How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner
When summer reaches its peak, your air conditioning may work double-time to keep your Dayton 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 extreme heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Learn about the many ways weather can influence your air conditioning and how to protect it.
Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner
Performance
Various weather conditions may change how well your air conditioning unit performs. On very hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to maintain the set temperature. The increased workload could lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.
Excessive humidity also creates a challenge. While air conditioners are designed26 to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This may result in diminished performance and a home that your AC isn't able to cool as well.
Efficiency
Heat waves force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, leading to a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or put in properly, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.
In contrast, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to run the air conditioning 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 inflict damage on the 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 could occur, shortening the lifetime of your unit.
The outdoor AC unit is vulnerable to severe weather, but you can take measures to take care of 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 operate as intensely, enhancing efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, put the air conditioning unit 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 provide 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 heavy 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: Performing regular maintenance is a simple and easy measure to enhance your AC unit’s resilience. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to fail under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and comprehensive inspections ensure your system stays 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 ruin your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds another 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 tip or move. Similarly, rising water can flow through the internal elements. Be 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: 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 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 run safety:
- Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and examine your unit. Look for damage108 such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
- Clear debris: Clear away any leaves, branches and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
- Inspect for water damage: If your area suffered flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you think water got into the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
- Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy bills, a reduced life span or total system disaster.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
No one wants to be impacted by 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 AC works safely and efficiently. Our staff can handle all your AC service needs in Dayton, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather influence your home's comfort—phone a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.
