If you live in Florida, hurricanes aren’t a maybe. They’re a when. And when they hit, they don’t ask permission—they rip through everything. Your HVAC system? It’s sitting outside, vulnerable, and it’s one of the most expensive pieces of equipment on your property.
So here’s the question: are you gonna let a storm trash a $5,000+ system, or are you gonna take a few simple steps and protect it?
At Air Plus, we’ve seen what hurricanes do to unprepared homes in Stuart. Here’s your playbook to get your outdoor HVAC unit ready, stay cool after the storm, and save thousands in repair or replacement costs.
1. Know What You’re Working With
Most people know what kind of HVAC system they’ve got, and that’s totally normal. But it’s the first thing you need to figure out. Ask yourself:
- What type is it? Central AC, heat pump, mini-split?
- How old is it? Older systems tend to take more damage.
- Where is it sitting? On a concrete pad? Is it raised up? Bolted down?
Why this matters: Newer units are built tougher, sure—but if they’re not strapped in right, they can still turn into a giant, expensive lawn ornament when the wind picks up. Know what you’re working with so you know how to protect it.
2. Secure the Unit – No, Seriously
If your outdoor condenser isn’t strapped down, you’ve got a giant metal sail just waiting to launch into your neighbor’s car.
Here’s what to do:
- Install hurricane straps or brackets: These bolt your unit to its concrete base. Not optional.
- Check the base: The concrete pad should be level, stable, and not cracked. If it’s shifting, fix it before the storm does it for you.
It’s cheap insurance. Straps cost less than dinner for two—and save you thousands.
3. Clear the Kill Zone
When a hurricane hits, anything loose in your yard turns into a projectile. That cute flowerpot by your AC unit? It could be flying through the air like a fastball.
Your move: clear out anything that’s not nailed down within 10 feet of your unit. That means:
- Lawn chairs
- Tools
- Kids’ toys
- Yard clutter
- Loose bricks or pavers
If it can move, it can do damage. Better to put it away now than have to deal with a wrecked system later.
4. Shut It Down Before the Storm
Before a storm approaches, it’s wise to turn off your HVAC system at the breaker. This is important because surges from lightning or downed power lines can damage the electronics, even if the unit is not running.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a surge protector specifically for HVAC units. Not the $10 power strip from Walmart. Get a real one. Your system has a motherboard, just like a computer—it needs protection.
5. Cover It – But Not With a Tarp
People get this wrong all the time. They wrap their condenser in a big plastic tarp and tape it shut. That just traps moisture and rusts your system from the inside.
Instead, use a breathable HVAC cover designed for storms. These protect against flying debris but still allow airflow, so you’re not creating a mold incubator.
Only cover it when it’s off. Never run your system with the cover on unless you like burning out your compressor.
6. Check the Drainage Around the Unit
Florida rains hard. If your condenser sits in a low spot and floods, say goodbye.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the unit so water doesn’t pool. If needed, install a French drain or raise the unit with hurricane-rated risers.
Water damage = hidden costs. You won’t see it until it’s too late.
7. After the Storm – Inspect First, Power Later
We get it. It’s 90 degrees, the power just came back, and you want AC. But if you flip that breaker without checking the unit first, you could kill the system or, worse, start a fire.
Here’s your post-storm checklist:
- Is the unit still upright?
- Any visible damage? Dents, wires exposed, panels missing?
- Is there standing water around it?
- Is there debris stuck inside?
If anything looks off, call a licensed HVAC tech before turning it on. At Air Plus, we handle these inspections fast, because we know how brutal post-storm heat is.
8. Get a Pre-Storm Tune-Up
Look, you don’t want your HVAC system barely limping along before a hurricane. If it’s already struggling, the storm’s just the nail in the coffin.
A pre-season tune-up gives you:
- Peace of mind it’s running efficiently
- A chance to fix small problems before they become big ones
- A full inspection of electrical components, coils, refrigerant levels, and drainage
We do these all the time in Stuart. Takes about an hour, and it can extend the life of your system by years.
9. Document Everything Now
Take a few minutes to snap photos of your system before the storm:
- Wide shots from all sides
- Close-ups of serial and model numbers
- Pictures of anchoring hardware
Why? If you need to file an insurance claim, you now have proof it was in good condition before the storm. No photos = uphill battle with adjusters.
10. Have a Pro On Speed Dial
You don’t want to be Googling “AC repair Stuart FL“ the day after a Category 3 rolls through. Lines will be long. Prices might spike. Shady companies come out of the woodwork.
Know who you’re going to call now, not when you’re sweating buckets.
We recommend…us. (Yeah, we said it.) At Air Plus, we’re local, fast, and we don’t price gouge after storms. We take care of Stuart because we live here.
Bottom Line: Do Something, Not Nothing
Most people wait until after the storm to deal with their HVAC. That’s like waiting until your roof caves in before checking for leaks.
You don’t need to do everything on this list, but doing nothing is asking for trouble.
Before hurricane season is a full go, take 30 minutes and handle the basics:
- Strap it down
- Clear the area
- Get a tune-up
- Cover it the right way
- Shut it down during the storm
It’s simple. It’s cheap. And it saves you thousands.
Need help getting your system ready? Give us a call at Air Plus. We’re not some national chain—we’re your neighbors. We’ve been keeping Stuart cool for years, and we’re ready when the storms hit.
Call us today or book online at airplusservices.com.