Keep Cool During Outages: Hurricane‑Ready Comfort Plans

When a hurricane knocks out power in Orange County, the real challenge starts after the wind and rain. Without air conditioning, indoor heat and humidity can climb fast, which is tough on anyone and especially risky for infants, older adults, and people with health conditions. You can reduce stress and protect your household with a simple comfort plan that focuses on safe cooling, smart backup power, and clear steps before, during, and after an outage. This guide walks you through practical options, safety must‑knows, and local resources you can count on. Let’s dive in.

Why a comfort plan matters in Orange County

Power restoration can take time after a tropical storm or hurricane. Utilities prioritize public safety and critical facilities first, then larger lines, then individual homes, so some neighborhoods may wait longer than others. Combined with Central Florida’s heat and humidity, that delay can create uncomfortable and unsafe indoor conditions.

A comfort plan helps you control what you can. You will focus on cooling the people and spaces that matter most, using safe backup power where it makes sense, and knowing when to relocate to a cooling center if needed. Planning now means fewer snap decisions when the lights go out.

Backup power options that fit your home

Cooling takes a lot of energy. The right approach depends on your goals, budget, and how long outages typically last in your area. Here are realistic options and what they can do.

Portable generators

Portable gasoline or diesel generators can keep essentials running, like a refrigerator, lights, fans, and possibly a small window AC on mid‑sized units. Inverter models are quieter and better for electronics. Expect to refuel often during a prolonged outage and store fuel safely.

Key safety rules: operate outdoors on level ground, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. Use heavy‑duty cords and a proper transfer switch if connecting to home circuits. Never backfeed power through a dryer or other outlet.

Standby generators

Standby systems are permanently installed and start automatically during an outage. Properly sized units can power most of a home, including central AC. They require a licensed electrician, permits, and an automatic transfer switch. Check permit steps with the City of Orlando or Orange County before you start and plan fuel logistics if you use propane.

Home batteries and solar + storage

Battery systems are quiet and low maintenance. They are great for critical circuits like lights, fans, refrigeration, and medical devices. Large systems, especially when paired with rooftop solar, can support more loads over multiple days. Many batteries are not sized to run central AC continuously unless designed that way. Have a professional design any whole‑home solution.

Vehicles and portable power stations

You can power small loads with a vehicle inverter or a portable power station. Some electric vehicles can supply home power with special equipment. Expect limited runtime and plan for safe ventilation and charging.

Sizing basics and safety

Central AC and heat pumps have high starting loads. Portable generators usually work best for partial backup. Standby systems in the 12 to 22 kW range can often support central HVAC in many single‑family homes, but exact sizing depends on your equipment, insulation, and what else runs at the same time. Ask a licensed electrician to do a load calculation and include starting watts. Keep carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries near sleeping areas.

What to expect from backup cooling

• Window or portable AC units are efficient targets for a portable generator. Cooling one sleeping room is often the best comfort per gallon of fuel.
• Fans help a lot. Use battery or USB fans in a cool room and aim airflow across a bowl of ice for extra relief.
• Whole‑house standby generators can feel like normal life if sized for your HVAC. Plan routine maintenance and test runs.
• Batteries excel at essentials. Expect to run lights, fans, and the fridge, then recharge with solar if your system supports it.

Create your cool room strategy

Pick one room to be the hub during an outage. Choose the lowest floor with shade, tile or concrete if possible, and windows on opposite walls for cross‑ventilation. Darken sunny windows before the storm to reduce heat gain.

During the outage, keep doors closed to trap cooler air. Use battery fans, take cool showers, and drink water often. Sleep on lower floors if possible. Avoid cooking with ovens and other heat‑producing appliances until power returns.

Your three‑phase outage plan

Before hurricane season or a forecasted storm

• Make a household plan that lists vulnerable family members, medications, and who will check on neighbors.
• Inventory your cooling tools. Know what you have: fans, window AC units, portable generator, batteries, or a standby system. Service equipment before summer.
• Stock water and electrolytes. A good baseline is 1 gallon per person per day.
• Build an outage kit: radio, flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers, first‑aid kit, CO detectors, and a fridge/freezer thermometer.
• Fuel and storage: fill propane tanks, rotate gasoline safely with stabilizer, and store per local fire code.
• Check permit and installation requirements for any permanent systems and schedule licensed pros early.

During the storm and as power drops

• Pre‑cool your home by setting the thermostat a bit lower to slow indoor warming.
• Group foods in the freezer, keep doors closed, and move appliances out of direct sun if safe.
• Place portable generators outside on level ground, away from openings. Set up CO detectors and test them.
• Use proper cords and transfer switches. Do not backfeed your home through an outlet.
• If anyone is heat‑sensitive, plan to relocate to a cooling center or shelter early, not after the home is already hot.

During the outage

• Use your cool room and limit heat exposure. Run a window unit or high‑efficiency mini‑split in that room if your backup system allows.
• Cycle big loads to conserve fuel or battery capacity. For example, cool the room for an hour, then switch to fan‑only if conditions allow.
• Prioritize medical needs. Keep refrigerated medications cold and ensure life‑support devices have power.
• Track food temperatures. Discard perishable foods that stayed above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
• Check on neighbors, especially those who may be isolated.

After power returns

• Confirm the grid is stable and disconnect backup power safely before re‑energizing circuits.

• Inspect HVAC equipment. If you notice unusual smells, noises, or failure to start, call an HVAC technician.

• Store or dispose of leftover fuel safely and rotate emergency supplies.

• Document any damages for insurance and restock your kit.

Real‑world scenarios

Scenario 1: Portable generator, targeted cooling

A family of four in East Orlando uses a 5 to 7 kW inverter generator. They power the refrigerator, a few lights, phone chargers, and a 6,000 to 8,000 BTU window unit in one bedroom. They keep the rest of the home closed off and sleep in the cool room. They refuel several times a day, keep the generator 20 feet from openings, and use a manual transfer switch. Comfort is good at night, moderate by day, and fuel planning is essential. Actual generator size and appliance loads should be verified by an electrician.

Scenario 2: Standby generator, near‑normal living

A Winter Garden homeowner invests in an 18 kW standby generator on natural gas with an automatic transfer switch. The system was permit‑approved and sized by a licensed installer to support central AC, refrigeration, medical devices, and typical lighting. When the power goes out, the generator starts automatically and the home remains comfortable. The owner performs routine maintenance and tests the system monthly. Upfront cost is higher, but daily life is less disrupted during multi‑day outages.

Local resources at a glance

Use these official links for real‑time updates, safety guidance, permits, and outage maps.

Quick printable checklist

• Before: Service generator, test CO detectors, stock water and ice packs, list cooling centers and shelter options, confirm permits for permanent systems.
• During: Keep fridge and freezer closed, use your cool room, run only critical loads, hydrate often, watch for heat illness signs.
• After: Check appliances and food safety, schedule HVAC and generator inspections if needed, restock supplies, update your plan.

Staying comfortable without power is about layers. Combine safe backup power, a cool room, and simple cooling habits, and you can ride out most outages with less stress. If you are buying or selling in Orange County, features like standby power, newer HVAC, and improved insulation can add real value and peace of mind. Talk to The REvest Group to weigh these factors in your next move and to plan a safe, practical approach for your household.

Ready to map out a storm‑smart plan for your home and your real estate goals? Schedule a Free Consultation & Home Valuation with The REvest Group.

FAQs

What generator size can run central AC during an outage?

• It depends on your HVAC tonnage, starting watts, and what else runs at the same time. Many homes use standby units in the 12 to 22 kW range for central AC, but you should have a licensed electrician perform a load calculation.

Do I need permits for a standby generator in Orange County or Orlando?

• Yes, permanent standby systems typically require permits, inspections, and a transfer switch. Check the City of Orlando or Orange County building divisions for specific steps and schedule a licensed installer.

How can I stay cool without a generator?

• Use a cool room strategy, battery or USB fans, cross‑ventilation during cooler hours, cool showers, and plenty of water. Close blinds, avoid ovens, and rest on lower floors to reduce heat exposure.

How long is food safe in my refrigerator during an outage?

• Perishable food that stays above 40°F for more than 2 hours should be discarded. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to extend safe temperatures and use a thermometer to be sure.

Where can I find cooling centers and outage updates in Orange County?

• Check county and city emergency pages for cooling centers and shelters, and use your utility’s outage center for restoration updates. See the Local resources table above for official links.