Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so there is still time to get ready, and it is also a good time to check for damage after any storm. Three places in a South Florida home deserve a look: the air conditioning system and ducts, the dryer vent, and the attic. You can do most of it yourself.
Hurricane season in South Florida runs June to November
NOAA defines the Atlantic hurricane season as June 1 to November 30. Even in a quiet year, NOAA’s message is that it only takes one storm to make for a very bad season, so a short checklist is worth the time. This list does not replace local emergency guidance. It covers the parts we work on.
Checks to make before a storm
| Area | Before the storm |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning and ducts | Change the filter. Check that the condensate drain flows and the pan is clear. Look for wet spots on insulation near the indoor unit. |
| Dryer | Clean the lint filter. Make sure the outside hood flap is clear and moves freely. Unplug the dryer when you leave. |
| Attic | Look for stains, damp spots, or daylight where the roof meets vents. Check that insulation is dry and not compressed. |
| Roof and vents | Clear leaves and debris from the roof and gutters. Check the flashing around vents for damage. |
Prepare your air conditioning and ducts
A clean filter and a clear drain are the simplest steps. The EPA says that standing water or debris in the condensate pan needs immediate attention, and that condensation on cooling coils is a major source of moisture in a system.
If a storm brings water into the house or attic, look at the duct insulation. The EPA says duct insulation that gets wet or moldy cannot be cleaned effectively and should be removed and replaced.
Keep your dryer vent clear
Clean the lint filter, and make sure the outside hood is not blocked by leaves, a nest, or lint. NFPA advises cleaning the vent once a year, or sooner if drying takes longer than normal. We recommend once a year as well. A yearly cleaning removes the lint fire hazard and helps clothes dry faster.
Before a storm, NFPA also says to turn the dryer off when you leave home. The University of Florida’s guide for seasonal homes adds that unplugging appliances can protect them from power surges during storms.
If your vent comes out through the roof, check the flashing around it. The same University of Florida guide lists flashing around roof vents as a place to check for damage.
Signs to look for in the attic
Go up only if it is safe, walk only on the joists, and bring a flashlight. Look for:
- Water stains on the underside of the roof deck.
- Insulation that is wet, matted, or discolored.
- Daylight around vents or pipes.
- A musty smell.
The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak, mold will usually not grow. It also says that porous materials that become moldy may have to be thrown away. If your attic has wet insulation, a roofer should fix the leak first, and then the insulation can be assessed. Our attic insulation page explains how we approach that.
Be careful with old loose-fill insulation. If it looks like gray-brown or silver-gold pebbles, the EPA says to assume it contains asbestos, not to disturb it, and to hire a professional asbestos contractor.
Steps to take after the storm
- Stay safe first. Do not go into a flooded or electrically unsafe area.
- Check for water. Look at the attic, the area around the indoor air conditioning unit, and the laundry area.
- Dry what you can. Aim to dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours.
- Do not run a system that has been in water. Have it checked by a licensed air conditioning professional.
- Look at the dryer hood and roof vents. Clear any debris.
- Ask for an inspection if something seems off. Wherever your system allows it, a camera inspection of the ducts can show debris, moisture stains, or damaged insulation before you decide on any cleaning.
- Take photos of any damage.
One visit can cover all three
See our bundles.
- No surprises. Every visit starts with a free Whole-Home Air & Attic Check. The technician confirms the price, you approve it, and nothing is added without your approval.
- Our own team. Our technicians are our own employees, never subcontractors.
- Hours. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday by appointment.
- Same day. Same-day visits when our schedule allows.
- Botanical finish. If your ducts need cleaning, we finish with a botanical product made with thyme oil, with no harsh chemicals.
Sources
- NOAA, “NOAA predicts below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season” (season dates; “one storm” quote): https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season
- EPA, “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” (condensate pan; coil condensation; wet duct insulation): https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
- EPA, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home” (24 to 48 hour drying; porous materials): https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- NFPA, “Clothes Dryer Safety” tip sheet (yearly vent cleaning; turn dryer off when leaving): https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/project/storefront/catalog/files/safety-tip-sheets/dryersafetytips.pdf
- University of Florida IFAS, “Closing Your Seasonal Home” (unplug for surges; flashing around vents; gutters): https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HE887
- Energy Star, “Attic Insulation Project” (walk only on joists; wet insulation): https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/attic-insulation-project
- EPA, “Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation” (assume asbestos; do not disturb): https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-insulation
