Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If you live in South Florida, your AC is one of the most expensive things on your property at risk during a storm. Here's the full prep + post-storm protocol we give our customers every year.
Before the Storm (Day-Of)
Turn the system OFF at the breaker
This is the #1 thing 90% of homeowners forget. Power surges from lightning or post-storm grid restoration destroy capacitors, contactors, and compressors. Flip the AC breaker OFF before you board up windows.
Cover the outdoor unit (the right way)
Use a fitted hurricane cover — never a tarp tied with rope (it'll act like a sail and rip the unit off the pad). If you don't have a cover, use plywood weighed down on top of the unit. Do not cover the sides only — that traps wind underneath.
Clear debris around the unit
Anything within 10 feet of the outdoor unit becomes a projectile. Patio furniture, pots, lawn ornaments, garbage bins — move them inside the garage.
Strap or anchor the unit (long-term prep)
If your unit isn't strapped to its concrete pad with hurricane straps, get it done before the next storm. Required by FL code for new installs since 2010, but many older units are still loose. Cost: ~$95 with us if you're scheduling other service.
During the Storm: Keep It OFF
Don't be tempted to turn the AC back on as the storm passes — power fluctuations during recovery are when most surge damage happens. Wait until power has been stable for at least 30 minutes after restoration.
After the Storm: 7-Point AC Check
1. Visual inspection of outdoor unit
- Is the unit still on the pad? (Sometimes they shift)
- Bent fins on the coil? (Cosmetic, but causes airflow issues)
- Debris in the fan blades?
- Refrigerant line set damaged?
- Disconnect box intact and dry?
2. Check the line set insulation
The big foam-wrapped pipe leading to the unit. If torn or missing, schedule a fix — efficiency drops 10–15% with bare line set.
3. Inspect the air handler/closet
Water intrusion is common after major storms. Look for:
- Water on the floor under the air handler
- Wet insulation around ducts
- Mold smell when you open the closet
4. Check your circuit breakers
If a breaker tripped during the storm, don't just reset it and walk away. There's often a reason. Reset once — if it trips again, call us.
5. Listen at startup
When you turn the system back on, listen for any of these:
- Loud humming with no fan movement (capacitor)
- Clicking with no startup (contactor or capacitor)
- Buzzing from disconnect box (loose wiring)
- No outdoor fan, but indoor blowing (fan motor or capacitor)
6. Check temperature differential
After running 15 minutes, measure the temperature at a supply vent vs. the return. The supply should be 18–22°F colder. Less than that = something's wrong.
7. Schedule a post-storm inspection if any flooding
If there was 4"+ of water around your outdoor unit, the compressor electrical contacts may be compromised. Don't run it — call us first.
Insurance: What Does and Doesn't Get Covered
Homeowners insurance typically covers:
- Direct wind damage to the unit (debris impact, unit blown off pad)
- Lightning surge damage (if you have a surge endorsement)
- Falling tree/branch damage
Typically NOT covered:
- Flood damage to the unit (you need separate flood insurance)
- Damage from running the system during the storm
- Gradual wear and tear
If you file a claim, we can provide a detailed damage assessment for the adjuster — included in our diagnostic fee.
The #1 Pre-Hurricane Upgrade Worth Making
If your AC is more than 10 years old AND you live in a flood zone, evacuating before a major storm with your AC sitting in floodwater is a $5,000–$10,000 risk. Consider:
- Raising the outdoor unit on a hurricane stand (8–12" higher off the ground)
- Installing a whole-home surge protector
- Replacing aged systems before the season starts (we have May/June install specials for this reason)
Need a pre- or post-storm AC inspection? Call (855) 417-8866 — we run extended hours June through November.