Going through a bad storm or hurricane can be a scary and stressful experience. The strong winds and heavy rain can cause damage to your home, including your appliances. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and worried about damage to appliances after the storm has passed.
Storm Damage to Appliances: What You Need to Know
Thankfully, there are steps you can take before and after the storm to protect your appliances and minimize damage. Following the proper precautions can help ensure that your appliances are safe and functioning properly even after a storm.
How Do I Protect My Appliances During a Storm?
Hurricanes and storms can cause a wide range of damage to home appliances, including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, washing machines, and dryers. Here are some steps you can take to protect your appliances before a storm or hurricane:
- Protect against power surges: One of the most common ways storms can damage appliances is through power surges. To protect against power surges, you can invest in a whole-house surge protector or use surge protectors on individual appliances. This will help to absorb any excess voltage and prevent damage to your appliances.
- Prepare for flooding: If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to take steps to protect your appliances in case of flooding. You can elevate your appliances off the floor or move them to a higher location. You should also ensure that your appliances are unplugged and disconnected from any gas lines to prevent potential electrical fires or gas leaks.
- Prepare for power outages: If you know that a storm is coming, it’s a good idea to prepare for the possibility of a power outage. This can help to prevent damage to your appliances from sudden power outages. You can unplug appliances that are not in use and consider using a battery-powered backup system for your appliances that need to stay on, such as your refrigerator.
After the Storm: What To Do With Damaged Appliances
If your appliances were damaged during the storm, here are some steps you should take:
- Do not plug appliances back in until inspected by a professional: If your appliances were damaged by water or power surges, it’s important not to plug them back in until they have been inspected by a professional. This will help to prevent further damage and ensure that it is safe to use the appliance.
- Sanitize and clean all surfaces affected by flood water: If your appliances are affected by flood water, it’s important to sanitize and clean all surfaces thoroughly. This will help to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum during cleanup: A wet-dry vacuum can be a useful tool during the cleanup process after a storm. It can help to remove water from appliances and surfaces, which can help to prevent further damage. Use care to ensure it is safe to use any electrical elements during cleaning.
Storm and Hurricane Damage to Appliances: Control Board Damage
One common type of damage that can occur during storms is control board damage, which can affect the electrical control board of an appliance. The electrical control board is a vital component of many appliances, as it controls the appliance’s functions and ensures that it runs smoothly. When an appliance’s control board becomes damaged, the appliance may not work properly or may not work at all. Water damage is a common cause of control board damage, and it can occur when an appliance is exposed to floodwaters or heavy rain during a storm.
Many warranty companies cover control board repair damage caused by storms or hurricanes, but it is important to check with your specific warranty provider to confirm coverage. If your appliance’s control board has been damaged by water during a storm and is not covered by your warranty, you will need to have it repaired by a professional.
Tips to Prevent Storm Damage to Appliances
Several other types of damage can occur to appliances during a hurricane or storm. Some of the most common storm damage to appliances include:
- Water-damaged appliances: Flooding and heavy rain can cause water damage to appliances, leading to rust and corrosion. Flood-damaged appliances are particularly common in appliances that are located in basements or on lower levels of a home.
- Power surge damage: Power surges, sudden increases in voltage, can occur during storms and cause damage to appliances. This damage is often caused by lightning strikes or when power is restored after an outage.
- Physical damage: High winds and flying debris can cause physical damage to appliances, including dents, scratches, and broken parts.
- Structural damage: The foundation of a home can be damaged during a storm, which can cause appliances to shift or become unstable. This can lead to damage to the appliances themselves or to the structure of the home.
Mitigating appliance damage before a storm can help protect against major damage or requiring the purchase of new appliances. If you need appliance repair after a hurricane or storm in Florida, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced repair company.
CD Appliance Repair is a trusted appliance repair company in Florida with years of experience serving customers throughout the state. They offer fast, reliable service and can repair a wide range of appliances, including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, washing machines, and dryers. They also have the expertise to repair control boards on appliances that have been damaged by storms or hurricanes.
