How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your AC may work extremely 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 dangerous weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and the length of its working life. 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 affect how well your air conditioning unit works. On very hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The additional workload can lead to an overloaded system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also presents a potentially tricky situation. While 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

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run constantly, leading to a spike in energy bills. If a home’s HVAC system is not designed or installed properly, it may struggle to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Conversely, the condensing unit is at risk if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice might damage the compressor, reducing efficiency and possibly causing a total breakdown of your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Significant rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on a home’s outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can prevent 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 unit.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is susceptible to extreme weather, but you can take precautions to secure 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 operate as intensely, enhancing efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, put 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 are a protective shield. During the off-season or when severe weather is forecast, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and significant snowfall. However, 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 proactive measure to enhance your AC unit’s overall health. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to break 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 result of storms that can ruin your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds another form of defense. Alternatively, you could turn off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Heavy winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to tip or move. Similarly, rising water can cover the internal parts. Make 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: Keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose items that could become dangerous projectiles. This helps prevent denting and other physical damage during severe weather.

Checking on Your AC After a Storm

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

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outside and examine your unit. Look for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, twigs and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect for water damage: If your neighborhood sustained flooding, check for water damage. If you suspect water got into the unit, it’s a very good idea not to turn it on until you have it professionally inspected.
• Schedule a prompt repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t postpone air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy costs, 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 critical 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 performs 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 family’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.