How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to 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, you may be no stranger to dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and the length of its working life. Explore the many ways weather can have an impact on your AC 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 functions. On very hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The larger workload can lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

High humidity also creates a potentially tricky situation. While air conditioners are made to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put stress on the system. This may result in diminished performance and a less comfortable home.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run continuously, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or put in properly, it may struggle 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 AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice might 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 the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can block airflow, decrease system efficiency or damage the metal. Should water flood the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the lifetime of your air conditioning.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

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

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to run as hard, enhancing efficiency and extending the unit’s life span. If possible, position the air conditioning 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 off-season or when severe weather is predicted, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and deep snowfall. Just make sure you don’t attempt to operate the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Routine maintenance is a proactive measure to enhance your AC unit’s operating efficiency. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to fail under the stress of high temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and detailed inspections ensure your system stays 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 ruin your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds an additional layer of defense. Alternatively, you could switch off your air conditioning during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Heavy winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to fall over or move. Likewise, rising water can flood the internal components. Be sure your outdoor unit is properly secured and lifted up 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 hazardous projectiles. This helps protect against denting and other physical damage during severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

In the aftermath of extreme weather, follow these steps to be sure your air conditioner is able to continue to operate safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and inspect your unit. Search for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Get rid of any leaves, tree limbs and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your neighborhood has experienced flooding, look for water damage. If you suspect water got into the unit, it’s always better not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off 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 critical to be prepared and know how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your air conditioner works safely and efficiently. Our team can handle all your AC service needs in Fort Lauderdale, 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.