How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer hits its peak, your air conditioning may work extra hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While plenty of summer days are warm and beautiful, most areas of the country are no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and the length of its working life. Learn about the many ways weather can affect your air conditioner and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Various weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit works. On especially hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The increased workload can lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also poses a problem. Even though air conditioners are supposed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put stress on the system. This might result in reduced performance and a home that your AC isn’t able to cool as well.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, leading to a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or put in correctly, it may be unable to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Conversely, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if it functions in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly wrecking your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can harm a home’s outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, decrease system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the lifetime of your air conditioning.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is vulnerable to dangerous weather, but you can take steps to protect it. Here’s how to save your air conditioner from damaging incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to run as intensely, increasing efficiency and lengthening the unit’s life span. If possible, place the air conditioner on the north or east side of your home or in another place that is shaded during the hot afternoon.
• Invest in an air conditioner cover: AC covers work as a protective shield. During the off-season or when severe weather is expected, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and heavy snowfall. Don’t forget, though, to make sure you don’t attempt to turn on the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Routine maintenance is a cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s operating efficiency. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to break under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and comprehensive inspections ensure your system stays in top-notch condition and is ready to face any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common result of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds an extra level of defense. As an alternative, you can easily switch off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Strong winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to topple or move. Similarly, rising water can flow through the internal elements. Ensure your outdoor unit is properly secured and elevated on bricks or platforms designed to protect it from wind and water damage.
• Clear your yard of debris: Make sure to keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose objects that could become harmful projectiles. This helps avoid denting and other physical damage during severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

In the aftermath of very bad weather, follow these steps to be sure your air conditioner is able to continue to run safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and examine your unit. Check for problems such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Get rid of any leaves, sticks and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Look for water damage: If your area has experienced flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you believe water entered the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally serviced.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy expenses, a reduced life span or total system failure.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to feel the impact of severe weather, but it’s crucial to be prepared and recognize how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your AC performs safely and efficiently. Our professionals can handle all your AC service needs in the U.S., including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather impact your indoor comfort—phone a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.