Summer and fall commonly rank as people’s favorite seasons. However, living in an area frequently affected by seasonal storms can have you bracing yourself for impact. Severe weather can leave you with expensive damage to your property and appliances.
At Summit Air Conditioning & Heating, we are here to provide you with quality AC repair services in Buda! When bad weather strikes and leaves a broken unit in its path, you can rely on us to get it working again. For more information and tips on how to protect your HVAC system from harsh weather, read on!
How Do Storms Affect My Outdoor System?
Storms can affect an HVAC system in many ways. Strong winds and rainfall can impact the system, increasing the risk of damage to the machinery. There are a few common ways that storms can affect your unit.
Clogged Condenser Coils
Airborne dust and debris can clog the aluminum fins of your outdoor system’s condenser coil. The clogging will restrict the airflow and interfere with how the unit functions. Fortunately, this problem can be easily corrected using a condenser coil cleaner and a garden hose.
Bent Coil Fins
The condenser coil’s aluminum fins can be easily bent or flattened by strong winds, flying objects and debris. You can use a fin comb to solve this problem. However, severe damage may require replacing the unit entirely.
Foreign Object Damage
Large flying objects, such as tree branches, sticks and other items, can severely damage your unit. You can combat this issue by removing objects near your outdoor air conditioner. The severity of this damage can vary and require entire replacement in some cases.
Wind Damage
A powerful gust of wind can harm your air conditioner by knocking parts loose. Severe winds can also blow away pieces of equipment, causing your system to operate incorrectly. If this is the case for you, contact the professionals at Summit Air Conditioning & Heating to help you determine your next steps.
Seasonal HVAC Tips For Your Outdoor AC Unit
When it comes to your outdoor unit, the unfortunate truth is that you can’t completely prevent it from experiencing damage. However, a few methods can help minimize damage to your air conditioner.
Cool Your Home In Advance
Plan ahead and cool your home before the storm. This helps keep your home comfortable without running your HVAC system during poor weather. Keep curtains, blinds, windows and doors shut to ensure optimal indoor cooling.
Turn Off The Power To Your AC
Electrical surges are a common issue that many homes experience during severe weather. Turning off the power from your thermostat and the circuit breaker will protect your system from potential electrical problems. Turning off the electricity can prevent lightning strikes from damaging your unit during the storm.
Cover Your Unit
Storms with high winds can cause debris to fly near your outdoor air conditioner. These objects can damage your system if they come into contact with the machinery. You can protect your unit by covering it with a breathable material, like a waterproof tarp.
Your AC is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, but this added layer of protection can help keep it safe. However, it’s crucial to use this method sparingly. Failure to use a breathable cover can cause mold to grow within the machinery, creating other potential issues.
Secure The Unit
You can use hurricane straps to secure your condenser during storms with high winds. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider hiring a professional to elevate your unit. These security methods will prevent your air conditioner from experiencing wind and water damage.
Check For Damage After A Storm
Make sure to check your unit for damage after a storm. Monitoring the unit for storm-related problems will keep it in good condition and help you know when to schedule a repair service. Before turning it on, check your system for any signs of damage to avoid issues in the future.
Correct Storm Damage With Buda AC Repair
If you need AC repair in Buda, we are here to help! At Summit Air Conditioning & Heating, we are committed to providing quality air conditioning repair services. Contact us today if you notice or suspect weather-related damage to your unit! We will get a friendly, knowledgeable technician to your home as soon as possible.
