How to Protect Your Air Conditioning from Hurricane in Englewood, FL

In this hurricane guide, we’ll walk you through Florida-specific hurricane statistics and practical tips to protect your air conditioner before a storm. We’ll also highlight why professional HVAC service in Englewood, North Port, Boca Grande, Manasota Key, and beyond is critical to long-term resilience.

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At Abbott Air, 2025 isn’t our first hurricane season—it’s one of many we’ve weathered alongside our Englewood neighbors. Some homes on Manasota Key still aren’t even finished from the last major storm, a reminder of how long recovery can take and how critical preparation really is. We’ve seen firsthand the toll hurricanes take on air conditioning systems and the homes that rely on them, which is why we’re sharing our inside scoop on storm preparedness. With decades of experience protecting, maintaining, and restoring AC systems before and after severe weather, we know what it takes to keep your home safe and cool—no matter what Florida’s hurricane season brings.

Hurricane & Power Outage Impacts

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• Florida and Texas have the highest number of homes exposed to hurricane-force wind damage—about 7.7 million homes in Florida face serious risk from storms and surge flooding MarketWatch.

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• For example, Hurricane Irma (2017) cut power to approximately 64–73% of Florida’s electrical customers—that’s 6.7 to 7.7 million people without power during the storm Wikipedia.

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• From our staff and service technicians we know access to Manasota Key was restricted for several days following Hurricane Milton due to downed power lines, propane leaks, and hazardous conditions, which delayed recovery efforts. cbsnews.com+14fox4now.com+14fox13news.com+14

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• As of six months later (March 2025), many homes remained unlivable, with some properties still under reconstruction and widespread infrastructural damage throughout the community. fox13news.com+1foxweather.com+1rom

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• Our local numbers tell the story: after the storm, we replaced a lot of washed‑out air conditioners on Boca Grande and Manasota Key. Homes with higher‑mounted units did better—most only needed repairs instead of full replacements.

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• When power flickers back on after a blackout, voltage spikes can fry your compressor or circuit board.

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Air Conditioning Usage in Florida

• Around 96% of Florida homes use air conditioning, and roughly 90% rely on central AC systems (vs. window or portable units) U.S. Energy Information Administration

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• The state’s humid climate means AC units work harder—higher humidity shortens system lifespan and increases energy demands.

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• Englewood Florida, just south of Tampa, is experiencing one of the hottest years on record, and it shows—more homeowners than ever are installing or replacing air conditioners to keep up with the extreme heat.

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Homeowner Costs & Outcomes

• A new central AC installation in Florida ranges from about $3,900 to over $8,000, with an average typically between $4,500 to $6,500+ depending on things like home size and efficiency rating.

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• Hurricane-related insurance deductibles in Florida typically range from 2–10% of insured value. For a $300,000 home, that’s $6,000–30,000 per claim atlasarmor.com.

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Why This Matters for Homeowners

• Most Florida homes rely on AC, making prolonged outages during storms particularly dangerous in the heat and humidity.

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• Power outages affected millions during major storms, leaving many without cooling or refrigeration for days.

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• Replacing a damaged unit is pricey—especially when sudden replacement is needed after storm-related damage.

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• Insurance deductibles can rival the cost of repairs, making preparedness critical.

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What Homeowners in englewood, fl Should Know & Do:

• Schedule HVAC maintenance before hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30). Avoid servicing during peak hurricane months to reduce technician delays and price hikes. If you are in season, don't delay and schedule a maintenance by completing a request with Abbott Air.

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• Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector - Surge protection at your main panel defends your AC’s control board and compressor from dangerous voltage spikes. Schedule a call with us to assist you.

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• Elevate or Secure Your Outdoor Unit– If you’re in a flood-prone area of Englewood Beach, Manasota Key or Boca Grande consider a concrete pad that lifts your unit above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

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• Secure and anchor outdoor units (e.g. hurricane-rated straps) and turn off the system before the storm hits to avoid damage from power surges or flooding. Available from most code-compliant HVAC suppliers.

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• Clean Surrounding Debris– Prune trees and remove loose objects within a 10-foot radius. Even a small twig hitting a running condenser at 70 mph can cause damage.

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• Change Your Air Filter – A new MERV-8 or higher filter helps keep out post-storm dust.

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• Check refrigerant and drain lines before the season starts so your system can restart efficiently post-storm.

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• Consider a backup power solution, like a home generator, to keep AC running if the grid fails.

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• Understand your insurance deductible and factor in the risk of AC or roof damage when determining storm preparedness strategy.

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