How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner
When summer hits its peak, your AC may work extremely hard to keep your Fort Lauderdale home cool and comfortable. While a lot of summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to extreme 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. Discover the many ways weather can influence 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 works. On especially hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The larger workload might lead to an overloaded system, causing a breakdown.
High humidity also creates a challenge. Even though air conditioners are made to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put extra pressure on the system. This may result in decreased performance and a less comfortable home.
Efficiency
Prolonged high temperatures force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, causing a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or installed properly, it may be unable to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.
In contrast, the condensing unit is at risk if it functions in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to run the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, decreasing efficiency and possibly wrecking your cooling system.
Weather-Induced Damage
Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can damage your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can prevent airflow, cut down on system efficiency or dent the metal. Should water flood the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may occur, shortening the lifetime of your unit.
Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather
The outdoor AC unit is vulnerable to severe weather, but you can take steps to protect it. Here’s how to save your air conditioner from harsh incoming weather:
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- Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as intensely, increasing efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, position the air conditioning on the north or east side of your home or somewhere else shaded during the hot afternoon.
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- Invest in an air conditioner cover: AC covers provide a protective shield. During the off-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 turn on the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
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- Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Routine maintenance is a cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s durability. 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 detailed inspections ensure your system stays in top-notch condition and is ready to keep you cool and comfortable in any weather.
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- Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common result of storms that can ruin your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds another layer of defense. On the other hand, you can power off your AC during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
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- Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Heavy winds can cause the outdoor air conditioning unit to tip or move. Likewise, rising water can flood the internal elements. Ensure your outdoor unit is properly secured and lifted up on bricks or platforms designed to protect it from wind and water damage.
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- Clear your yard of debris: Keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose things that could become hazardous projectiles. This helps prevent denting and other physical damage from 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 run safety:
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- Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go out and examine your unit. Search for problems such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
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- Clear debris: Clean off any leaves, branches and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
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- Check for water damage: If your neighborhood suffered flooding, check for water damage. If you believe water has entered the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
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- Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk high energy costs, a reduced life span or total system failure.
Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
No one wants to deal with 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 staff can handle all your AC service needs in Fort Lauderdale, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather alter your family’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.