Storm & Hurricane AC Checks
Storm and hurricane AC checks in Lake Charles
The outdoor unit sat in water, a limb landed on it, it came off its stand or it simply won't start since the power came back. Call and you are connected with an independent AC contractor in your area.
Ring the number and the call is routed to an independent heating and cooling company that covers your street. Whether you hire it is up to you.
Call (337) 429-1077
Hurricanes Laura (August 2020) and Delta (October 2020) both struck the Lake Charles area within about six weeks of each other, and storm season returns every summer and fall. Outdoor units are exposed to wind, flying debris and standing water, and power outages and surges can damage control boards, capacitors and compressors.
If floodwater reached the outdoor unit or the indoor air handler, leave the breakers off and have the system inspected before it runs. Water and silt in electrical parts and motors can cause shorts and further damage. A contractor can tell you what can be cleaned, what needs replacing, and give you written findings for your own records or insurance claim.
Start here
After the storm, before you switch it on
- Stay clear of downed power lines and standing water near outdoor equipment.
- Keep the AC breakers off if the outdoor unit or air handler was in water, or if the unit was knocked off its stand.
- Clear branches and debris from around the outdoor unit once it is safe, without reaching into the fan.
- Photograph damage before anything is moved, for your own records.
- Run any portable generator outdoors only, far from doors, windows and vents.
The inspection
What gets checked
Flood exposure
Motors, controls and the compressor terminal checked for water and silt.
Impact and wind damage
Bent coils, broken fan blades, crushed cabinets and torn line sets.
Stand and fastening
Units moved off their stand or pad need resetting and securing.
Surge damage
Control boards, capacitors and contactors after outages and surges.
Indoor air handler and ducts
Wet insulation, soaked filters and roof-leak damage in the attic.
Written findings
A record of what was found, useful for your own records and any claim.
Price ranges
Budgeting for storm & hurricane AC checks
Figures to help you plan. Your price comes from the contractor after the system has been seen.
| Work | Typical planning range | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Post-storm inspection of the system | $100 – $250 | Indoor and outdoor checks, travel |
| Replace surge-damaged control parts | $200 – $800 | Board or parts affected |
| Reset and secure the outdoor unit on its stand | $150 – $450 | Line set or electrical repair needed |
| Outdoor unit replacement where a matched swap works | $3,500 – $7,500 | Size, refrigerant, matching the indoor coil |
Use these figures to plan, not to budget to the dollar. They are typical planning ranges, not quotes, local averages or price guarantees. Only the contractor can price your job, after looking at the equipment: size, refrigerant, access, parts and anything found on the visit all shift the number. More ranges are in the price guide.
Deciding
Getting ready before the next storm
Ask a contractor whether your outdoor unit is fastened to its pad or stand, whether the stand height makes sense for your lot, and what surge protection is available for the system. Keep a photo of the equipment data plates with your important papers.
Read the storm-season AC guide for a before, during and after checklist, including generator safety.
FAQ
Homeowners also ask
Can I run my AC on a portable generator?
A central air conditioner needs a large generator and a safe connection. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. A transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician is the safe way to power household circuits.
My AC came back on after the outage but blows warm air. Why?
Outages and surges can damage capacitors, contactors and control boards. Switch it off and have it checked rather than letting it run without cooling.
Will insurance pay for storm damage to my AC?
That depends on your policy and the cause. Talk to your insurer. A contractor's written findings and your photos help either way.
More services
Related problems
AC Repair
Not cooling, blowing warm, iced-up lines or a breaker that keeps tripping.
Read more
AC Installation & Replacement
Sizing, choosing and installing a new central AC, heat pump or mini-split.
Read more
Heat Pump Repair & Replacement
No heat on a cold night, constant defrosting, or a heat pump that won't switch modes.
Read more
Humidity & Moisture Problems
Clammy rooms, musty smells, sweating vents or an AC that cools but doesn't dry the air.
Read more
Attic Ductwork Repair
Weak airflow, hot rooms, sweating or crushed ducts, and duct joints pulled apart.
Read more
AC Maintenance & Drain Lines
Spring check-ups, clogged condensate drains, dirty coils and tripped float switches.
Read more
Phone line
Get the system looked at
Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake homeowners can use this number to reach an independent heating and cooling company. Mention the age of the system and anything you noticed before it stopped; it helps the technician.