Mike Mavromatis · Owner & Founder
Last updated
Written from Air It Up's first-hand field experience across Greater New Orleans since 2000 and reviewed for accuracy by owner Mike Mavromatis. Equipment specifics (warranty terms, efficiency ratings) reflect manufacturer-published information at the time of writing — always confirm current terms for your exact model.
What does storm HVAC prep cover?
Storm prep means protecting three things: the outdoor condenser from wind and debris, the electrical system from surge, and the whole unit from flood water. Greater New Orleans sees all three threats, so resilience planning is part of owning HVAC here.
When and how do you prep before a storm?
- Before winds: clear debris, secure the condenser, and turn the system off at the breaker to prevent surge damage.
- Flood-prone homes: elevate the condenser on a stand and know where your refrigerant lines enter the house.
- Power loss: leave the system off until utility power is stable, not running on a dirty generator feed.
Failure modes after the storm
- Powering on a flooded unit: water in the compressor or controls causes immediate, expensive failure.
- Clogged condensate drains: storm debris backs water up indoors.
- Surge damage: running through brownouts fries control boards.
Proof
After every major storm we field calls from homeowners who powered up flooded or surged systems and turned a survivable situation into a replacement. The ones who shut down early and had us inspect first almost always restart with a simple cleaning and check.
Your next step
The best storm prep is a system already maintained and a pro on call. Join a maintenance plan for pre-season checks and priority service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I turn off my AC during a hurricane?
- Yes. Shut it off at the breaker once strong winds or storm surge threaten, to protect it from power surges and flooding. Leave it off until utility power is stable.
- My AC was under water — can I just turn it on?
- No. Powering a flooded system can destroy the compressor and controls. Have it inspected and cleared by a technician before restarting.
- How do I protect my outdoor unit from flooding?
- Elevating the condenser on a code-compliant stand above expected flood levels is the most effective step. We can assess the right height for your location.
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Ready for the next step?
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