Weather & Your Air Conditioner

Your AC unit is a valuable part of your home, especially during the summer months. However, summer in the Midwest is also a time for storms. HVAC systems are huge investments, so it's only natural to be concerned about our outside units during thunderstorms. From hail to lightning, there are dangers around every corner for our AC units during summer storms. Royal Heating & Air takes a look at how weather can affect our AC units and how we can protect them.

Summer Storms

There are some components in your AC unit that could be damaged by moisture. Luckily, these parts are well protected from the elements. It can rain all day and night without an issue, and on top of that, most AC units can withstand temporary flooding of several inches.

Although, if there's flooding that is a foot or deeper, that could pose a greater risk of damage. If this happens, shut off all power to your HVAC system at the breaker immediately and schedule an inspection and service with a professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks after the water subsides.

In addition to water, your AC unit can also handle some abuse from hail or windblown debris. A couple dents in the exterior of the unit won't do much harm, however, a Lake of the Ozarks HVAC technician should inspect the damage to be sure. Some dents, especially to coils and fins, can hurt the energy efficiency and needs to be repaired.

If possible, a quick inspection of your yard before a storm for any loose branches or other debris could help tremendously. A big part of preventing damage is throwing away or securing items before the wind begins to pick up.

Cover It Up

If you're concerned about the risk of damage, you could invest in an AC unit cover. These are designed to protect AC units from the elements or debris. However, it's important to make sure you purchase a cover designed for your system, as homemade covers could inhibit airflow and do more damage to your system. If your cover doesn't allow proper airflow, it could trap moisture in the unit leading to corrosion and mold growth. Don't place anything on top of the AC unit like plywood, as it could block vents or trap heat, which could make your system run inefficiently and cause wear on the moving parts.

The Real Danger

The biggest threat to your AC unit is the one that attacks your system from the inside: power surges. During electrical storms, a surge of electricity could fry some of the more sensitive internal components of the HVAC system. While you can't protect your HVAC system with a power strip, there is still a way to keep it safe. A whole home surge protection system could protect your HVAC system from electrical storms.

Your AC unit can help keep you comfortable all summer long, rain or shine. However, if you do run into trouble, Royal Heating & Air is just a phone call away ready to help. Your Lake of the Ozark heating and cooling company can help you with everything from regular maintenance to full HVAC installations, plus we also offer 24/7 emergency service. Don't be left in the heat, call the King of Comfort at 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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