How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your AC may work extra hard to keep your Fort Lauderdale home cool and comfortable. While plenty of summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to severe weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. 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

A variety of weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit performs. On particularly hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The additional workload could lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also poses a potentially tricky situation. While air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This may result in reduced performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Periods of very hot weather force your air conditioner to run constantly, causing a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or installed correctly, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Alternatively, the condensing unit is at risk if it functions in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to use the air conditioner 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

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can harm the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, cut down on system efficiency or damage the metal. When water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting could occur, shortening the life span of your air conditioning.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is sensitive to extreme weather, but you can take steps 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 run as intensely, increasing efficiency and extending the unit’s life span. If possible, put the air conditioner on the north or east side of your home or somewhere else 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 expected, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and heavy snowfall. Just make sure you don’t attempt to run 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 operating efficiency. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to break under the stress of high temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and timely inspections ensure your system continues to be in top-notch condition and is ready to face any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common byproduct of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds another level of defense. On the other hand, you can easily turn off your air conditioning 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. Similarly, rising water can flow through the internal parts. Ensure your outdoor unit is properly secured and raised 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 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 extreme 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 outside and examine your unit. Search for issues such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clear away any leaves, branches and other debris to maximize airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your neighborhood sustained flooding, examine your HVAC equipment 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 serviced.
• Schedule a prompt repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy expenses, a reduced life span or total system breakdown.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to deal with severe weather, but it’s essential 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 performs safely and efficiently. Our staff can handle all your AC service needs in Fort Lauderdale, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather alter your indoor comfort—reach out to a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.