How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer hits its peak, your air conditioner may work extra 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 hinder 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 may change how well your air conditioning unit functions. On very hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The increased workload could lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

High humidity also presents a problem. While air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put stress on the system. This might result in reduced performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Prolonged high temperatures force your air conditioner to run constantly, leading to a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or set up correctly, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Conversely, the condensing unit is at risk if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice could damage the compressor, reducing efficiency and possibly wrecking your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can harm your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can prevent airflow, cut down on system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. When water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may 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 preventive measures to protect it. Here’s how to protect your air conditioner from harsh incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to operate as vigorously, increasing efficiency and extending the unit’s life span. If possible, position the AC 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 winter season or when severe weather is predicted, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and significant snowfall. Don’t forget, though, to make sure you don’t attempt to operate the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Performing regular maintenance is a proactive measure to enhance your AC unit’s durability. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of extreme temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and detailed 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 result of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds an additional form of defense. Alternatively, you can 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 topple or move. Also, rising water can flow through the internal parts. Make sure your outdoor unit is completely secured and lifted up on bricks or platforms designed to protect it from wind and water damage.
• Clear your yard of debris: Always keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose objects that could become hazardous 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 make sure your air conditioner is able to continue to run safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outdoors and view your unit. Search for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Get rid of any leaves, sticks and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your property sustained flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you believe water got into the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally inspected.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk increased energy costs, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to deal with 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 runs 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 home’s comfort—phone a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.