4 ways to protect your HVAC system from natural disasters

(BPT) - When severe weather strikes, one's home is often the first line of defense. While many homeowners are focused on protecting the roof, windows or basement, it's easy to forget about one of the home's most important systems: heating and cooling. An HVAC system keeps a family comfortable year-round, but it's also vulnerable to damage during storms, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters.

Taking a few precautions can help avoid costly repairs and ensure the system is safe to use after the storm passes. The following are four steps homeowners can take to protect their HVAC systems.