How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer hits its peak, your air conditioner may work extra hard to keep your Edmonton 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 extreme heat and humidity, can impact your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and life span. Explore the many ways weather can affect your air conditioning 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 is forced to work harder to attain and hold the set temperature. The increased workload can lead to an overworked system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also creates a challenge. Although air conditioners are made to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This might 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 your AC system is not designed or set up correctly, it may be unable to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

Alternatively, the condensing unit is in jeopardy if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to run the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, decreasing efficiency and possibly causing a total breakdown of your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Substantial rain, wind, hail or snow can damage the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can obstruct airflow, cut down on system efficiency or damage the metal. Should water flood 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 preventive measures to take care of 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 hard, improving 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.
• Invest in an air conditioner cover: AC covers work as a protective shield. During the cooler months or when severe weather is forecast, consider covering your air conditioner to protect it from flying debris, falling ice and heavy snowfall. Don’t forget, though, to 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 cost-effective measure to enhance your AC unit’s overall health. After all, an efficient air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of elevated 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 consequence of storms that can harm your AC unit’s electrical hardware. Installing a surge protector adds an extra layer of defense. Alternatively, you could turn off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Strong winds can cause the outdoor AC unit to topple or move. Similarly, rising water can flow through the internal components. Ensure your outdoor unit is properly 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 items 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 severe 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, tree limbs and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your neighborhood has experienced flooding, check for water damage. If you suspect water has entered 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 delay air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy costs, a reduced life span or total system disaster.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to be impacted by severe weather, but it’s essential to be prepared and recognize how to recover. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer post-storm inspections and repairs to ensure your HVAC system works safely and efficiently. Our professionals can handle all your AC service needs in Edmonton, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather impact your family’s comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.