Here in Georgia, we’re familiar with the natural threats that come our way every year. With the risk of tornadoes, floods and severe storms hanging over our heads, it’s natural to wonder how each weather event is affecting the important — and expensive — systems in your home. Can severe weather damage your HVAC unit? Yes!
Absolute Comfort Air is here to share some of the common ways your AC unit might be damaged or harmed in the face of severe weather. If your AC isn’t operating normally this season, it’s best to get a professional evaluation of your HVAC system!
Most Damaging Weather
While we don’t have to worry about snow or ice most of the time in Winder, there are several weather conditions that can easily throw your AC system out of service. These are the top events to keep an eye out for:
- High wind speeds
- Flooding
- Hail or severe rain
- Lightning
If you experience these conditions near your home, you’ll need to check out your AC system after the storm to make sure it’s working properly. Your post-storm AC issues can range from a little out of whack to completely inoperable, so it’s a good idea to contact a professional.
Common Damage Caused By Weather
So, what exactly do some rain and wind do to your AC unit? AC units are specifically designed to withstand the elements without becoming damaged, but severe weather can still affect them. You don’t want to be caught with a winter heater repair after a storm blows through. The more you know to look for in the aftermath, the quicker we can solve your AC issue!
Power Surges
During lightning storms, you might experience a brief or prolonged blackout. When the power does come back on, make sure you check on your HVAC system. Power surges are well known for wreaking havoc in the electrical system of your home — including your AC. If the unit won’t power on at all after a storm, you’ll need to get help from an HVAC contractor.
Debris
One way that high wind speeds can affect your AC is by sending debris into or onto the unit. Tree branches, leaves, sticks and other materials can find their way into the system and keep it from running correctly. If you hear strange noises coming from your unit after a storm, you might have some debris inside to clear out. It’s important not to run your system until you’ve located the problem because something as simple as a stick could do massive damage inside the AC unit.
Leaks
High enough winds could also displace important tubes and connections like the refrigerant lines. If your AC doesn’t seem to be cooling after a storm, you could have a refrigerant leak from a tube that’s been blown loose. It’s important to note that repairing a refrigerant problem must be done by a certified professional!
Flooding
If your AC unit is located in an area that floods often, you’ll need to keep a watchful eye on it. Standing water is the enemy of clean and clear air. It promotes mold, mildew and bacteria to grow, which can spread into your ducts and all throughout the HVAC system. If your AC is submerged or exposed to a large amount of water for a while, you’ll likely need repairs to get the system back to normal. Also, consider addressing the drainage issue around your unit before the next storm hits!
HVAC Repairs You Can Count On
Here at Absolute Comfort Air, we believe in sharing as much knowledge with the community as we can. We’re only a phone call away should your AC sustain any weather damage. We might not be able to prevent all weather damage to your HVAC unit, but we can get your home comfortable and operating smoothly again! Contact us today for all your AC repairs!
