Getting Your HVAC Back Online After a Hurricane: A Central Florida Recovery Guide

Central Florida is well inland from the coast, but that doesn’t mean hurricanes pass us by. Tropical storms and hurricanes that make landfall on either the Gulf or Atlantic coast regularly affect Lake County and the surrounding area with high winds, heavy rain, power outages, and flooding. Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive and essential pieces of equipment in your home, and it’s also one of the most vulnerable during a major storm.

Here’s what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to protect your system and get it back online safely.

Before the Storm

Turn off the system at the thermostat and the breaker. Once a storm warning is issued, shut down your HVAC at both the thermostat and the circuit breaker. This protects the compressor and electrical components from power surges when utility power fluctuates.

Secure the outdoor unit if possible. While a properly installed unit on a concrete pad is usually fine, high winds can carry debris that damages fins, refrigerant lines, and electrical connections. Clear the area around the unit of anything that could become a projectile.

Do not cover the unit with a tarp. Contrary to popular belief, covering the unit can trap moisture and cause corrosion. It also doesn’t protect against flying debris the way people hope.

Photograph your outdoor unit before the storm. This helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.

After the Storm: Don’t Rush to Turn It Back On

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, resist the urge to immediately power up your AC. Power has likely been interrupted and may not be fully stable yet, and your system may have suffered damage you can’t see from inside.

Wait for power to fully stabilize. Utility power restoration in Central Florida after a major storm can be uneven, and voltage fluctuations during the restoration process can damage compressors and circuit boards. Give it at least 30 minutes after power returns before restarting your system.

Inspect the outdoor unit visually. Walk around the unit and look for:

• Bent or flattened fins on the coil
• Debris inside the unit
• Damage to refrigerant lines
• Visible flooding around the base
• Damaged electrical connections or disconnect boxes

If you see significant damage, do not attempt to run the system. Call a professional.

Check for flooding around the air handler. If your indoor unit is in a garage or closet that flooded, there may be water damage to the blower motor, electrical components, or ductwork. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Have a technician inspect before restarting.

Dealing With Extended Power Outages

Multi-day power outages are common after major storms. Without AC, Central Florida homes can become dangerously hot. A few tips for managing:

• Open windows in the evening when outdoor temps drop
• Use battery-powered fans to circulate air
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block solar heat gain
• Move to a cooling shelter if temperatures inside become unsafe, especially for elderly family members or young children

When to Call an HVAC Professional

Call Corman & Sons immediately if:

• The outdoor unit shows visible physical damage
• The system trips a breaker when you try to restart it
• You hear grinding, banging, or other unusual sounds at startup
• The system runs but isn’t cooling as expected after the storm
• You suspect flooding affected any part of your HVAC system

Storm-related HVAC issues can be complex. Refrigerant can leak from damaged lines, electrical components can be shorted by water or power surges, and debris can block or damage internal components. A professional inspection ensures your system is safe to operate and functioning correctly.

Corman & Sons has been through many storm seasons in Central Florida since 1995. We understand the local climate, the common storm-related failure points, and how to get your home back to comfortable quickly. Call us after any major weather event for a post-storm inspection.