How To Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can be stressful, scary and even dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Thankfully, most hurricanes can be tracked and monitored to ensure the safety of anyone in their path. However, it’s always a good idea to prepare your home ahead of time for hurricane season so you aren’t left scrambling when a storm is on the way.

As a home services business located in the greater San Antonio area, we know how to handle hurricanes at KCA Services. Whether you’re bracing for an approaching storm or you just want to get prepared ahead of time, here are our tips on how to prepare your home this hurricane season.

The Basics Of Hurricane Prep

Here in Boerne, we don’t experience hurricanes like coastal communities do. However, the effects of a hurricane can travel far inland and lead to severe weather. Preparing for the effects of hurricanes can help prevent unnecessary damage to your outdoor AC unit, which will help you save money in the long run.

When it comes to storm preparation, there are a few hurricane essentials that every homeowner should keep on hand:

• Tarp
• Plywood
• Hurricane straps

You will use these materials to protect your outdoor AC unit from damage from wind or even tornadoes, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement.

If a storm is on the way, cover the unit with a tarp and place a piece of plywood on top to shield the unit from debris. Consider installing hurricane straps to bold your unit down in case of high winds. Although your outdoor unit can handle water from rain, hurricanes can cause tornadoes, which can cause debris to smash into the unit and result in serious damage.

Flood Damage Prevention

If you’re looking for a more significant preparation that will help you prevent water damage to your AC, consider elevating your outdoor unit. With the help of a professional HVAC specialist on our team, you can raise the unit to prevent flood damage. Although this requires a little extra investment, it’s a good idea for homes that experience significant flooding during storms.

Prepping Inside Your Home

If there’s a storm coming, there are a few ways you can prepare the inside of your home. Consider turning your AC cooler than normal to prepare for a possible power outage. Shut your windows, blinds and doors so your home can maintain the temperature more efficiently.

If the storm begins and there is lightning, you may want to shut off the electricity to your air conditioner. If the lightning strikes the unit, it can lead to a power surge which will burn out the unit and result in a costly replacement.

Hurricane Aftermath AC Assessment

Once the storm has passed, it may be tempting to just switch on your AC again and continue on with life. However, it’s always a good idea to assess for damage or even hire a professional for an inspection. Additionally, always make sure you uncover your outdoor AC unit as soon as you can since tarps can trap moisture against the AC and lead to rust.

If your outdoor unit has sustained any external damage from debris, there’s a good chance that something has been damaged internally as well. Contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and perform a repair. Avoiding repairs can lead to more costly problems or an early replacement in the future, so it’s always best to take care of repairs right away.

Schedule Boerne Hurricane Preparation

At KCA Services, we believe that preparing your home for a hurricane is the best way to stay safe in a storm. If you need help mounting your outdoor unit or need assistance with any form of hurricane preparation, we’re on the job. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!