Why Your AC Needs a Summer Storm Game Plan
If you live along Perth’s coastline, you already know summer doesn’t just bring blue skies and BBQ weather — it can also bring wild storms, gusty winds, and the occasional tropical cyclone rolling in from the north-west.
For homeowners in areas like Cottesloe, Scarborough, and Trigg, the salty air and whipping sea breezes are just part of life. But when those breezes ramp up to 100 km/h winds and sideways rain, your air conditioner — particularly the outdoor unit — can cop a serious beating.
The last thing you want is to face a stinking hot Perth January with an AC system that’s been damaged, flooded, or ripped from its mount by storm conditions.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- Why cyclone prep for AC matters in Perth coastal homes
- How to secure and protect your AC before the season hits
- A buyer’s guide for cyclone-ready gear and cleaning kits
- Maintenance steps to keep your AC storm-safe
- When it might be time to upgrade to a cyclone-rated system
- A true-to-life Perth homeowner story that proves preparation pays
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your air con safe, functional, and ready to cool you down after even the fiercest summer storm.
Why It Matters – Local Relevance to Perth Coastal Homes
Perth’s location on Australia’s west coast makes it unique when it comes to weather patterns. While most of Australia’s big cyclones hit Queensland and the NT, WA still cops the tail end of tropical systems — and when they do arrive, they can bring destructive winds and flooding rain.
Cyclone season in WA
WA’s cyclone season officially runs from November to April, with peak activity from January to March. While Perth isn’t in the direct cyclone belt like Broome or Karratha, ex-tropical cyclones can track south and impact the metro area. Even without the cyclone’s core, these systems can deliver:
- Winds strong enough to damage outdoor units and ducting
- Heavy downpours that cause pooling around AC bases
- Flying debris from neighbouring properties
Why coastal homes are more at risk
Living near the beach means your home faces extra environmental challenges:
- Salt corrosion: Sea spray eats away at metal over time, making AC mounts and screws weaker.
- High wind exposure: Fewer buildings to block the gusts coming in from the ocean.
- Sand ingress: Fine sand can clog vents, reducing airflow and damaging components.
When a summer storm barrels through, your AC’s outdoor unit is often the most exposed piece of equipment on your property. Without proper preparation, you could be looking at hundreds — even thousands — of dollars in repairs.
How It Works – Protecting Your AC from Cyclones
Protecting your air conditioner from cyclone conditions is all about three main things: anchoring, shielding, and clearing.
Anchoring – Keep It Firmly in Place
Cyclone-force winds can generate enough uplift to tip, slide, or even tear outdoor AC units from their mounts. Proper anchoring ensures the unit stays put. This can mean:
- Installing heavy-duty cyclone-rated mounting brackets
- Using galvanised or stainless steel anchor bolts to resist rust
- Adding cross-bracing for extra lateral strength
Shielding – Keep Debris at Bay
Flying branches, roof tiles, and even loose garden furniture can smash into an AC unit during a storm. Cyclone covers or mesh guards can deflect impacts without blocking airflow entirely.
Clearing – Remove Hazards Before the Storm
Leaves, palm fronds, and loose items around the yard can become projectiles. By clearing the area around your AC, you minimise the chance of impact damage or airflow blockages.
The process is simple, but the difference it makes during a storm is huge. If you’ve ever seen a bent condenser fan guard or a dented coil, you’ll know just how much force even a small piece of debris can carry in high winds.
Aussie Tips & Buyer’s Guide – Local Insights
Perth’s cyclone preparation isn’t a “set and forget” job — it’s a seasonal ritual. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right gear and products for your home.
Go for cyclone-rated hardware
Look for brackets and mounting kits with AS/NZS cyclone compliance. These are designed and tested to withstand extreme wind loads.
Invest in corrosion-resistant materials
For coastal areas, galvanised steel or marine-grade stainless steel hardware is worth the extra spend. It’ll outlast cheaper zinc-plated parts.
Don’t forget pre-season cleaning
Before installing any covers or shields, clean your AC thoroughly to ensure maximum efficiency. This is where a product from our Air Conditioner Cleaning Kits collection comes in handy — they help remove salt, dust, and grime that could otherwise reduce airflow and cooling power.
Keep a preventative maintenance kit on hand
Stocking up from our Cleaning and Preventative Maintenance range means you can quickly service your unit before and after storms.
Best Products to Try Before Cyclone Season
If you want to storm-proof your AC, these are the top picks many Perth coastal homeowners swear by:
- Cyclone-rated mounting brackets – Designed for extreme wind resistance.
- Marine-grade anchor bolts – Corrosion-proof for coastal air.
- Protective mesh covers – Blocks debris without suffocating airflow.
- Professional-grade AC cleaning kits – Like those in our Air Conditioner Cleaning Kits range.
These aren’t just nice-to-have — they can mean the difference between a fully functional AC and a costly post-storm repair bill.
Maintenance Must-Knows
Even the best cyclone-rated hardware won’t help if your AC isn’t maintained. Here’s your pre-cyclone checklist:
- Inspect mounts, bolts, and brackets for rust or looseness.
- Flush drains to prevent water pooling.
- Clean coils and filters to maximise airflow.
- Trim trees and remove loose debris nearby.
- Check electrical connections for signs of wear.
After a storm, re-check everything before turning your AC back on. This prevents electrical faults or mechanical strain.
When to Upgrade
If your AC unit is over 10 years old and sitting on rusting mounts, upgrading before cyclone season might save you in the long run.
Signs it’s time:
- Excessive vibration during operation.
- Brackets or mounts showing rust deep into the metal.
- Frequent breakdowns during high humidity or after storms.
Modern units often have better corrosion protection and can be paired with cyclone-rated mounting kits from day one.
Client Story – John from Cottesloe
Last January, John from Cottesloe got a severe weather warning — strong winds and heavy rain from a downgraded cyclone were heading straight for the Perth coast.
The year before, his neighbour’s outdoor unit had been knocked over in a storm, causing $2,000 worth of repairs. John wasn’t going to let that happen.
He spent a Saturday morning:
- Cleaning the coils with a kit from HVAC Trade Supply’s Cleaning Range
- Securing the unit with cyclone-rated brackets
- Clearing the yard of any loose outdoor furniture and debris
When the storm hit, winds topped 90 km/h. The next morning, John’s AC was untouched — ready to cool the house as the humidity kicked in. His neighbour? Another dented fan guard.
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone season in WA runs November to April — preparation is essential.
- Securing and cleaning your AC prevents costly storm damage.
- Coastal homes need corrosion-resistant hardware.
- Internal links to HVAC Trade Supply’s cleaning and maintenance collections give readers direct buying options.
Don’t wait for the first storm warning to scramble. Give your AC the best chance of surviving cyclone season and keeping your home comfortable.
Shop our full range of Cleaning and Preventative Maintenance products today and get storm-ready.
FAQs
Q: Can I secure my AC unit myself?
Yes, if you have basic tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For complex installs, hire a licensed installer.
Q: Do cyclone-rated covers reduce airflow?
If designed properly, no. Look for mesh designs that allow ventilation.
Q: Is it worth replacing an old AC before cyclone season?
If it’s rusty, unstable, or inefficient, yes — you’ll save on repairs and energy bills.
Q: Will insurance cover cyclone damage to AC units?
Check your policy — some require proof of preventative maintenance.