Hurricane Season AC Checklist for Broward Homeowners

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Broward County sits in a part of Florida where strong storms are a fact of life. Your air conditioner is one of the most expensive systems in your home, and it’s exposed to wind, water and power surges. A little preparation goes a long way.

Before the storm

• Check that your outdoor unit is secure. Broward County is in the stricter High Velocity Hurricane Zone, and outdoor equipment is expected to be properly anchored. If your unit looks loose, tilted or sits on a cracked pad, have it checked before a storm threatens.
• Consider surge protection. Storms bring lightning and power surges when the grid goes down and comes back up. A surge protector for the AC, or one for the whole home, can protect the compressor and control board.
• Schedule a tune-up. A system that has been cleaned and inspected is less likely to fail when you need it most. AC maintenance before peak season catches weak parts early.
• Clear the area. Remove loose items, trim branches near the unit and keep gutters and drains clear so water has somewhere to go.
• Know where your thermostat and breaker are so you can shut the system off quickly if needed.
• Don’t cover a running unit. Tarps and plywood can trap moisture and cause damage if the system is run while covered.

During the storm

If flooding or high winds are expected, turn the system off at the thermostat. If you can do so safely, you can also switch it off at the breaker. Stay inside and don’t go out to check on the outdoor unit while the storm is active.

After the storm

1. Look before you run it. Check the outdoor unit for debris, damage, leaning or standing water.
2. Never touch electrical equipment while standing in water. If the outdoor unit or air handler was submerged, don’t turn it on. Water-damaged electrical parts need to be inspected first.
3. Wait a few minutes when power returns. Power can surge or flicker as the grid recovers. Letting things settle before switching the AC on helps protect the compressor.
4. Watch for warning signs. Burning smells, tripped breakers, strange noises, weak airflow or no cooling mean it’s time to call for service.

When to call for help

If your system was flooded, struck by lightning, hit by debris or simply won’t cool after the storm, call a technician. Master Tech Air’s emergency AC repair line is open 24 hours. If the damage is serious or your system was already near the end of its life, it may also be a good time to talk about AC replacement done to the area’s hurricane requirements.

A little preparation each season can mean the difference between a quick check and an expensive replacement.