How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer hits its peak, your air conditioner may work extremely hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While many summer days are warm and beautiful, most areas of the country are no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can affect your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. Discover the many ways weather can affect your AC and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Various weather conditions can alter how well your air conditioning unit works. On particularly hot days, the AC has to work harder to attain and hold the set temperature. The larger workload could lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also poses a potentially tricky situation. While air conditioners are supposed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This can result in decreased performance and a less comfortable home.

Efficiency

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

In contrast, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to use the air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly causing a total breakdown of your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on a home's outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can prevent airflow, decrease system efficiency or dent the metal. Should water flood the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the life of your unit.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is vulnerable to dangerous weather, but you can take steps to secure it. Here’s how to save your air conditioner from severe incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as vigorously, improving efficiency and lengthening the unit’s life span. If possible, place 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 off-season or when severe weather is forecast, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and deep snowfall. Don't forget, though, to make sure you don’t attempt to turn on the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Performing regular maintenance is a cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s operating efficiency. After all, a regularly serviced air conditioner is less likely to break under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and detailed inspections ensure your system continues to be 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 harm your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds an additional layer of defense. On the other hand, you could power 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 topple or move. Also, rising water can flow through the internal parts. Make sure your outdoor unit is correctly secured and elevated 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 items that could become dangerous projectiles. This helps protect against denting and other physical damage from severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

In the aftermath of severe 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 outdoors and examine your unit. Check for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clean off any leaves, branches and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your area suffered flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you think water entered the unit, it’s a very good idea not to turn it on until you have it professionally serviced.
• Schedule a prompt repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy expenses, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Total Home Comfort

No one wants to feel the impact of severe weather, but it’s critical to be prepared and recognize how to recover. At Service Experts Total Home Comfort, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your air conditioning system works 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 home's comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.