Hurricane season runs June through November — exactly when your AC works hardest. Here's how to protect your equipment and your comfort before a storm hits.
In South Florida, AC maintenance and hurricane preparedness overlap more than most homeowners realize. Your outdoor condenser unit is sitting directly in the path of whatever nature throws at us from June through November. Taking a few precautions before storm season can prevent costly damage and ensure you have cooling back quickly when the storm passes.
Before Hurricane Season Begins (May)
- Schedule a pre-season AC tune-up to ensure your system is in top condition before peak demand
- Have a technician inspect electrical connections and the unit's mounting bolts
- Trim all vegetation within 3 feet of the outdoor unit — airflow and storm debris concerns
- Take photos of your outdoor unit for insurance documentation
- Verify your homeowner's insurance covers AC equipment
When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued
The most important thing you can do when a significant storm is approaching: turn off your AC system entirely using the disconnect switch near the outdoor unit (or the breaker panel). Do NOT leave it running through a storm. Here's why:
- Power surges during the storm can destroy the compressor and control boards
- Wind-driven rain and debris can damage fan blades and coil fins
- Voltage fluctuations as power flickers on and off are particularly damaging
- Modern AC systems have electronics that are extremely vulnerable to surge damage
Critical Step
Turn off your AC at the breaker — not just the thermostat — before a major storm. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your equipment.
During the Storm
Keep your AC off. Even if power stays on, keep it off. The risk of surge damage is too high. If you have a generator, do not run your central AC on it unless you have a whole-home generator sized for that load — most portable generators will damage AC compressors.
After the Storm — Before Restarting
- Inspect the outdoor unit visually for visible damage, debris, or flooding
- Clear any leaves, branches, or debris from around and on top of the unit
- Check that the unit is still level on its pad — flooding can shift it
- Wait 24 hours after power is restored before restarting (allows refrigerant to stabilize)
- Have a technician inspect the system before restarting if you know it experienced flooding or significant debris impact
Post-Hurricane AC Inspection
After a significant storm, Santy's offers inspection services to assess damage before you restart your system. Call (305) 884-5333.
