As any longtime Tampa Bay resident knows, hurricane season isn’t just about stocking up on water and batteries. Your HVAC system—one of your home’s most expensive components—needs special attention before, during, and after a storm.
At Relief Services Florida, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners from St. Petersburg to Wesley Chapel prepare for and recover from hurricanes. We’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation can mean the difference between minor repairs and complete system replacement. This comprehensive guide will help you protect your investment and ensure your family stays comfortable when the power returns.
Understanding Hurricane Risks to Your HVAC System
Florida’s hurricanes pose unique threats to air conditioning systems:
Wind Damage
- Hurricane-force winds can turn your outdoor unit into a projectile
- Flying debris can penetrate condenser coils
- Severe winds can bend fan blades and damage motors
- Disconnected refrigerant lines can cause total system loss
Water Intrusion
- Storm surge and flooding can submerge outdoor units
- Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems
- Water entering electrical components causes immediate failure
- Saltwater is particularly destructive to all components
Power-Related Issues
- Lightning strikes can fry circuit boards
- Power surges during restoration damage compressors
- Brownouts strain electrical components
- Extended outages can lead to mold growth in ductwork
Secondary Damage
- Fallen trees and branches crushing units
- Roof damage allowing water into indoor components
- Shifted foundations affecting refrigerant lines
- Debris blocking airflow even after storms pass
Pre-Season Preparation (May – June)
The best time to prepare is before the season starts. Here’s your comprehensive checklist:
1. Schedule Professional Inspection
Have a certified technician inspect your entire system:
- Check refrigerant levels and repair any leaks
- Test all electrical components
- Clean coils and check fin condition
- Verify proper drainage
- Document system condition for insurance
2. Document Everything
Before hurricane season:
- Photograph your outdoor and indoor units
- Record model and serial numbers
- Keep receipts for recent repairs or upgrades
- Note the age and condition of your system
- Store documentation in waterproof containers and cloud storage
3. Review Insurance Coverage
- Understand what your homeowner’s policy covers
- Consider flood insurance (standard policies don’t cover flooding)
- Ask about wind damage deductibles
- Document any exclusions or limitations
- Consider additional coverage for older systems
4. Trim Vegetation
- Remove overhanging branches near outdoor units
- Clear a 3-foot radius around the unit
- Trim palm fronds (they become spears in high winds)
- Remove any dead trees that could fall
- Secure loose yard items that could become projectiles
5. Inspect and Upgrade Mounting
- Ensure units are properly bolted to concrete pads
- Check for rust or corrosion on mounting brackets
- Consider hurricane straps for added security
- Verify adequate elevation above potential flood levels
- Repair any cracks in concrete pads
72-Hour Storm Preparation
When a hurricane enters the Gulf, it’s time for final preparations:
Day 3 Before Landfall
- Run system check: Ensure everything works properly
- Change filter: Install a clean filter to reduce post-storm issues
- Clear drains: Ensure condensate lines flow freely
- Stock supplies: Get extra filters and basic tools
- Contact information: Save your HVAC company’s emergency number
Day 2 Before Landfall
- Secure the area: Remove all loose items around outdoor unit
- Install protection: If you have hurricane panels for the unit, install them
- Check gutters: Ensure they’re clear to prevent water backup
- Test generator: If you have one, ensure it’s ready
- Final inspection: Walk around unit looking for potential hazards
Day 1 Before Landfall
- Pre-cool your home: Set thermostat 2-3 degrees cooler
- Charge devices: Ensure phones and flashlights are ready
- Final documentation: Take last-minute photos
- Gather supplies: Have tarps and plastic sheeting ready
- Know your plan: Review shutdown procedures
Proper HVAC Shutdown Procedure
When sustained winds reach 35-40 mph, it’s time to shut down your system:
Step 1: Turn Off at Thermostat
- Set system to “OFF” position
- Don’t just adjust temperature
- This prevents system from trying to start during power fluctuations
Step 2: Shut Off Circuit Breakers
- Locate your electrical panel
- Turn off breakers labeled for AC system
- Include both indoor and outdoor unit breakers
- Consider main breaker if evacuating
Step 3: Secure Outdoor Unit (If Time Permits)
- Do NOT cover with plastic or tarps (traps water)
- Hurricane straps or approved covers only
- Ensure covering allows water drainage
- Never tie down units to trees or unstable structures
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t remove refrigerant (illegal and unnecessary)
- Don’t disconnect refrigerant lines
- Don’t attempt to move the unit indoors
- Don’t wait until winds are dangerous
- Don’t forget to shut off power
During the Storm
Your safety is paramount. Never attempt to check on your HVAC system during a hurricane. However, be aware of:
Warning Signs Inside:
- Water stains on ceilings near vents
- Sounds of water in ductwork
- Strong odors indicating electrical issues
- Visible water intrusion around indoor unit
If Water Enters Your Home:
- Stay away from electrical components
- Document damage if safely possible
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Move valuables away from affected areas
- Never enter flooded areas with electrical equipment
Post-Storm Assessment and Recovery
After the storm passes and authorities give the all-clear:
Initial Safety Check (Before Power Restoration)
- Visual inspection from a distance
- Look for obvious damage
- Check for standing water
- Note any shifted units
- Watch for downed power lines
- Check for hazards
- Smell for gas leaks
- Look for damaged electrical connections
- Check for unstable mounting
- Beware of standing water
- Document all damage
- Take extensive photos
- Note date and time
- Include wide and close-up shots
- Record any unusual conditions
Before Turning System On
Never rush to restart your system. Follow these critical steps:
- Clear debris
- Remove leaves, branches, and dirt
- Check inside unit through fan grille
- Clear at least 2 feet around unit
- Ensure nothing blocks airflow
- Professional inspection required if:
- Unit was underwater
- Visible damage exists
- Unit shifted position
- Any burning smells
- Refrigerant lines damaged
- Dry out time
- Allow 24-48 hours for components to dry
- Run fans to circulate air
- Use dehumidifiers if available
- Never use heaters to speed drying
Restart Procedure
If no visible damage exists:
- Check circuit breakers
- Ensure they’re off before inspection
- Look for signs of water or damage
- Reset one at a time
- Restore power gradually
- Turn on main breaker first
- Wait 5 minutes
- Turn on AC breakers
- Listen for unusual sounds
- Test system carefully
- Set thermostat to fan only first
- Run for 10 minutes listening for issues
- Then try cooling mode
- Monitor for proper operation
Red Flags Requiring Professional Service:
- System won’t start
- Unusual noises (grinding, squealing, bubbling)
- Weak airflow
- No cooling despite running
- Burning smells
- Visible refrigerant leaks
- Tripped breakers
- Ice formation
Special Considerations for Coastal Areas
Properties in Pinellas County, coastal Hillsborough, and barrier islands face additional challenges:
Salt Water Damage
- Catastrophic to HVAC systems
- Causes rapid corrosion
- Requires complete system replacement
- Cannot be repaired with cleaning
Corrosion Prevention
- Apply protective coatings before season
- Rinse units with fresh water after storms
- More frequent maintenance required
- Consider corrosion-resistant models
Elevation Requirements
- Mount units above expected storm surge
- Use hurricane-rated platforms
- Ensure proper anchoring
- Consider unit relocation if repeatedly flooded
Financial Protection Strategies
Before Hurricane Season:
- Review and photograph warranty documents
- Understand coverage limitations
- Register equipment with manufacturers
- Keep proof of regular maintenance
- Save receipts for all repairs
Insurance Claims:
- Report damage immediately
- Don’t dispose of damaged equipment
- Get multiple repair estimates
- Understand your deductible
- Keep all communication in writing
Replacement Considerations:
If your system is damaged beyond repair:
- Upgrade to hurricane-resistant models
- Consider elevation changes
- Improve mounting systems
- Add surge protection
- Invest in maintenance plans
Long-Term Hurricane Resilience
System Upgrades Worth Considering:
- Hurricane-rated equipment: Designed for 150+ mph winds
- Elevated platforms: Reduce flood risk
- Surge protectors: Prevent electrical damage
- Smart thermostats: Remote monitoring capabilities
- Ductless systems: Less vulnerable to wind damage
Annual Preparation Routine:
- March: Full system inspection and maintenance
- April: Tree trimming and yard cleanup
- May: Review insurance and update documentation
- June-November: Monitor weather and maintain readiness
- December: Post-season inspection and repairs
Working with HVAC Professionals
When to Call:
- Pre-season inspections
- Any storm damage
- System won’t restart
- Insurance documentation
- Upgrade consultations
Questions to Ask:
- Experience with hurricane damage?
- Insurance claim assistance?
- Emergency response time?
- Temporary cooling options?
- Warranty on storm-related repairs?
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Pressure for immediate replacement
- Cash-only deals
- No license or insurance
- Unwilling to document damage
- Extremely low or high quotes
Community Resources
During hurricane recovery, Tampa Bay comes together:
Hillsborough County:
- Emergency hotline: 273-3700
- Debris removal schedule
- Cooling shelters
- Recovery assistance
Pinellas County:
- Hurricane hotline: 464-3800
- Special needs registry
- Post-storm resources
- Contractor verification
Pasco County:
- Emergency services: 847-2411
- Shelter information
- Recovery centers
- Utility restoration updates
The Relief Services Florida Commitment
As a local Tampa Bay company, we understand the anxiety hurricane season brings. Our team lives and works in the same communities we serve, from Apollo Beach to Zephyrhills. We’re here before, during, and after the storm with:
- 24/7 emergency service
- Insurance claim assistance
- Temporary cooling solutions
- Priority service for maintenance customers
- Fair pricing even during high demand
Your Hurricane HVAC Checklist
Print and save this checklist:
Pre-Season:
- [ ] Professional inspection completed
- [ ] Documentation updated and stored
- [ ] Insurance reviewed
- [ ] Trees and vegetation trimmed
- [ ] Emergency supplies stocked
Pre-Storm:
- [ ] Final system check
- [ ] Area cleared of debris
- [ ] Protection installed if available
- [ ] Shutdown procedure reviewed
- [ ] Emergency contacts saved
Storm Approach:
- [ ] System pre-cooled
- [ ] Thermostat turned off
- [ ] Breakers shut off
- [ ] Final documentation complete
- [ ] Evacuation plan ready if needed
Post-Storm:
- [ ] Safety assessment complete
- [ ] Damage documented
- [ ] Professional inspection scheduled
- [ ] Insurance claim filed if needed
- [ ] Patient restart procedure followed
Stay Prepared, Stay Comfortable
Hurricane preparation isn’t just about survival—it’s about recovering quickly and minimizing long-term impacts. Your HVAC system represents a significant investment in your family’s comfort and your home’s value. Protecting it requires planning, but the effort pays off when you’re back to normal while others wait weeks for repairs.
