In Gastonia and the surrounding Charlotte area, summer isn’t just about backyard barbecues—it’s also hurricane season. Along with the risk of severe storms, we face weeks of high heat and intense humidity that can push your HVAC system to its limits. Taking steps now to prepare your HVAC for hurricane season can protect your investment, keep your home comfortable, and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
1. Hurricane Prep for Your Outdoor Unit
When hurricanes or tropical storms approach, high winds and flying debris can cause serious damage to your outdoor HVAC unit.
- Clear the area around your unit of loose items such as patio furniture, plants, or tools.
- Secure or brace the unit if recommended by your technician, especially if flooding is a concern.
- Cover it with a breathable cover before the storm to protect against debris—just remove it before turning the system back on.
Learn more about protecting your unit with our HVAC repair services.
2. Schedule a Hurricane Season HVAC Tune-Up
One of the best ways to prepare is to schedule a pre-hurricane season inspection. A professional tune-up ensures your system is operating efficiently and is less likely to fail under heavy demand or in extreme weather.
Our technicians will:
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Clean coils for maximum efficiency
- Check the condensate drain to prevent clogs that worsen humidity problems
- Test safety controls for storm readiness
3. Protect Against Power Surges and Outages
Hurricane season often means unexpected power outages and dangerous surges when electricity is restored.
- Install a surge protector or whole-home surge protection to safeguard your HVAC system.
- If flooding is likely, shut off your HVAC at the breaker before the storm to prevent water damage to the motor and electrical components.
The Ready.gov Hurricane Prep Guide is a great resource for creating a storm safety plan.
4. Combat Hot, Humid Air After the Storm
Once the storm passes, North Carolina’s humidity levels often spike, making your home feel sticky and uncomfortable.
- Make sure your HVAC’s dehumidification settings are properly adjusted.
- Change your air filter more frequently during high-humidity months.
- Consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier to maintain healthy indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mold growth.
5. Post-Hurricane Inspection
After the storm, have your system inspected before turning it back on—especially if flooding, debris, or wind damage is suspected. Running a damaged unit can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
Our emergency HVAC repair team is available if you experience problems after the storm.
Your Local Hurricane Season HVAC Experts
At Unique Air Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Gastonia-area homeowners protect their HVAC systems during hurricane season for years. From pre-storm tune-ups to post-storm inspections and humidity control, we make sure your home stays safe, cool, and comfortable no matter what the weather brings.
Schedule your hurricane season HVAC inspection today and be storm-ready before the next system rolls in.