Hurricane-Ready AC: 10 Fast Fixes Before the Next Storm (Gulf Coast Guide)

Ocean Springs • Biloxi • D’Iberville • Gautier • Pascagoula

When storms roll through the Coast, your AC takes a beating—power surges, salt spray, debris, and flooding can all knock it out. Use this simple checklist to keep cool now and prevent expensive repairs later. If you want a pro to do it, call A-Z Comfort Service at (228) 234-5924 — same-day windows 8–11 AM or 1–3 PM.

1) Pop in a fresh filter (MERV 8–11)

A clean filter keeps airflow strong so your system doesn’t overheat during long, humid runs. Replace monthly in peak season.

2) Rinse the outdoor coil (no pressure washers)

Garden hose only. Spray from the top down and outside-in to knock off dust and salt. Better airflow = colder air inside.

3) Clear the area around the condenser

Give the unit 2–3 feet of open space. Remove leaves, mulch, loose rocks, and anything the wind could fling into the fan.

4) Flush the condensate drain

Pour a cup of white vinegar into the indoor drain line access port. Make sure the float switch (the little safety device that shuts your AC off when the drain backs up) is wired and working.

5) Surge protection = cheap insurance

Lightning and dirty power after an outage can fry boards. Ask about a whole-home surge protector and a unit-level surge module for the outdoor condenser and air handler.

6) Secure & elevate if you’re flood-prone

Check that the condenser is level and firmly anchored. If the area puddles, sandbag around (not touching) the base to deflect shallow water. If the unit floods, don’t start it—let a tech inspect first.

7) Pre-cool, then protect the compressor

If an outage is likely, pre-cool to ~72°. When lights flicker or power drops, turn the AC OFF at the thermostat. Wait until power is stable for 5–10 minutes before turning it back on—this prevents “hard starts” that can kill compressors.

8) After the storm: a 60-second inspection

Remove any cover, look for bent fins, loose panels, or branches in the fan. If anything looks off, don’t run it—call us. Spinning a damaged fan can turn a small fix into a big one.

9) Generator safety (seriously)

Never back-feed a home. Use a transfer switch. Most portables can’t start central AC without a soft-start kit and proper wiring. And remember CO safety: generators live outside, away from doors and windows.

10) Salt-air rinse after the storm

One more light hose-off removes salt that eats coils. Ask about corrosion-resistant coatings if you’re near the water.

Quick “Not Cooling” Triage (Do This Before You Call)

• Thermostat set to Cool and fan Auto

• New filter in place

• Breaker not tripped (don’t keep flipping it)

• Outdoor fan spinning and not blocked

• Drain line not overflowing / float switch not tripped

Still warm? We’ll diagnose and quote before any work.

FAQ

Should I cover my outdoor unit before a storm?Only if you’ll be turning the system OFF. Use a breathable cover or plywood shield; remove it before turning the AC back on. Never run the AC with a cover on.

Is running the AC after it floods dangerous?Yes. Water + electronics don’t mix. Leave it off and schedule an inspection.

Can I get same-day help?We hold 8–11 AM and 1–3 PM windows for urgent calls. Text/call (228) 234-5924.

Printable Checklist (tape to the fridge)

• ☐ New filter

• ☐ Hose-rinse outdoor coil

• ☐ Clear 2–3 ft around unit

• ☐ Flush drain with vinegar; check float switch

• ☐ Surge protection (home + unit)

• ☐ Anchor/level; sandbag if needed

• ☐ Pre-cool to 72°, then AC OFF if power flickers

• ☐ Post-storm visual check (no cover on)

• ☐ Generator with transfer switch only

• ☐ Post-storm fresh-water rinse for salt

Need a hand?

A-Z Comfort Service — Ocean Springs & the Gulf Coast📞 (228) 234-5924 • Same-day service windows • Licensed & InsuredFree service call with repair • Upfront pricing • We service all brands