Spring Storms and Your Air Conditioner: Protecting Your System From Weather-Related Damage
When you invest in a quality air conditioner, you expect it to work well all year. Unfortunately, spring storms can bring heavy rain and strong winds, posing potential threats to your AC system. The last thing you need on a warm spring day is a malfunctioning AC, so let’s discuss a prep strategy you can use to protect your AC from storm damage.
Understanding Weather-Related Risks
When big storms roll in during the spring, you may be worried about nearby power lines going down, flying debris, damage to your car, and more. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook the potential weather-related risks threatening their outdoor AC units. If you have an outdoor air conditioner, it could sustain damage from the following during a severe storm:
- Flooding, causing water damage, electrical shortages, and more
- Electrical surges, frying the unit compressor, wiring, etc.
- The impact from falling branches, windblown debris, etc.
The Importance of Protection Measures
Protecting your AC from damage prevents unwanted costs. If your AC gets damaged during a storm, you’ll face expensive repair or replacement expenses, and you may have to live in an uncomfortably hot home for days. By taking proactive steps to protect your AC system from weather-related damage, you can preserve your wallet while maintaining your home’s comfort.
Air conditioner units require ideal conditions for optimal longevity and efficiency. When you take care of your unit, you can enjoy lower operating costs and a better return on your investment.
Tips for Protecting Your AC System
So, how can you protect your air conditioner this spring to prevent expensive repair and maintenance costs? We recommend the following six storm protection tips:
1. Clear Debris
Before or after any storm, you must go through the proper debris removal steps to prevent any additional damage to your unit. Tree branches, decorative lawn items, leaves, and more can blow near the AC unit on windy days. During a severe storm, debris can get lodged in the air conditioner unit, causing severe damage and obstructions.
We recommend conducting a routine and full debris and damage inspection to remove anything that doesn’t belong. Call an expert if you notice other issues while looking around, such as pooling water, loud sounds, or weird odors.
2. Install a Surge Protector
Thunderstorms often cause power surges that can knock out your electricity, damaging sensitive electrical equipment and wiring. Installing surge protectors is a smart move to safeguard your AC unit.
Electrical surge protection automatically shuts your AC and other major units off whenever dangerous spikes are detected. This upfront investment can save you from the expense of dealing with fried compressors, burnt fuses, and more down the line.
3. Consider Investing in a Protective Covering
While we may not get much rain in our part of the country, wind storms can cause severe damage to outdoor units during the spring. When large tree branches hit your air conditioner, or other debris gets stuck inside, major components can fail, causing irreversible damage. Consider installing a protective cover to minimize damage while increasing your outdoor unit security.
Special guards cover the unit with thick metal netting that you can keep on the AC all year. Unlike covers, the solution comes with a hatch that your HVAC contractors can open whenever they need to service the unit.
4. Elevate the Unit
In addition to regional flood prevention efforts, there are things you can do at home to mitigate the risks of damage during heavy storms. One of those is anchoring the unit on a raised pad. While outdoor units may be able to handle rain, they can suffer severe damage when sitting in sustained water during a flood. Minimize flood risks by raising the unit with proper drainage and bordering.
5. Schedule Preventative HVAC Services
Before the spring season, we recommend scheduling routine HVAC services with an expert technician to ensure that your air conditioner is in good shape. During your professional HVAC inspection, the technician can identify and resolve any potential vulnerabilities to prepare your unit for the upcoming season. Preventative HVAC services also ensure your unit operates at peak energy efficiency so you can save on operating costs as the weather gets warmer.
6. Turn the Unit Off During Storms and Prepare for Severe Weather
Now that you’ve prepared your unit for the season, all you need to do is get ready for the next storm. If the forecast shows a big storm rolling through, you should turn your unit off during the thunderstorm to reduce the risks of electrical damage. To increase indoor comfort, we recommend using a pre-cooling strategy the day before to get your home as cool as possible in advance.
You should have a plan for quickly shutting your unit off in the case of an unexpected storm. Emergency preparedness is vital for severe weather. Your family should stock up on all essentials, such as water and canned food, in anticipation of long-term power outages.
You can also consider investing in a power generator if you’re concerned about major weather events.
After the storm passes, be sure to check the unit for damage. If you notice any issues, call a professional for a thorough inspection so you can repair the damage as soon as possible.
Need Help Preparing Your Unit for Spring?
Preparing your air conditioner for spring may seem like a lot of work, but you’ll feel grateful when you don’t have to fork out hundreds in repair bills. Proper preparation protects your system’s longevity and efficiency. We also keep our finger on the pulse of the local climate to ensure our customers are ready should the unexpected happen.
If you need help, you’ve come to the right place. At AC Plus Heating & Cooling, we provide comprehensive AC services, including routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, and more.
Don’t let flooding like we had last year take you off guard again. Call AC Plus Heating & Cooling in Southern California today at (760) 243-4440 to schedule air conditioner services.