How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your AC may work extra hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While many summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and the length of its working life. Explore the many ways weather can have an impact on your air conditioner and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Various weather conditions may change how well your air conditioning unit works. On very hot days, the AC has to work harder to achieve the set temperature. The increased workload can lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also creates a problem. Although air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This might result in decreased performance and a home that your AC isn’t able to cool as well.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run constantly, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or put in properly, it may be unable to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Alternatively, the condensing unit is vulnerable if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to use the air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice could damage the compressor, decreasing efficiency and possibly causing a total breakdown of your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on a home’s outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can block airflow, reduce system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. When water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the life span of your system.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

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

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as intensely, enhancing efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, place the air conditioner on the north or east side of your home or in another spot that is shaded during the hot afternoon.
• Invest in an air conditioner cover: AC covers provide a protective shield. During the cooler months or when severe weather is predicted, 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 operate the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Scheduled maintenance is a cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s durability. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and timely inspections ensure your system remains in top-notch condition and is ready to face any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common byproduct of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds an extra layer of defense. Alternatively, you could turn off your air conditioning during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor AC unit to tip or move. Also, rising water can flood 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: Always keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose items that could become hazardous projectiles. This helps prevent denting and other physical damage from severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

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

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outside and inspect your unit. Look for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, tree limbs and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your property sustained flooding, look for water damage. If you think water got into the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk increased energy bills, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

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