Hurricane Season HVAC Prep for Florida Facilities

Fred Ordine • August 18, 2025
Florida’s hurricane season brings more than just wind and rain – it brings serious risks for your HVAC system. For facility managers overseeing offices, warehouses, or multi-use properties, proper preparation is essential. A storm can damage outdoor equipment, flood mechanical rooms, or knock out power for days. Hurricane season HVAC prep for Florida facilities to secure and maintain your system will reduce downtime, prevent costly repairs, and keep your facility safe and comfortable once the storm passes.

Secure Outdoor Units Against Wind and Debris

Outdoor condensers and rooftop units are the most vulnerable during a hurricane. High winds can dislodge them if they are not properly anchored. Before hurricane season, make sure your equipment is bolted down and, if necessary, reinforced with hurricane straps. Loose debris like branches, tools, or outdoor furniture can also cause major damage if winds send them flying. Clear the area around your units and trim nearby trees to prevent impact. Some facilities also place temporary covers or plywood shields over equipment to reduce the chance of debris getting inside, but these should be removed immediately after the storm to prevent trapped moisture.

Protect Equipment from Flooding

For facilities in flood-prone areas, water can be as damaging as wind. Even a few inches of flooding can destroy electrical components and motors. If possible, elevate ground-level equipment on platforms high enough to stay above standing water. For units that cannot be moved, sandbags or barriers can help redirect water flow. Just as important, power to HVAC systems should be shut off before a major storm arrives. Disconnecting power at both the installed thermostat and breaker reduces the risk of short circuits or electrical hazards if water does reach your system. Only restore power after the storm once you are sure the equipment is safe and dry.

Schedule Pre-Season HVAC Maintenance

Preventative AC maintenance before hurricane season gives your system the best chance to handle extreme conditions. A professional tune-up should include cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, and ensuring drain lines are clear. These steps not only improve efficiency but also help identify small problems before they turn into bigger failures under stress. For Florida facilities, commercial HVAC maintenance is especially important because humidity and salt air accelerate wear and tear. A well-maintained HVAC system is more resilient, more efficient, and better prepared to start back up quickly after a storm.

Plan for Power Outages

Hurricanes often bring extended power outages, which can leave facilities without cooling and ventilation when it is needed most. Backup power planning is a critical part of hurricane preparation. Portable generators can supply power to smaller systems or essential areas, while standby generators can restore power automatically to the entire building. Facility managers should ensure their generator is properly sized for HVAC loads and tested under real conditions before storm season. Surge protection is also highly recommended to prevent voltage spikes from damaging sensitive HVAC electronics when power returns. After an outage, systems should be restarted gradually to avoid overloading circuits or compressors.

Inspect Systems Carefully After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, it is tempting to turn everything back on immediately. Instead, take the time to inspect your HVAC system carefully. Remove debris from around outdoor units, check for visible damage, and make sure panels, wiring, and connections are intact. Never restart equipment that has been flooded or that shows signs of damage without professional inspection. Running compromised equipment can cause further destruction and create safety hazards. A post-storm checkup by a qualified HVAC contractor in Florida ensures your system is safe to operate and ready to restore comfort quickly.

Address Indoor Air Quality

After hurricanes, indoor air quality is often overlooked. Power outages and flooding can lead to elevated humidity, mold growth, and dust accumulation inside ductwork. Replacing HVAC filters immediately after a storm is an easy but effective step to improve air quality. Facilities that experienced leaks or high moisture should also consider duct inspections and dehumidification. Keeping indoor humidity below 60% will reduce the risk of mold and make the environment healthier for employees and visitors. Clean air is a key part of recovery, and your HVAC system is central to restoring it.

Stay Resilient with Proper Prep

Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida, but serious HVAC damage doesn’t have to be. By anchoring outdoor units, protecting against floods, scheduling seasonal maintenance, planning for backup power, and carefully restarting equipment after a storm, facilities can dramatically reduce downtime and repair costs. Reliable AC service is critical to business operations, and preparing ahead of hurricane season ensures your facility can recover quickly.

At Ordine’s Air Conditioning and Heating, we help Florida facilities stay ready with expert hurricane HVAC preparation. From pre-season tune-ups to post-storm inspections, our team ensures your system is secure, efficient, and storm-ready. Contact us today to schedule your hurricane season HVAC prep and keep your facility protected no matter what the weather brings.

Summer HVAC Prep for Holiday Businesses

By Fred Ordine • August 26, 2025
Running a business in Florida means you’re no stranger to the heat and humidity that roll in each summer. For shops, offices, and restaurants in Holiday, FL, keeping the AC running smoothly isn’t just about comfort – it’s about customer satisfaction and employee productivity. No one wants to browse a store, eat a meal, or work a shift in a hot and sticky environment. That’s why preparing your commercial HVAC system for the summer season is one of the smartest investments you can make. A little planning ahead ensures your business stays welcoming, safe, and efficient when temperatures climb.

Energy Savings for Tampa Bay Warehouses

By Fred Ordine • August 22, 2025
Cooling a warehouse in Tampa Bay is a serious challenge. Between the high ceilings, constant bay door activity, and Florida’s infamous heat and humidity, Tampa Bay HVAC systems in warehouses work harder than almost anywhere else. For facility managers and owners, this means energy bills can soar if systems aren’t running efficiently. Focusing on smart HVAC strategies is the key for energy savings in Tampa Bay warehouses, you can reduce operating costs, extend the life of your equipment, and keep both staff and stored products safe from the summer heat.

Benefits of Commercial HVAC Upgrades

By Fred Ordine • August 20, 2025
A building’s heating and cooling system plays a big role in day-to-day business success. In a hot, humid climate like Holiday, FL, a reliable HVAC system keeps employees productive and customers comfortable. If your current business HVAC system is struggling or past its prime, it may be time to consider an upgrade. A commercial HVAC upgrade will keep everyone happy and healthy indoors – and it can also save your business money and headaches in the long run.

Cut Costs with Smart Thermostats in Local Shops

By Fred Ordine • August 15, 2025
Small businesses in Holiday, FL are always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing comfort. One smart solution is upgrading to a smart thermostat for your local shop. These high-tech thermostats for businesses automatically adjust heating and cooling to reduce energy bills, keep your store comfortable, and give you greater control over HVAC usage. In a climate as warm and humid as ours, smart thermostats can be a game-changer – helping Holiday shop owners enjoy commercial energy savings while maintaining a pleasant environment for customers and employees. Let’s explore how smart thermostats work and the features that make them ideal for local shops and small commercial spaces.

Portfolio Project: Planet Fitness – Complete Commercial HVAC Project

By Fred Ordine • August 14, 2025
Locations: Port Jefferson, New York & Staten Island, New York Client: Planet Fitness Ordines Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. was selected to handle the complete HVAC installation for Planet Fitness locations in both Port Jefferson and Staten Island, New York. Our scope of work included the design and installation of fully integrated HVAC systems capable of handling the demands of large fitness centers. The project required precise planning to ensure even air distribution, climate control, and ventilation throughout workout spaces, locker rooms, and common areas. Our team fabricated and installed custom ductwork, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and provided proper fresh air exchanges to ensure a comfortable environment for both members and staff. These projects are a testament to our experience in delivering reliable, high-performance HVAC systems for commercial fitness facilities. We take pride in ensuring that the systems we install are not only efficient but also built to handle the high-traffic nature of gyms like Planet Fitness.

Portfolio Project: Windsor Gardens – Norwood, MA

By Fred Ordine • August 12, 2025
Developer: The Corcoran Group | Barbara Corcoran (of Shark Tank fame) Ordines Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. was proud to partner with The Corcoran Group, led by Barbara Corcoran, on the prestigious Windsor Gardens development in Norwood, Massachusetts. This large-scale commercial HVAC project included a full mechanical buildout for this luxury residential community. Our team provided custom HVAC system design, fabrication, and installation, delivering energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions tailored to meet the demands of this multi-building development. Our scope of work included commercial-grade rooftop units, high-efficiency air distribution systems, and precise climate control for all residential spaces and common areas. Working alongside one of the nation’s most reputable property developers, we ensured the project was completed to the highest standards of quality and performance. Ordines Air continues to be the trusted HVAC partner for major developers throughout the Northeast, providing expertise in commercial HVAC, custom ductwork, and mechanical systems for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Portfolio Project: Oar & Iron – Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration Project

By Fred Ordine • August 11, 2025
Location: Babcock Ranch, Punta Gorda, Florida Client: Oar & Iron Ordines Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. is proud to be part of the ongoing construction at Oar & Iron located in Babcock Ranch, Punta Gorda, Florida. This commercial project includes the design and installation of a complete HVAC system along with commercial refrigeration solutions. Our team is delivering custom ductwork, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and precise refrigeration installations designed to meet the needs of this high-demand restaurant and bar environment. From kitchen ventilation to climate control throughout the dining spaces, every component is designed for performance, reliability, and efficiency. This project highlights our ability to work hand-in-hand with contractors and owners during the construction phase to ensure the HVAC and refrigeration systems are installed perfectly and contribute to the long-term success of the business.

Portfolio Projects: Georgia King Village – Newark, NJ

By Fred Ordine • August 8, 2025
Ordines Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. proudly completed a large-scale, prevailing wage HVAC revamp for Georgia King Village, located in Newark, New Jersey. This comprehensive project included two high-rise buildings and the surrounding adjacent townhomes. Our work involved a complete overhaul of the heating and cooling infrastructure, including the installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems, commercial-grade boilers, and chillers. This upgrade was designed to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and year-round comfort for all residents throughout the complex. Executing this project under prevailing wage guidelines, our experienced team ensured that every aspect met the highest standards of workmanship, compliance, and performance. From precise ductwork installation to advanced mechanical system integration, Ordines Air delivered a solution built to last. We are proud to contribute to the modernization of Georgia King Village, providing efficient and sustainable climate control solutions to this vital residential community in Newark, NJ.

Portfolio Project: Tesla Dealership – Complete HVAC & Custom Ductwork Project

By Fred Ordine • August 6, 2025
Location: Stamford, Connecticut Client: Tesla Dealership Ordines Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. was proud to be selected for the complete HVAC installation at the Tesla Dealership in Stamford, Connecticut. This project required precision craftsmanship, top-tier engineering, and seamless integration to align with Tesla’s high- performance standards and cutting-edge facility design. Our team handled the full HVAC scope, including custom ductwork fabrication, installation of energy-efficient commercial HVAC systems, and precision air distribution tailored to Tesla’s exact specifications. We worked closely with Tesla’s architects and construction teams to ensure the mechanical systems complemented the showroom’s modern aesthetic while delivering maximum comfort and energy efficiency. This project highlights our commitment to delivering quality commercial HVAC solutions that are reliable, visually clean, and built to perform. Whether it’s a high-tech automotive showroom or a large-scale commercial space, Ordines Air provides dependable craftsmanship with unmatched attention to detail.

Portfolio Project: Zion Towers – Newark, NJ

By Fred Ordine • August 4, 2025
Ordines Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. was proud to complete a full commercial HVAC installation at Zion Towers, located in Newark, New Jersey. This extensive project included the installation of commercial boilers, chillers, and a complete HVAC system designed to meet the high demands of this residential high-rise building. Our skilled team handled everything from custom ductwork fabrication to the installation of large-scale chillers and high-efficiency boilers. This ensures reliable heating and cooling for all residents year-round. The project required precise coordination, heavy equipment installation, and expert craftsmanship to meet both energy efficiency standards and the unique requirements of a multi-story building like Zion Towers. Ordines Air continues to be a trusted partner for commercial HVAC projects across New Jersey and the tri-state area.