How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer hits its peak, your AC may work double-time 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 severe weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Discover 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

A variety of weather conditions can alter how well your air conditioning unit performs. On particularly hot days, the AC has to work harder to attain and hold the set temperature. The additional workload might lead to an overloaded system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also presents 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 reduced performance and a less comfortable home.

Efficiency

Prolonged high temperatures force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, leading to a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or installed correctly, it may struggle to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

In contrast, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice might damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can damage your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, cut down on system efficiency or dent the metal. Should water flood the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may occur, shortening the life of your unit.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

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

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to work as hard, increasing efficiency and lengthening the unit’s life span. If possible, position the air conditioning on the north or east side of your home or somewhere else 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 deep snowfall. However, 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 simple and easy measure to enhance your AC unit’s durability. After all, a regularly serviced air conditioner is less likely to break under the stress of high temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and detailed 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 consequence of storms that can ruin your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds an extra layer of defense. Alternatively, you can easily power off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to tip or move. Likewise, rising water can cover the internal parts. Ensure your outdoor unit is correctly secured and raised on bricks or platforms designed to protect it from wind and water damage.
• Clear your yard of debris: Keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose things that could become harmful projectiles. This helps avoid denting and other physical damage during the course of severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

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

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and examine your unit. Check for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clear away any leaves, sticks and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your neighborhood sustained flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you think water has entered the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally serviced.
• Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t delay air conditioning repair, or you risk increased energy costs, 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 air conditioning system performs safely and efficiently. Our staff can handle all your AC service needs in the U.S., including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather alter your family’s comfort—reach out to a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.