Florida’s hurricane season can bring intense storms, strong winds, and heavy rain that put your home’s air conditioning system at risk. Preparing your AC unit before a storm hits can help prevent costly damage, extend the lifespan of your system, and ensure you have cool air when you need it most.
At Freedom Air Conditioning, we specialize in AC installation, maintenance, and repair for homes in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Davenport, Haines City, Kissimmee, and surrounding areas. Our team is here to help you secure your HVAC system before hurricane season starts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to protect your air conditioner from hurricanes and what to do after the storm passes.
1. Schedule a Pre-Storm AC Inspection
One of the best things you can do before hurricane season is to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system. A routine maintenance check ensures your AC is running efficiently and can withstand the demands of Florida’s hot and humid weather.
During an AC inspection, we check for:
✔ Loose electrical connections
✔ Clogged drain lines
✔ Refrigerant levels
✔ Secure mounting of the outdoor unit
Schedule your AC tune-up in Lakeland, Kissimmee, or surrounding areas by calling Freedom Air Conditioning at (863) 229-7058.
2. Secure Your Outdoor Unit
Your condenser unit (the outdoor AC unit) is particularly vulnerable during a storm. High winds can cause it to shift, and flying debris can cause serious damage.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Unit:
✔ Anchor it down: Florida’s building code requires outdoor AC units to be secured to a concrete pad. If yours is not, consider adding hurricane straps.
✔ Trim trees & remove debris: Loose branches, patio furniture, or any unsecured items in your yard can turn into dangerous projectiles. Trim trees and remove loose items before a storm.
✔ Invest in a protective cover: A heavy-duty tarp or specialized hurricane cover can shield the unit from flying debris and water intrusion.
3. Turn Off Your AC Before the Storm
Running your AC during a hurricane can cause significant damage if power surges or flooding occur. Before the storm arrives:
🔹 Shut off power to your AC unit from the circuit breaker.
🔹 Turn off the thermostat to prevent it from restarting unexpectedly.
🔹 Unplug window units and portable ACs to avoid electrical damage.
Why is this important? Power outages and lightning strikes can send dangerous surges through your system, frying electrical components and damaging compressors.
4. Elevate Your AC Unit if You’re in a Flood-Prone Area
Florida’s heavy rainfall can lead to severe flooding, especially in Winter Haven, Davenport, and Haines City. If you live in a low-lying area, consider elevating your outdoor AC unit to prevent water damage.
✔ A professional HVAC technician can raise your unit several inches off the ground using a secure platform.
✔ This can help prevent water from seeping into the electrical components of your system.
5. Use a Surge Protector for Extra Protection
A power surge caused by lightning or downed power lines can destroy your AC unit in an instant. Installing a whole-home surge protector can protect your HVAC system and other appliances from electrical damage.
If you live in Kissimmee or Lakeland, our team at Freedom Air Conditioning can install a surge protector for your AC unit before the next big storm hits.
After the Hurricane: What to Do Next
Once the storm has passed, follow these steps before turning your AC back on:
✅ Check for visible damage: Look for loose panels, debris, or disconnected wiring.
✅ Ensure your unit is dry: If your AC was submerged in water, do not turn it on until an HVAC technician inspects it.
✅ Inspect your air filter: If your home had any water intrusion, replace your air filter to prevent mold growth.
✅ Call a professional for an inspection: If you notice any odd noises, reduced cooling power, or system failure, schedule an AC repair immediately.
Get Expert AC Help Before & After the Storm
At Freedom Air Conditioning, we understand how important a working AC system is, especially in Florida’s heat. Whether you need a pre-storm inspection, emergency AC repair, or a new unit installation, our team is ready to help.
🔹 Serving: Winter Haven, Lakeland, Davenport, Haines City, Kissimmee & surrounding areas
🔹 Call us at: (863) 229-7058
🔹 Visit us online: www.myfreedomair.net
Don’t wait until the next storm arrives—schedule your AC maintenance today!
