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How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your AC may work extremely hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While a lot of summer days are warm and beautiful, most people are no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with extreme heat and humidity, can affect your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Discover the many ways weather can influence 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 performs. On especially hot days, the AC must work harder to attain and hold the set temperature. The additional workload can lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also creates a potentially tricky situation. Even though air conditioners are supposed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This may result in reduced performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Periods of very hot weather force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, leading to a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or set up properly, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

In contrast, the condensing unit is at risk if it functions in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice could damage the compressor, decreasing efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can damage the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, reduce system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting might 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 steps to take care of it. Here’s how to shield your air conditioner from damaging incoming weather:

    • Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to work as vigorously, increasing efficiency and extending the unit’s life span. If possible, put 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 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 run 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 fail 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 keep you cool and comfortable in any weather.
    • Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common result of storms that can harm your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds an additional form of defense. As an alternative, you can switch off your air conditioning during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
    • Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Heavy winds can cause the outdoor cooling unit to tip or move. Similarly, rising water can cover the internal parts. Make sure your outdoor unit is completely 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 things that could become dangerous projectiles. This helps protect against denting and other physical damage during the course of 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 outdoors and view your unit. Look for problems such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
    • Clear debris: Clean off any leaves, sticks and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
    • Inspect for water damage: If your property suffered flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you believe water got into the unit, it’s a very good idea not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
    • Schedule a timely 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 failure.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to deal with 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 operates 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 influence your family’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.

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