How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your air conditioner may work extremely hard to keep your Windsor home cool and comfortable. While plenty of summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can affect your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. Learn about 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

Several different weather conditions can alter how well your air conditioning unit performs. On particularly hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to achieve the set temperature. The additional workload might lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also presents a challenge. While air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This might result in reduced performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

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 set up in the correct way, 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 air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can harm the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can block airflow, cut down on system efficiency or damage the metal. When water floods 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 severe weather, but you can take measures to protect 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 run as hard, improving efficiency and extending the unit’s life span. If possible, place the AC 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 work as a protective shield. During the off-season or when severe weather is forecast, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and significant snowfall. Just make sure you don’t attempt to run the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Scheduled maintenance is a simple and easy measure to enhance your AC unit’s operating efficiency. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of elevated temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and comprehensive 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 damage your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds another 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: Heavy winds can cause the outdoor cooling unit to tip or move. Likewise, 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 dangerous projectiles. This helps prevent denting and other physical damage during severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

In the aftermath of extreme 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 outside and view your unit. Look for issues such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clean off any leaves, twigs and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your area sustained flooding, check for water damage. If you think water entered the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
• Schedule a prompt repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone 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 deal with severe weather, but it’s crucial to be prepared and understand how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your HVAC system runs safely and efficiently. Our professionals can handle all your AC service needs in Windsor, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather affect your family’s comfort—phone a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.