Hurricane Prep and Post-Storm AC Checks

What Florida code says about tie-downs

Florida takes wind seriously, including for AC equipment. The Florida Building Code, Mechanical, Section 301.15 says equipment and supports exposed to wind "shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures" set by the building code (2023 FBC Mechanical, Ch. 3).

The same section, and Florida Statute 553.844(4), add an exception. Equipment fastened to a roof or installed on the ground "using rated stands, platforms, curbs, slabs, walls, or other means" is deemed to meet the wind requirements (Fla. Stat. 553.844).

In plain terms, a properly installed outdoor unit should be secured to a rated pad or stand. "Hurricane pads" and "hurricane straps" are common names for those parts. You can usually see whether a ground unit is bolted or bracketed to its pad. If it's just sitting there, or the brackets are rusted through, have it looked at before the season peaks.

OBC Air & Heat installs and replaces hurricane pads, stands and tie-downs. If your unit's pad or tie-downs look loose, cracked or rusted, we can check them and quote the fix in writing.

Rooftop units on condos and small commercial buildings face higher wind exposure. Their stands, curbs and anchors are part of the original installation and permit. See Condo AC Replacement.

Before the storm

These steps are homeowner-safe:

1. Clear the area. Move patio furniture, planters, grills and loose items away from the outdoor unit. Wind can turn them into debris that hits the coil.
2. Check the mounting. Look for missing bolts or badly rusted brackets. Don't try to re-anchor the unit yourself.
3. Turn the system off at the thermostat if power outages are likely. Ready.gov advises turning off or disconnecting appliances and equipment during an outage, because power "may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage" (Ready.gov: Power Outages).
4. Plan for humidity. If you'll evacuate, read our thermostat and humidity guide for what happens to a closed-up Florida house.

During an outage

• Generators go outside. Ready.gov says generators should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, because of carbon monoxide.
• Don't backfeed your house. FEMA warns that a portable generator powering a house needs a manual or automatic transfer switch. Otherwise electricity can travel back through the power lines and endanger utility crews (FEMA hurricane recovery guidance). Have a licensed electrician handle any generator connection.

After the storm: look before you restart

Safe checks:

• Walk around the outdoor unit. Look for debris in or against it, bent fins, a shifted or tipped unit, or damaged refrigerant lines.
• Check for standing water around the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler.
• Make sure the area around the unit is clear before turning anything on.

Stop and call a professional if:

• The outdoor unit or indoor equipment was under water, even briefly.
• The unit moved, tipped or was hit by debris.
• You see damaged wiring, or smell burning when the system starts.

EPA's flood guidance is direct: if any part of your HVAC system was affected by floodwater, "do not use it to help dry out your house," and cleaning it is best left to a professional (EPA: Flood Cleanup). Ready.gov adds: don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water (Ready.gov: Hurricanes).

If you smell burning or see sparks, turn the system off at the thermostat if it's safe, move away and call 911.

Not sure whether it's safe to run? Ask Mikey for homeowner-safe checks. Mikey never gives wiring, panel or refrigerant steps.

Salt water and the beachside

On the barrier island and along the river, storm surge and wind-driven spray can push salt onto and into equipment. Salt is especially corrosive to outdoor AC parts. Read Coastal AC Units on the Space Coast. Flood-damaged equipment often raises the repair-or-replace question. See Repair or Replace?

Homes, mobile homes and small businesses

Single-family homes, condos, mobile and manufactured homes and light commercial buildings all follow the same safety rules. What changes is where the equipment sits: on the ground, on a stand, on a roof or beside a manufactured home. We look at the setup before recommending anything.

The next step

After a storm, we inspect the equipment and tell you in writing what it needs. Planning ahead of the season? Ask us to look at your unit's mounting and condition.

• Start My Estimate
• Ask Mikey (Mikey is free)
• Call (321) 405-1806

Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and paramedics, healthcare workers, teachers, ministry, government employees and military (active and veterans) can get 10% off the total, up to $2,500, on new units and repairs through our Local Heroes program. Family members of eligible heroes qualify too. It can't be combined with other offers.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 2023 FBC Mechanical, Ch. 3
2. Fla. Stat. 553.844
3. Ready.gov: Power Outages
4. FEMA hurricane recovery guidance
5. EPA: Flood Cleanup
6. Ready.gov: Hurricanes

Written by OBC Air & Heat, Space Coast, Brevard County, FL. State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor, License No. CAC1825377. General information only; your system and home are reviewed before any recommendation.