Preparing Your Outdoor AC Unit for Summer Storms

Keeping your AC unit up and running is a must for the humid summers here in Northwest Indiana. Having a working air conditioner will keep you cool and comfortable whether you’re relaxing at home on a weekend or you’ve just come home after a long day working in the sun. However, with summer weather also comes summer storms, and preparing ahead will help you avoid damage to your outdoor unit. If you suspect your air conditioner isn’t functioning correctly, a licensed technician can inspect the unit and advise you further.

Weather Risks to AC Units

Because a typical AC unit is located outside the home, there are ways in which it can be susceptible to various weather damage. In fact, it’s commonly recommended that you turn the air conditioning off during severe storms to reduce the risk that your air conditioner will be harmed in the event of a lightning strike. While it isn’t exactly likely that your house will be struck by lightning during a storm, if it is, the resulting power surge can seriously damage your air conditioner.

Lightning damage to an air conditioner can result in costly repairs, or you may even need to replace the unit entirely. Important pieces of the machine, like the control panel, can be affected by a lightning strike, and the plug can even melt from the power surge. Because replacing a unit before you planned can be costly, it may not be a bad idea to try and avoid damage by turning off the AC during severe storms. 

Other Ways to Protect An Air Conditioner

While lightning is one of the more catastrophic ways your AC unit can be affected by summer storms, it isn’t the only possible source of damage. High winds can also blow additional dirt and debris into the coils and fins, and hail can do some additional harm. Cleaning the unit after a big storm and installing a hail screen can help keep your air conditioner in good shape. If you aren’t comfortable doing this type of maintenance on your own, you can also call a technician for expert advice. 

A good time to ask maintenance questions about your AC unit is during a regular service visit. Having your air conditioner serviced once a year before summer comes will keep it in tip-top shape and is a good way to help avoid sudden repairs in the hottest parts of the year. During your service visit, Comfort One’s experts will inspect the most important parts of the machine and advise you if any repairs are necessary.

Expert Heating and Cooling With Comfort One

There are many steps you can take to prevent damage to your AC unit from summer storms. However, regular maintenance is also a crucial part of keeping your air conditioner in working order throughout the hot summer. Our knowledgeable technicians at Comfort One can help you to maintain, repair, or replace your AC unit to keep your home cool and comfortable. Contact us today for a free estimate of our expert HVAC services.