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Can Summer Storms Damage Your Air Conditioner?

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  • Can Summer Storms Damage Your Air Conditioner?

4 AUG

Can Summer Storms Damage Your Air Conditioner?

After much thought and hours of research you've just purchased a new external air conditioning unit. It has been installed and working great. Then, you learn that a severe thunderstorm is on the way. Are you concerned, or have you ever wondered if a rain storm can damage your external cooling system?

An external cooling system is designed to resist rain damage and continue working during a storm. Since most outdoor compressor or condenser units are made from aluminum, copper or metal, they are engineered to keep working without taking on any damage. Heavy rain alone should have no effect on the performance of your cooling system.

However, there are other factors besides rain that volatile seasonal weather could potentially cause damage the unit.

Falling Debris
During a storm, the chances of rain damaging the unit is nil, however falling debris from trees, high winds blowing projectiles and the unit filling up with yard waste may cause damage. After a storm, check to see that your external cooling unit is clear of all debris (inside and out) to ensure your system can run to its maximum performance.

Electrical Surge
Although your air conditioner is designed to perform in heavy rains, power surges due to lightning strikes and electrical bumps are not good for the unit. If you are experiencing power issues during a storm, it is a good idea to shut down your cooling system to avoid any electrical damage. Once power is fully restored and working normally, you are safe to boot up your AC.

Flooding
A couple inches of rain shouldn't affect your cooling system, however if your unit is submerged in deep standing water, that is a concern. If you experience any more than 15 inches of water around your air conditioner, you should have an HVAC contractor check for damage to the electrical components and any moving parts. We encourage you to have it checked before it is started back up.

Internal Corrosion
Most homeowners cover their external cooling systems during the winter to stop ice and snow from settling on the unit. There is nothing wrong with that, however, when covering you should ensure the system is properly vented so that it doesn't cause an air-tight situation - trapping in moisture for the entire winter. Trapped condensation will rot wiring, rubber and corrode metal parts.

If you have questions about the effects of weather on your cooling system, or think your air conditioner has suffered storm damage, contact us 24/7 by phone at (204) 953-5700. You can also book online on any device while you’re on the go by clicking here and scheduling an appointment.

Tag: Cooling