling unit.
  • Add some HVAC hurricane straps. Also called hurricane tie-downs, these straps help you anchor your outdoor air conditioner to the hurricane slab. Most air conditioners installed in Houston will have tie-down points since we’re in the path of hurricanes.
  • Put away outdoor clutter. Now’s the time to pull in everything from kids’ toys to patio furniture to the outdoor grill. Secure everything inside, leaving less debris to clatter into your AC.
  • Install storm windows. You can install a window air conditioner in a storm window, so you won’t need to trade cooled comfort for extra security. Just remember to bring your window AC inside before the hurricane hits.

Should I Turn off My Air Conditioner During a Hurricane?

Yes. Even though the hot, muggy weather can make things uncomfortable, you should turn off your AC before the storm hits. Power surges and lightning strikes pose an extra threat to HVAC systems left running in the middle of the hurricane.

To keep cool, run your AC on high for a few hours before you have to turn it off. Then, switch to ceiling and standing fans to keep cool while things blow over. Once it’s safe to go outside, inspect your air conditioner for signs of damage before turning it on.

Does an HVAC Unit Need to Be Replaced After Flooding?

Air conditioner flooding can cause a serious problem that requires a replacement, but it doesn’t have to. With a waterproof AC cover and some luck, hurricane flooding may not ruin your air conditioner. You can even use sandbags to create a small retaining wall around any outdoor components of your cooling system.

If your AC unit was completely flooded during the storm, call a professional. Flood-damaged air conditioners may pose an electrical hazard due to damaged parts. You may need to repair or replace your AC before you can use it safely.

AC Not Working After a Hurricane Blows Through? We Can Help!

The storm’s blown by, the power’s back on … and the air conditioner still won’t start! Get help from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston. We can repair storm-damaged air conditioners or replace a unit destroyed by the storm. Call us at (713) 352-7903 for emergency service or book an appointment online.