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 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 high heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. Learn about the many ways weather can have an impact on your air conditioning and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

A variety of weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit functions. On particularly hot days, the AC has to work harder to maintain the set temperature. The larger workload can lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also poses a problem. While air conditioners are made to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This might result in decreased performance and a home that your AC isn’t able to cool as well.

Efficiency

Periods of very hot weather force your air conditioner to run continuously, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or installed properly, it may struggle to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

In contrast, the condensing unit is vulnerable if it functions in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the air conditioning when the outdoor unit is covered in ice could 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 block airflow, cut down on system efficiency or dent the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may occur, shortening the life span of your system.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

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

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as hard, increasing efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, put the air conditioning 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 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 heavy snowfall. However, 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 overall health. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to buckle 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 keep you cool and comfortable in any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common consequence of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds another level of defense. On the other hand, you can easily switch off your air conditioning during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Strong winds can cause the outdoor AC unit to tip or move. Also, rising water can flood 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: Make sure to keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose objects that could become dangerous projectiles. This helps prevent denting and other physical damage during severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

In the aftermath of severe weather, follow these steps to ensure your air conditioner is able to continue to operate safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outdoors and view your unit. Look for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clear away any leaves, twigs and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your property has experienced flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you believe water has entered the unit, it’s a very good idea not to turn it on until you have it professionally inspected.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone air conditioning repair, or you risk high energy costs, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

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