Hurricane season runs June through November, and here in Broward County, we know the peak months of August through October can bring serious storms with little warning. While most homeowners have a plan for shutters and supplies, the air conditioning system is often forgotten until it won’t turn on after the storm passes, right when you need it most.
Your AC is one of the most expensive systems in your home, and it’s also one of the most exposed. A little preparation before a storm can save you thousands in repairs and days of sweating through a power outage’s aftermath. Here’s what our technicians at On Point Air Conditioning & Refrigeration recommend for every South Florida homeowner.
Before the Storm: Your AC Hurricane Checklist
1. Schedule a Maintenance Check Early in the Season
A system that’s already struggling is far more likely to fail after a storm knocks the power out and back on. A professional HVAC maintenance tune-up catches weak capacitors, low refrigerant, and corroded electrical connections before they become post-storm emergencies. If you haven’t had a maintenance visit this year, schedule one now, not the week a storm is named, when every HVAC company in Fort Lauderdale is booked solid.
2. Secure Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
Hurricane-force winds can shift or tip an unsecured condenser, tearing refrigerant lines in the process. Check that your unit is anchored to its concrete pad with hurricane straps or bolts that meet Florida Building Code requirements. If your unit is elevated on a stand (common in flood-prone areas near the coast), make sure the stand itself is secure.
3. Clear the Area Around Your Unit
Walk your yard and remove anything that could become a projectile: patio furniture, potted plants, loose fencing, tree branches hanging over the condenser. Flying debris is one of the most common causes of condenser coil and fan damage we see after storms in Plantation and Lighthouse Point.
4. Install a Surge Protector for Your HVAC System
Power surges, both when the grid fails and when it comes back, destroy compressors, circuit boards, and capacitors. A whole-home surge protector or a dedicated HVAC surge protector is one of the cheapest insurance policies you can buy for a system that costs thousands to replace.
5. Cool Your Home Down Before the Storm Arrives
When a storm is approaching, lower your thermostat a few degrees ahead of time. If you lose power, your home will stay comfortable longer. Then, before the worst of the storm hits, turn your AC off completely at the thermostat and the breaker. This protects the system from surges and from running while debris or floodwater is present.
6. Cover the Unit (But Only After It’s Off)
If you have a manufacturer-approved cover or plywood barrier, it can shield the condenser from debris. Never run the system while it’s covered, and remove the cover promptly after the storm so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside.
After the Storm: Don’t Just Flip It Back On
This is where we see the most expensive mistakes. Before restarting your AC:
- Inspect the outdoor unit visually. Look for dents, debris inside the fan, a shifted position, or bent refrigerant lines.
- Check for flooding. If your condenser sat in standing water, even a few inches, the electrical components may be compromised. Have it inspected before powering on.
- Listen on startup. If you turn the system on and hear grinding, buzzing, or repeated clicking, shut it off immediately and call a professional.
- Give the power grid a few minutes. After an outage, wait 5 to 10 minutes after power is restored before restarting your AC. Restoration surges are notoriously hard on compressors.
If anything looks or sounds wrong, don’t gamble. Running a damaged system can turn a minor repair into a full compressor replacement.
What If Your AC Won’t Turn On After a Hurricane?
Start with the simple things: check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker, confirm your thermostat has power (replace batteries if needed), and make sure the outdoor disconnect switch wasn’t turned off. If those check out and the system still won’t run, or it runs but blows warm air, you’re likely looking at surge damage, a failed capacitor, or refrigerant loss from a damaged line. Those are repairs for a licensed AC repair professional.
On Point Air Conditioning & Refrigeration offers 24-hour service throughout Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Lighthouse Point, and surrounding Broward County communities, and post-storm calls are exactly why. We repair all major AC brands and systems, and we’ll give you an honest diagnosis before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn off my AC during a hurricane?
Yes. Turn it off at both the thermostat and the breaker before the storm arrives. This protects the compressor and electronics from power surges and prevents the system from running if it’s damaged or flooded.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover hurricane damage to my AC?
Wind and debris damage is typically covered under standard policies, while flood damage usually requires separate flood insurance. Take photos of your unit before storm season so you have documentation of its pre-storm condition.
How do I know if my AC was damaged by a power surge?
Common signs include the system not turning on at all, tripping the breaker repeatedly, or the outdoor unit humming without starting. Surge damage often affects the capacitor or compressor and requires professional diagnosis.
Can I run my AC on a portable generator?
Most portable generators can’t handle a central AC’s startup load. Attempting it can damage both the generator and your compressor. If backup cooling matters to you, talk to a professional about a properly sized standby generator with a soft-start kit.
Get Storm-Ready Before the Next Named System
The best time to prepare your AC for a hurricane is weeks before one is on the map. Schedule your seasonal maintenance visit with On Point Air Conditioning & Refrigeration today, and go into peak season knowing your system is secured, surge-protected, and running at its best.
Call (954) 687-4788, available 24 hours a day. Licensed Florida Contractor #CAC1821191.