Volusia County knows hurricanes. In 2022, Ian and Nicole combined to cause over $850 million in damage across the county, with Daytona Beach Shores alone accounting for $370 million of that total. In 2024, Milton dropped 15.6 inches of rain on the area and knocked out power to over 125,000 homes. And even storms that stay offshore, like Matthew in 2016 passing 27 miles east with 120 mph winds, leave a mark.
Your HVAC system sits outside through all of it. Without the right preparation, a storm can end your AC's life early, trigger a power surge that fries the control board, or leave you waiting weeks for parts and service while the rest of Volusia County gets in line ahead of you.
This checklist walks homeowners through what to do before a storm arrives, when it's safe to restart your system, what actions can void your warranty, and when it's time to call a professional.
Before Hurricane Season Starts (April-May)
The best time to prepare your HVAC system for hurricane season is before any storm is in the forecast. In Volusia County, that means scheduling your annual tune-up in April or May before summer backlogs begin. A NATE-certified technician will inspect refrigerant levels, check electrical connections, clean the coils, and identify anything that a surge or extended power outage could push over the edge.
While you have a technician on-site, handle three additional tasks:
- Document your equipment. Photograph both the indoor and outdoor units from multiple angles and capture the data plate on each unit showing the brand, model number, serial number, and SEER rating. Save these photos somewhere accessible outside your home. Insurance and warranty claims after a storm require this documentation, and losing it in a flood or power outage creates delays.
- Check your outdoor unit's mounting. Your condenser should be secured to a concrete pad with hardware in good condition. If the pad has shifted, cracked, or the fasteners look corroded, address it before storm season. An unmounted condenser can be moved by strong gusts and will sustain damage that isn't covered under a standard warranty.
- Ask about a whole-home surge protector. Power restoration after a storm is unstable - grid voltage spikes and drops repeatedly before settling. A whole-home surge protector wired into your electrical panel protects your HVAC system, refrigerator, and other major appliances from those spikes. Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC currently offers up to $500 off whole-home surge protector installation through July 2026.
When a Watch or Warning Is Issued
Once Volusia County enters a watch or warning cone, use your AC normally to pre-cool your home - drop the thermostat 2 to 3 degrees lower than usual. Your home's thermal mass holds that cooler air for several hours after shutdown, which matters if you're sheltering in place or if power cuts out before the storm clears.
Before the storm arrives:
- Shut the HVAC system off at the thermostat.
- Flip the circuit breaker for the AC unit to the OFF position. This is the step most homeowners skip, and it's the one that protects against surge damage when power fluctuates during and immediately after the storm.
- Clear debris around the outdoor unit: patio furniture, planters, potted plants, anything that could become a projectile.
- If you have a breathable, storm-rated cover and can apply it safely before conditions deteriorate, loosely cover the outdoor condenser to keep debris out of the coil fins.
Do not cover the unit while it is running. Do not operate the system during the storm itself.
Volusia County's AlertVolusia system sends emergency notifications by text, call, or email and includes evacuation updates. Sign up before the season begins.
After the Storm Passes
Wait 15 to 30 minutes after power is restored before restarting your system. Utility companies restore grid sections in stages, and early restoration often comes with voltage fluctuations that can damage the compressor and control board. The brief wait costs nothing; a damaged compressor costs thousands.
Before you flip the breaker, walk through a visual check:
- Outdoor condenser: Is it still mounted and upright? Are the fins visibly packed with debris or heavily damaged?
- Indoor air handler: Any standing water near or under the unit is a red flag. Water inside an air handler closet means the unit should not be operated until a technician inspects it.
- Breaker panel: Check for any tripped breakers before restoring power to the HVAC system.
If everything looks intact, turn the breaker on, wait 5 minutes, then set the thermostat to COOL. If the system doesn't start, makes unusual sounds, or produces a burning smell, shut it off immediately and call for service.
The Volusia County Emergency Management office (386-254-1500) and the Daytona Beach Storm Preparedness Guide at daytonabeach.gov/StormGuide are both useful resources during recovery.
What Voids Your HVAC Warranty After a Storm
Most manufacturer warranties contain provisions against damage from flooding, unauthorized repairs, and operation outside designed conditions. After a hurricane, these actions put your coverage at risk:
Running a flooded unit. If your air handler or outdoor condenser was submerged or had standing water reach the electrical components, operating the system before a licensed technician inspects it voids the manufacturer's warranty on those components and creates a genuine safety risk.
Attempting DIY repairs on storm-damaged equipment. Replacing capacitors, opening the control board, or bypassing safety switches after storm damage voids coverage on the affected components and in many cases on the entire system.
Waiting too long to document the damage. Both manufacturer warranties and homeowner's insurance policies have windows for reporting storm-related damage. Waiting several months to address a storm-damaged unit often results in a denied claim.
If your system was damaged in a named storm, contact Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC at (844) 909-3003 before any repairs are attempted. A licensed technician can document findings in a format that supports both warranty and insurance claims.
When to Call Del-Air vs. When to Wait
Call Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC immediately if:
- The outdoor unit moved, tipped, or has significant physical damage.
- There is standing water near the air handler or in the mechanical closet.
- The system will not start after a normal restart sequence.
- You smell burning or notice scorch marks near any component.
- The system runs but blows warm air and the compressor sounds labored.
You can monitor and wait if:
- Power just restored and the system is cycling normally.
- The outdoor unit is intact and the home is cooling as expected.
- You notice slightly reduced performance in the first day or two after the storm - this often resolves as the system runs out any debris and stabilizes after an extended shutdown.
After any major storm event, Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC's service team deploys across Volusia County to address post-storm calls. For same-day emergency service, call (844) 909-3003 or book online at delair.com/daytona.
Don't wait for a storm warning to find out your HVAC system isn't ready. Call Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC at (844) 909-3003 to schedule your pre-season tune-up in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, or anywhere across Volusia County. Serving Florida families since 1983.