How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your AC may work double-time to keep your Fort Lauderdale home cool and comfortable. While plenty of 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 the length of its working life. Explore the many ways weather can have an impact on your air conditioning 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 very hot days, the AC must work harder to attain and hold the set temperature. The additional workload could lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also poses a challenge. Although air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put stress on the system. This can result in reduced performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, resulting in 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.

Alternatively, the condensing unit is vulnerable if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the air conditioning 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

Substantial rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on a home’s 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 vulnerable to dangerous weather, but you can take steps to protect it. Here’s how to protect your air conditioner from damaging incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to work as hard, 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 place that is 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 predicted, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and heavy snowfall. Don’t forget, though, to make sure you don’t attempt to run 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, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to fail under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and timely 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 byproduct of storms that can ruin your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds an additional form of defense. On the other hand, you can easily switch off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Strong winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to fall over or move. Likewise, rising water can cover the internal components. Ensure your outdoor unit is correctly secured and raised 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 harmful projectiles. This helps prevent 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 run safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outdoors and inspect your unit. Search for issues such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Get rid of any leaves, twigs and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your area has experienced flooding, check for water damage. If you believe water entered the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally serviced.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t delay 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 feel the impact of severe weather, but it’s critical to be prepared and recognize how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your AC operates safely and efficiently. Our professionals can handle all your AC service needs in Fort Lauderdale, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather affect your indoor comfort—reach out to a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.