As a Central Florida homeowner, preparing for hurricanes is a reality we must face. Hurricane season starts June 1 and stretches through November, but the vast majority of storms occur between August and October. While securing your home’s windows and stocking up on supplies are common practices, your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and plumbing require special attention too. Taking steps to protect them before a hurricane can save you from costly repairs later. 

Turn Off Your AC System Before the Storm 

We can’t alter the course of the hurricane, decrease the level of storm surge, or delay the onslaught, but we can take steps to mitigate the damage. 

One of the most crucial steps is to turn off your air conditioning unit before the storm hits. This is vital to prevent electrical damage. Power surges, which are common during hurricanes due to lightning strikes and damaged power lines, can destroy your system's electrical components. 

Yes, the house may get hot and stuffy, but it’s short-term. As soon as the worst is over, you can turn it back on provided the power in the area has not been disrupted.   

After you turn the AC off, then flip the circuit breaker connected to the AC to cut off power completely. This way, there will be no chance of a surge harming your system. 

Why Preventing Power Surges Matters  

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), power surges are responsible for an estimated 19,700 fires annually in the U.S., resulting in $737 million in direct property damage. Hurricanes increase the risk of such surges due to frequent lightning and fluctuating electrical conditions. 

Make Sure Your Outdoor AC Unit is Secure  

Hurricane winds can exceed 110 mph in Florida, which poses a threat to outdoor air conditioning units. Flying debris or strong gusts can cause significant damage. 

Professional HVAC installers like ServiceOne have made sure that your unit is secure, but it is good to check your unit to verify that nothing has changed since its installation and that it is properly anchored.  

Hurricane Straps secure your outdoor AC unit to a concrete slab. This method is recommended by the Florida Building Code and has been proven to withstand winds up to 150 mph. 

Covering the unit with a waterproof tarp or a manufactured AC cover also helps protect it from debris and flooding during a storm. Another alternative is to place plywood over the top and around the sides. Sandbags around the unit may also help prevent damage.   

No matter what method you use to protect your outside unit, be sure to remove the cover after the storm to avoid trapping moisture inside, which can lead to mold and rust. 

Elevate the AC Unit if You’re in a Flood-Prone Area  

According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage to your home. For homes in flood-prone areas, consider elevating your outdoor AC unit at least 18 inches off the ground to protect it from rising water levels. Installing a raised platform for your HVAC system can cost between $200 and $500 but can save you thousands in potential repairs or replacement. 

Check Your Plumbing BEFORE a hurricane hits  

Plumbing systems can be vulnerable during hurricanes, especially if they’re already weakened by leaks or corrosion. Heavy rains and high winds can lead to increased pressure on pipes, potentially causing them to burst. 

Inspect for Leaks  

Check all visible pipes, faucets, and hoses for leaks or signs of corrosion. Making sure they are all in good condition prevents them from bursting with added water pressure which may be present during a hurricane.  

ServiceOne offers annual plumbing inspections and maintenance program through our ClubOne membership! When a hurricane approaches, you will know your plumbing is ready to withstand it if it’s been checked before a storm.   

Turn off the main water valve 

When you turn off your electricity, you should also turn off your main water valve to your home. (Do you know where your main valve is?)  

In Florida, most water shut-off valves are outside the home, often near where the water enters your home. Sometimes they are in a box underground. It’s important that each homeowner knows where their main water shut-off valve is.  

Shutting off the main valve prevents water that may be contaminated after a hurricane from coming into your plumbing lines. If pipes are destroyed during the storm, having your main shut-off valve closed reduces the risk of damage.  

Reinforce exposed pipes 

If you have exposed outdoor plumbing, such as hoses or pipes leading to a sprinkler system, secure them with additional brackets or insulation. Disconnect outdoor hoses to prevent water from backing up into the pipes, which can lead to flooding in your home. 

Why shutting off the water is important 

After Hurricane Harvey in Texas, over 34% of homes experienced water damage, much of it from burst pipes. Water damage is a frequent insurance claim after major hurricanes. Turning off your home’s water supply during a hurricane minimizes the risk of similar damage. 

Clear drains and gutters  

Proper drainage is essential for minimizing flood risk. Clogged drains and gutters can cause water to back up and pool around your home’s foundation, leading to plumbing problems and potentially affecting your AC unit’s performance. 

To protect your plumbing, clean out all gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow. 

Do you have a sump pump?  

Consider installing a sump pump in areas prone to flooding. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends sump pumps for homes that experience regular flooding, or in areas with heavy rain and poor soil.   

Since the Federal Clean Air Act in 1987, all new construction in Florida should have a sump pump, but older homes may not. If you have one, you should test it before the storm hits to make sure it’s in good working order.   

A sump pump can protect your basement or crawl space from floodwaters, safeguarding both your plumbing and AC system components from water damage. 

The American Society of Home Inspectors says that over 60% of U.S. homes have moisture problems which are often exacerbated during heavy rainfalls and storms. A functional sump pump can mitigate this risk significantly. 

Have a Backup Power Source 

Power outages during hurricanes are inevitable. Consider investing in a backup generator to keep essential appliances running, including your sump pump and, in some cases, your AC system (depending on the generator's capacity). 

Backup power helps before, during, and after a hurricane. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the average duration of power outages caused by major weather events was 9.1 hours in 2020. A backup generator ensures that critical components of your home remain operational during such outages. 

Be prepared!   

Taking proactive measures to protect your AC and plumbing before a hurricane not only saves you from potential headaches but also from costly repairs. While hurricane-proofing your home’s exterior is important, your HVAC system and plumbing need attention too. 

With the right preparation, you can help ensure your home weathers the storm with minimal damage. Be sure to consult with ServiceOne Air Conditioning and Plumbing if you’re unsure about securing your equipment or inspecting your plumbing!  

By investing a little time and effort, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your AC and plumbing are ready to withstand the next hurricane.  

ServiceOne helps before and after hurricanes! 

The professionals at ServiceOne Air Conditioning and Plumbing have weathered many hurricanes in over twenty years of business. We know how to help before and after a storm.  

Give us a call.