How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your AC may work double-time to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While a lot of summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to extreme weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. Discover the many ways weather can influence your AC and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Various weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit performs. On particularly hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to maintain the set temperature. The increased workload could lead to an overloaded system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also creates a problem. Even though air conditioners are supposed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This might result in diminished performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run constantly, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or set up in the correct way, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Conversely, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, reducing efficiency and possibly causing a total breakdown of your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can harm your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can block airflow, decrease system efficiency or dent the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the life span of your unit.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is susceptible to dangerous weather, but you can take preventive measures to secure it. Here’s how to protect your air conditioner from severe incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as intensely, improving efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, position the AC 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 winter season or when severe weather is forecast, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and significant snowfall. Don’t forget, though, to make sure you don’t attempt to run the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Performing regular maintenance is a proactive measure to enhance your AC unit’s resilience. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of elevated temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and detailed inspections ensure your system stays in top-notch condition and is ready to keep you cool and comfortable in any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common result of storms that can ruin your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds an extra level of defense. On the other hand, you can 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 air conditioning unit to tip or move. Also, rising water can cover the internal components. Be sure your outdoor unit is completely secured and raised 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 things 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 ensure your air conditioner is able to continue to function safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outside and view your unit. Check for issues such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, sticks and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your neighborhood has experienced flooding, look for water damage. If you suspect water got into the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
• Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t delay air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy costs, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to be impacted by severe weather, but it’s essential to be prepared and know how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your air conditioner 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 influence your indoor comfort—reach out to a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.