How to Protect Your HVAC System Before a Louisiana Hurricane

Shreveport and Bossier City aren't on the coast, but that doesn't mean hurricanes leave us alone. When Hurricane Laura tracked north in 2020, it was still packing hurricane-strength winds by the time it reached Caddo Parish, knocking out power to over 100,000 SWEPCO customers and leaving trees and debris scattered across neighborhoods from Shreveport to Bossier City. 

At SBC Cooling + Heating, we've spent years helping local families get their homes ready before storms roll through and get their systems back up and running once they've passed. If a hurricane is heading toward Louisiana, here's what you need to do to protect your HVAC system before it arrives.

Why Your HVAC System Is at Risk (Even This Far Inland)

By the time a Gulf storm reaches Shreveport-Bossier, it's usually weakened from a hurricane into a tropical storm, but "weakened" doesn't mean harmless. We're still talking about sustained winds that can snap tree limbs onto your outdoor condenser, driving rain that gets into electrical components, and power outages that can last days. 

Add in the flying debris that tends to show up during any storm with 50+ mph gusts, and your outdoor unit is sitting right in the path of trouble.

Secure the Outside of Your Louisiana Home Before the Storm Hits

A few hours of prep work can save you a repair call later.

• Walk your property and clear away anything that could become a projectile: patio furniture, potted plants, trash cans, and loose yard decor.
• Trim back tree branches hanging near your outdoor unit. Dead limbs and overhanging branches are one of the most common causes of storm damage to condensers.
• Anchor your outdoor unit if it isn't already secured. Most units are bolted to a concrete pad, but it's worth double-checking those bolts and brackets before hurricane season peaks.
• Skip the airtight cover. A tarp or plastic sheet trapped over the unit traps moisture and encourages mold and rust. If you want extra protection, use a breathable cover made for HVAC equipment, or build a simple plywood barrier that shields the unit from horizontal debris without sealing it up.

If your system hasn't had a checkup in a while, this is a good time to schedule one. Our AC maintenance visits catch loose electrical connections, worn parts, and refrigerant issues before a storm has the chance to turn a small problem into a system failure.

Power Down Before You Lose Power

Louisiana's grid takes a hit every time a storm rolls through, and power surges during outages and restoration are a leading cause of HVAC damage. Before the storm arrives:

• Turn off your AC or heating system at the thermostat.
• Shut off power to the unit at the breaker panel, not just the thermostat.
• Unplug window units if you have them.
• If you're running a generator once the power goes out, never plug your HVAC system directly into it. Generators aren't built to handle the startup load of a central system and the mismatch can fry your compressor.

Watch Your Indoor Air Quality During and After the Storm

Louisiana humidity doesn't take a break just because your power did. Once a storm knocks out your AC, indoor humidity climbs fast, and that's exactly the environment mold and mildew need to take hold. If you're without power for more than a day or two, especially with standing water anywhere near your home, keep an eye on musty odors, condensation on windows, and any visible moisture on walls or ceilings.

A portable dehumidifier can buy you some breathing room while you wait for power to come back, especially in basements, closets, or rooms without much airflow. Once your system is back online, it's worth having your indoor air quality checked, particularly if storm debris, dust, or moisture made its way into your home. A quality air filtration system can help clear out what the storm left behind and keep your family breathing easier while everything dries out.

Before You Flip the System Back On

Once the storm passes and power is restored, resist the urge to just flip everything back on and hope for the best.

• Check your outdoor unit for visible damage: bent fins, debris lodged in the coil, or standing water around the base.
• Look for downed branches or debris that landed on or near the unit and clear it before running the system.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after power is restored before turning your system back on, especially if there were surges during the outage.
• If you hear unusual noises, smell burning, or notice your system isn't cooling the way it should, shut it down and call for help rather than running it and risking further damage.

Storm damage isn't always obvious from the outside. Bent components, waterlogged electrical panels, and compressor issues can show up days later, which is why a post-storm AC repair inspection is worth scheduling even if everything looks fine at first glance.

The Right Time to Call Us

Some storm damage is a quick fix. Some means your system has reached the end of its life. Our technicians can tell you the difference and walk you through your options honestly, whether that's a repair or a full system replacement. Either way, you'll know exactly what you're dealing with before you spend a dollar.

Hurricane season in Louisiana means preparation matters as much as the storm itself. Taking these steps now can be the difference between a quick reset and a major repair bill later. 

If you're in Caddo or Bossier Parish and want help getting your HVAC system storm-ready, or need an inspection after the weather clears, contact SBC Cooling + Heating and we'll get you on the schedule.