How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your air conditioning 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 extreme weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with significant heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. 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 works. On especially hot days, the AC has to work harder to maintain the set temperature. The additional workload might lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

Extreme humidity also presents a challenge. Even though air conditioners are designed to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can put stress on the system. This can result in decreased performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Prolonged high temperatures force your air conditioner to run continuously, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If a home’s HVAC system is not designed or put in correctly, it may be unable to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Alternatively, the condensing unit is at risk if operated in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to use the air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Substantial rain, wind, hail or snow can damage your outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, decrease system efficiency or damage the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may occur, shortening the life span of your air conditioning.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is sensitive to dangerous weather, but you can take steps to take care of it. Here’s how to protect your air conditioner from damaging incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to work as hard, improving 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 place 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. However, make sure you don’t attempt to turn on the air conditioner while the outdoor unit is covered.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Routine maintenance is a simple and easy measure to enhance your AC unit’s operating efficiency. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to break 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 keep you cool and comfortable in 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 extra layer of defense. As an alternative, you can switch 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. Likewise, rising water can flow through the internal parts. Make sure your outdoor unit is completely secured and elevated on bricks or platforms designed to protect it from wind and water damage.
• Clear your yard of debris: Make sure to keep the space around your air conditioner clear of loose objects that could become harmful 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 run safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outdoors and inspect your unit. Search for issues such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Clear away any leaves, twigs and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Look for water damage: If your neighborhood suffered flooding, examine your HVAC equipment for water damage. If you think water got into the unit, it’s a very good idea not to turn it on until you have it professionally inspected.
• Schedule a timely repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off 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 deal with severe weather, but it’s crucial to be prepared and recognize how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your air conditioner 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 alter your home’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.