Hurricane & Storm Damage AC Service in Melbourne, DeLand & The Villages, FL
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms can damage your air conditioner in three main ways: wind and debris hitting the outdoor unit, flooding or salt water reaching the electrical parts, and power surges when the grid goes down and comes back. Champion AC & Heating Repair helps you prepare before a storm and inspects and repairs systems afterward.
Call (321) 603-3802 in Melbourne, (386) 877-0405 in DeLand or (352) 763-8394 in Oxford. We are open 24 hours, and financing is available.
Before the storm: AC hurricane prep
- Hurricane tie-downs / anchoring — the Florida Building Code requires outdoor units to be secured against wind. We inspect, replace or add straps and anchors.
- Surge protection — a surge protector at the outdoor unit helps protect the compressor and control boards from power spikes.
- Pad and stand check — elevated stands for units in flood-prone areas.
- Drain line and electrical check so the system is ready to run hard after the storm.
Homeowner tip: when a storm is coming, turn the AC off at the thermostat and the breaker before the power goes out. Do not cover the unit with a tarp while it runs.
Our Services
After the storm: what to check
- Do not turn the system on if the outdoor unit or the air handler was underwater. Water in electrical components is a shock and fire risk.
- Look for bent fins, debris, a unit knocked off its pad, or damaged refrigerant lines.
- If the power came back and the AC will not start, a surge may have damaged the capacitor, contactor or control board.
- Coastal flooding or wind-driven salt spray can corrode coils and electrical parts weeks after the storm. Have the unit rinsed and inspected.
Storm damage services
- Post-storm safety inspection and startup
- Wind and debris damage repair, re-leveling and re-anchoring
- Flood-damaged unit evaluation, with photos and a written report for insurance claims
- Surge-damaged component replacement
- Emergency system replacement when a unit is a total loss, see 24/7 emergency AC repair
Hurricane prep checklist for your AC
- Confirm the outdoor unit is strapped or anchored to its pad.
- Install a surge protector at the outdoor unit.
- Clear loose items, pots and debris from around the unit.
- Photograph the unit, model and serial number for insurance.
- Turn the AC off at the thermostat and breaker before the storm arrives.
Generators and your AC
Running a central AC on a generator takes a correctly sized generator and a safe connection through a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician. A soft-start kit can reduce the compressor’s starting surge, which helps some systems run on smaller generators. Never back-feed power through a dryer outlet.
Insurance and documentation tips
- Keep photos of your system from before hurricane season.
- Save installation and repair receipts.
- After a storm, photograph any damage before cleanup.
- Ask us for a written damage report to support your claim.
Why Florida homeowners choose Champion AC
- 20 years of experience with Florida homes
- Licensed and insured technicians
- All major brands serviced and installed
- Open 24/7, including nights and weekends
- Upfront pricing before any work starts
Hurricane ac service pricing, financing and guarantee
You see the price before we start, with no hidden fees. Financing is available for larger repairs and new equipment. Satisfaction guaranteed: we don’t leave until your system is working properly.
Hurricane ac service FAQs
Should I turn off my AC during a hurricane?
Yes. Turn it off at the thermostat and at the breaker before the storm arrives. Restart it only once the power is stable and the unit has not been flooded.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover AC storm damage?
Many policies cover wind and surge damage, while flood damage usually falls under flood insurance. We provide photos and a written damage report for your claim. Check the details with your insurer.
Can I run my AC on a generator?
Only if the generator is sized for the AC’s starting load and connected through a proper transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician.
My AC was flooded. Can it be repaired?
Sometimes, if it was fresh water and the damage was limited. Salt water flooding usually ruins coils and electrical parts. Do not run it until a technician inspects it.
Should I cover my outdoor AC unit before a hurricane?
Securing the unit matters more than covering it. If you cover it, remove the cover before running the system again.
How long after a storm can I run my AC?
Once power is stable, the unit is undamaged and it was not flooded. If in doubt, have it inspected first.
Can lightning damage my AC?
Yes. Lightning and power surges can damage capacitors, contactors and control boards. Surge protection helps reduce the risk.
Choose your area
We provide hurricane & storm damage ac service across three service areas. Choose yours for local details, phone numbers and FAQs:
Ready to schedule hurricane & storm damage ac service?
Call (321) 603-3802 in Melbourne, (386) 877-0405 in DeLand or (352) 763-8394 in Oxford. Use Instant Online Quotation or Schedule a Consultation. We are open 24/7.
