How Severe Weather Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

When summer gets to its peak, your air conditioner may work double-time to keep your Calgary 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 significant heat and humidity, can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, efficiency and longevity. Discover the many ways weather can have an impact on your AC and how to protect it.

Impact of Weather on Your Air Conditioner

Performance

A variety of weather conditions may change how well your air conditioning unit functions. On especially hot days, the AC must work harder to achieve the set temperature. The larger workload could lead to an overburdened system, causing a breakdown.

High humidity also creates a problem. Even though air conditioners are made to dehumidify the air as they cool it, excessive humidity can strain the system. This may result in decreased performance and a home that isn’t as comfortable.

Efficiency

Periods of very hot weather force your air conditioner to run much more than usual, causing a spike in energy bills. If your AC system is not designed or set up in the correct way, it may not be able to meet the cooling demand under these conditions.

In contrast, the condensing unit is vulnerable if used in subfreezing conditions. Attempting to use the AC when the outdoor unit is covered in ice can damage the compressor, reducing efficiency and possibly ruining your cooling system.

Weather-Induced Damage

Substantial rain, wind, hail or snow can inflict damage on a home’s outdoor AC unit. Debris from storms can prevent airflow, cut down on system efficiency or hammer away at the metal. If water floods the system, corrosion or short-circuiting may occur, shortening the life of your air conditioning.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Severe Weather

The outdoor AC unit is vulnerable to dangerous weather, but you can take preventive measures to safeguard it. Here’s how to save your air conditioner from harsh incoming weather:

• Install your air conditioner in the shade: A shaded outdoor unit doesn’t have to run as intensely, improving efficiency and prolonging the unit’s life span. If possible, put the air conditioner 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 off-season 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 run 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 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 continues to be in top-notch condition and is ready to deal with any weather.
• Install a surge protector: Power surges are a common consequence of storms that can harm your AC unit’s electrical elements. Installing a surge protector adds an additional level of defense. On the other hand, you could turn off your HVAC equipment during severe weather by flipping the circuit breaker.
• Secure and elevate your outdoor unit: Gusty winds can cause the outdoor cooling unit to fall over or move. Similarly, rising water can flow through the internal elements. 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 items 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 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 outside and examine your unit. Look for damage such as dents, exposed wires or an off-kilter base.
• Clear debris: Remove any leaves, twigs and other debris to increase airflow and efficiency.
• Look for water damage: If your property suffered flooding, check for water damage. If you suspect water got into the unit, it’s best not to turn it on until you have it professionally inspected.
• Schedule a prompt repair: In the case of storm damage, don’t put off air conditioning repair, or you risk higher energy bills, a reduced life span or total system breakdown.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to be impacted by 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 AC runs safely and efficiently. Our staff can handle all your AC service needs in Calgary, including maintenance, repair and replacement. Don’t let severe weather influence your indoor comfort—reach out to a Service Experts office near you for more information or to schedule a visit today.