How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your air conditioning may work extra hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While many summer days are warm and beautiful, most people are no stranger to extreme weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can affect your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Explore the many ways weather can affect your AC and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

A variety of weather conditions may change how well your air conditioning unit works. On very hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to achieve the set temperature. The larger workload can lead to an overloaded system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also presents a potentially tricky situation. While air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This can result in reduced performance and a home that your AC isn’t able to cool as well.

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 properly, it may be unable 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 air conditioner 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

Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can damage a home’s outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, reduce system efficiency or damage the metal. If water floods 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 severe weather, but you can take preventive measures to secure it. Here’s how to save your air conditioner from harsh incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to work as vigorously, enhancing efficiency and lengthening the unit’s life span. If possible, position the air conditioner 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 predicted, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and significant snowfall. However, make sure you don’t attempt to turn on 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 resilience. After all, a regularly serviced air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of high temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and comprehensive inspections ensure your system remains in top-notch condition and is ready to deal with 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. As an alternative, you could switch off your air conditioning during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor cooling unit to tip or move. Similarly, rising water can cover the internal elements. Be sure your outdoor unit is completely secured and lifted up 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 the course of severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

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

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outdoors and examine your unit. Search for problems such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clean off any leaves, tree limbs and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your area has experienced flooding, look 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 evaluated.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t delay air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy expenses, 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 home’s comfort—phone a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.