How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your air conditioner may work extremely hard to keep your the U.S. home cool and comfortable. While plenty of summer days are warm and beautiful, most people are no stranger to severe weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with extreme heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Learn about the many ways weather can affect your air conditioning and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Several different weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit performs. On very hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to achieve the set temperature. The increased workload might lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also poses a problem. Even though air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This might result in diminished performance and a less comfortable home.

Efficiency

Periods of very hot weather force your air conditioner to run continuously, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or set up in the correct way, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Conversely, 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 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 harm your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, decrease system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the life of your system.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is susceptible to dangerous weather, but you can take steps to take care of 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 run as intensely, 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 place that is shaded during the hot afternoon.
• Invest in an air conditioner cover: AC covers work as a protective shield. During the winter season or when severe weather is predicted, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and deep snowfall. However, make sure you don’t attempt to operate the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Scheduled maintenance is a cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s durability. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of elevated temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and timely inspections ensure your system continues to be 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 damage your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds another level of defense. Alternatively, you can easily switch off your AC during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor cooling unit to fall over or move. Also, rising water can cover the internal elements. Be 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 things that could become hazardous 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 severe weather, follow these steps to ensure your air conditioner is able to continue to function safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and inspect your unit. Check for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, tree limbs and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your area sustained 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 inspected.
• Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy expenses, a reduced life span or total system failure.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to be impacted by severe weather, but it’s essential to be prepared and understand how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your air conditioner runs safely and efficiently. Our team can handle all your AC service needs in the U.S., including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather affect your family’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.