Here in Central Indiana, summer storms can create a great deal of destruction. A weather system can pose many hazards to your home’s HVAC system. Storms bring lightning which can strike and cause a power surge or result in electrical damage to your air conditioner, high winds pick up debris from your yard and send matter crashing into your home as well as the outdoor air conditioning unit, hail causes damage to the condenser, and heavy rain may lead to flooding that could destroy the cooling unit. Once the storm has passed, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover all the destruction and repair or replacement services needed to fix HVAC equipment.
It’s a good idea to prepare for storms and inclement summer weather ahead of time to minimize harm to your HVAC unit. Protect air conditioner from summer storms with the tips below from Williams Comfort Air. Take steps to shield your AC unit from lightning strikes, electricity surges, and other unpredictable conditions now – when you help protect your AC now, you’re protecting your comfort and wallet in advance.
Even before summer, you can take steps to protect against possible storm damage.
During a storm, your outdoor HVAC equipment can be harmed by flooding, falling debris, high winds, tornadoes, lightning strikes, and hail. It’s a good idea make sure you’re protected now.
Specific home improvement projects can provide protection and peace of mind when the stormy season starts. Consider your options now and contact a skilled professional to make these upgrades to your home.
When a storm approaches, you have a lot on your mind – picking up the yard probably doesn’t make the list. Branches, lawn furniture, and outdoor toys can become projectiles during a storm and cause damage to your air conditioning equipment or the home. Instead, make this maintenance part of your normal routine to help protect your air conditioner when foul weather arrives.
When the weather forecast shows a summer storm is moving in, it’s time to get to work and protect your air conditioner from potential harm.
A lightning strike or a downed tree due to high winds can knock out your home’s power during summer storms. If you don’t have a backup generator, you’ll have no way to cool your house throughout the utility outage. If you suspect your home may lose power in a coming storm, take steps ahead of time to cool your home and keep everyone comfortable until power is restored.
An outdoor air conditioner is designed to last through constant exposure to the elements. It’s not necessary to cover the unit during summer storms, but doing so can provide some added protection from flying or falling debris.
Remember, once the storm has passed, do not start up air conditioners with any covers still in place. Uncover the condenser right away to stop moisture from staying trapped inside the unit, which could cause mold and mildew growth.
If your outdoor air conditioning unit is exposed or elevated on a rooftop or platform, make sure it is firmly strapped into place. Strong wind gusts may cause AC units to topple.
If lightning hits your home or strikes nearby in your yard, it may send a surge of power through your electrical system and connected equipment, such as your HVAC system. Power surges from storms can fry system components or wiring and may damage the unit beyond repair. By cutting the system’s electrical connection, you can protect your unit from serious surge damage.
Once it is safe to go outside again, check the condition of your home and AC unit.
Inspect the AC Unit for Damage
If debris, wind, and other storm-related issues have damaged your AC, you don’t want to run the system before these problems are repaired – doing so has the potential to cause further harm to air conditioning units.
Summer weather can pose a danger to your outdoor cooling equipment. If you suspect your exterior air conditioner or heat pump has been impacted by floods, high winds, hail, or other weather-related damage, contact Williams Comfort Air today to have your system inspected and repaired if needed.