HVAC Hurricane Preparedness for New Orleans Homeowners

Before a storm, shut the HVAC system off at the thermostat and, if it is safe to do so, at the outdoor disconnect. After a storm, never restore power to equipment that was flooded or shows signs of water intrusion — have it inspected by a licensed professional first. Here is what to do before, during, and after a storm.

Before Hurricane Season Begins

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Many homeowners use the weeks beforehand to have their system checked, review surge protection, and clear the area around outdoor equipment, since scheduling and supplies tend to be easier to arrange before a storm is bearing down.

Pre-Season Checklist

1. Have the System Checked

A professional inspection can identify weak points — loose electrical connections, low refrigerant, or weak components — that a power surge could push into failure. Our maintenance plan includes two seasonal tune-ups a year.

2. Ask About Surge Protection

Lightning strikes and grid instability are common causes of HVAC damage in Louisiana. A whole-home surge protector at the electrical panel, along with a dedicated surge protector at the outdoor disconnect, are both worth discussing with a licensed electrician or your HVAC technician.

3. Document Your Equipment

Take dated photos of the outdoor condenser (including the model and serial plate), the indoor air handler, thermostat, and ductwork, and store them somewhere accessible. This can help support an insurance claim if equipment is damaged later.

4. Clear and Secure the Area Around Outdoor Equipment

Walk the yard and identify anything that could become a projectile in high winds — lawn furniture, planters, garbage cans, loose fence boards, and dead limbs. Have a plan to secure or bring these inside when a storm is approaching.

5. Ask About Elevated Equipment in Flood-Prone Areas

If your property is in a flood-prone area, ask an HVAC contractor whether elevating outdoor equipment on a pad or platform is appropriate for your situation.

When a Storm Is Approaching

Do not cover or wrap the outdoor unit. Tarps can trap moisture and become dangerous debris in high winds.

After the Storm: Safety First

Once it is safe to go outside, inspect the equipment visually — but do not attempt to restart it if anything looks wrong:

• Visible damage: dented coils, displaced fan blades, debris inside the unit, or a shifted condenser pad
• Water lines on the outdoor unit, which can indicate water reached electrical components
• Water on the floor of the indoor air handler closet or attic
• A smell of burning or melted plastic

If you see any of these signs, leave the system off and have it evaluated by a licensed technician before attempting to restart it. Never restore power to equipment that was submerged or shows signs of water intrusion — call for professional evaluation instead.

If Your System Was Flooded

Floodwater around outdoor or indoor equipment can short electrical components, contaminate the compressor, and saturate insulation in the ductwork, which can lead to mold growth. Equipment that has been submerged should be evaluated by a professional before any attempt to use it again — never restore power to it yourself. A technician can advise whether repair or replacement is appropriate once the equipment has been assessed.

Restoring Power After a Storm

If the equipment was not flooded and shows no signs of damage, a technician-informed approach to restarting typically includes waiting a period after power is restored (utility power can surge or dip as the grid stabilizes), then restoring power gradually and watching for unusual sounds or behavior. If you have any doubt about whether the equipment is safe to restart, call a licensed technician rather than restoring power yourself.