How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer reaches its peak, your air conditioner may work double-time to keep your Dallas home cool and comfortable. While a lot of summer days are warm and beautiful, you may be no stranger to severe weather. Stormy conditions, and even days with high heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Explore the many ways weather can affect your AC and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

Various weather conditions affect how well your air conditioning unit performs. On particularly hot days, the AC is forced to work harder to maintain the set temperature. The increased workload might lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

Excessive humidity also poses a challenge. 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 decreased performance and a home that your AC isn’t able to cool as well.

Efficiency

Heat waves force your air conditioner to run continuously, resulting in a spike in energy bills. If the system is not designed or installed correctly, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

In contrast, the condensing unit is at risk if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to operate the air conditioner when the outdoor unit is covered in ice could damage the compressor, limiting efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Heavy rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on the outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can block airflow, cut down on system efficiency or dent 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 severe weather, but you can take precautions to safeguard it. Here’s how to shield your air conditioner from harsh incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to run as vigorously, improving efficiency and lengthening the unit’s life span. If possible, position the AC 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 off-season or when severe weather is forecast, 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.
• Maintain your HVAC system regularly: Routine maintenance is a proactive measure to enhance your AC unit’s resilience. After all, a tuned-up air conditioner is less likely to buckle under the stress of high temperatures or humidity. Regular cleaning, filter replacement and timely 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 byproduct of storms that can damage your AC unit’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector adds another layer of defense. On the other hand, you can switch off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor AC unit to tip or move. Likewise, rising water can flow through the internal components. Ensure your outdoor unit is properly secured and raised 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 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 ensure your air conditioner is able to continue to operate safety:

• Conduct a visual inspection: When the sky clears, go outside and inspect your unit. Look for problems such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, branches and other debris to improve airflow and efficiency.
• Check for water damage: If your area has experienced flooding, look for water damage. If you suspect water got into the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally evaluated.
• Schedule a quick repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t delay 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 be impacted by severe weather, but it’s crucial 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 operates safely and efficiently. Our team can handle all your AC service needs in Dallas, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather affect your indoor comfort—contact a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.