Hurricane Season Prep for Baldwin County
Hurricane season brings more than strong winds and heavy rain. For homeowners in Baldwin County, it brings the risk of extended power outages, water damage, and strain on home systems. Preparing in advance helps reduce damage, protect your investment, and keep your family safe.
Two of the most important systems during and after a storm are your HVAC system and your standby generator. These systems control comfort, protect air quality, and help maintain basic safety during emergencies. This guide covers key steps Baldwin County homeowners can take now to stay ready.
Schedule Pre-Season HVAC Maintenance
Hurricane conditions can push your HVAC system to the limit. Power outages, flooding, debris, and lightning can all cause damage. If your system is already under stress from dirty filters, clogged drains, or worn-out components, the chance of failure goes up.
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up before hurricane season starts. A full inspection should include checking for clogged drain lines, cleaning condenser coils, inspecting wiring, and confirming that your outdoor unit is stable and secure. Rust, corrosion, and loose electrical connections are common in coastal climates like Baldwin County. Addressing them early prevents bigger problems when the weather turns.
HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to flying debris and water intrusion. A pre-season inspection gives you the chance to identify weak spots and secure your system before storms arrive. Preventive maintenance extends the life of your unit and helps it recover faster if a storm knocks out power.
Secure or Elevate Outdoor Units
Flooding and flying debris are real threats in hurricane-prone areas. Your outdoor HVAC unit is exposed and often sits low to the ground. If you live in a flood zone, elevating the unit on a platform or stand can keep it out of rising water. In most cases, a minimum of 18 inches above base flood elevation is recommended.
Anchoring the unit is just as important. High winds can shift or topple an unsecured condenser, causing major internal damage. Use manufacturer-approved hurricane straps or anchoring kits. If your unit is older or not properly fastened, contact a technician to inspect and secure it.Taking these steps now helps avoid expensive repairs later. It also means your system is ready to resume operation as soon as power is restored.
Invest in a Whole-Home Generator
When the grid goes down, comfort and safety go with it. A whole-home generator keeps essential systems powered, including your HVAC. Without backup power, your home can become unsafe during extreme heat or humidity.
Standby generators automatically switch on when the power goes out. They keep your air conditioner, refrigerator, lights, and outlets working without interruption. Unlike portable generators, whole-home models are permanently installed and connected directly to your home’s electrical panel.
Most generators run on natural gas or propane. Both are common and reliable fuel sources in Baldwin County. A licensed technician can help determine the best setup based on your home’s access to fuel and energy needs. Installing a generator protects your home year-round, not just during hurricane season. It’s an investment that pays off in comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Change Air Filters and Seal Ducts
Clean air is critical if you’re stuck indoors during a storm. When you’re sealed inside for hours or days, indoor air quality drops fast. Dirty air filters reduce airflow, increase dust, and strain your system. Change filters before storm season and check them regularly throughout.
Leaky ducts also pull in unfiltered air, mold spores, and moisture. Sealing ducts helps keep indoor air cleaner and reduces energy loss. It also improves your system’s ability to cool efficiently if you’re running on limited generator power. These small steps go a long way in keeping your home healthier and more comfortable during storm conditions.
Perform a Generator Load Evaluation
Not all generators are sized the same. Your HVAC system uses a large amount of electricity, especially during startup. Choosing a generator that’s too small can lead to overload, shutdown, or failure to power essential systems.
A load evaluation calculates how much power your home needs to run core systems like air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, and any medical equipment. It considers both running wattage and startup surge capacity. HVAC systems have a high surge demand, so accurate sizing is critical. Our team performs full load calculations to ensure your generator is properly matched to your home. We also test and verify the installation to confirm it can handle your air conditioner and other critical loads during extended outages.
Hurricane season in Baldwin County brings serious risks, but early preparation makes a big difference. Schedule HVAC maintenance, secure outdoor units, install a standby generator, and make sure your air quality is protected. These steps help you stay cool, safe, and ready no matter what the forecast holds. At 5 Starr Heating and Air, we provide expert HVAC and generator services across Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your hurricane prep services before the next storm hits.