In 2020, the damage inflicted by extreme cold and heat on the economy in the US was 31.2 million. If you own an AC unit, you should be prepared for severe weather that may damage it, such as sudden storms and floods.
Your outdoor AC unit is the most crucial part for your indoor unit to work. It’s essential that you are taking care of it to help keep your home cool in the summer.
Here are 7 ways to keep your unit in good shape, so you can get through the inclement weather with the least damage possible to your outdoor AC units.
Protect Exposed Wires
Exposed wires around your AC unit are susceptible to extreme weather conditions. This may cause the ac unit to short circuit, or lead to electrocution and fire hazards. Call an electrician right away when you see exposed wires, as they need to be repaired or replaced immediately. You can also have your wires insulated to prevent any damage.
Elevate your Outdoor AC Unit
If you’re installing a new outdoor AC unit, make sure it is leveled and elevated well above the ground to protect it from flooding or water pooling around the unit. If you already have an AC unit installed, you can ask an electrician to move the unit to an elevated position. Having a raised AC unit also helps make it easier to service when it’s time for maintenance.
Shade your Outdoor Ac Unit
Covering your outdoor AC unit is the most efficient and easiest way to protect it from direct sunlight. This can also protect your unit from rain and heavy storms, which can lead to debris and water inside your AC unit.
Ensuring your AC unit has shade in the summer can protect it from excess heat so the compressor can quickly cool down your home.
Choose the Right Location
Choosing the right location is necessary for your AC unit to get proper shade. Make sure that your outdoor AC unit is not in a place under direct sunlight. Your unit should be away from any landscaping or obstructions so that air movement isn’t blocked.
This will help your AC unit to operate efficiently without increasing your electricity bills.
Inspect your Surroundings
If there are tall hanging trees around your outdoor AC unit, make sure they’re cut. Clear the debris and other small particles off the ground. During a storm, these can get stuck inside the AC unit and damage the coils and the refrigerant which can decrease the efficiency of your AC unit. If high winds or extreme weather is expected, surround your AC unit with a sheet of plywood or get it covered with a tarp for extra protection.
Cut the Power Supply
If a storm is expected, cutting out the AC unit’s power supply will prevent a power surge which can damage your AC unit. Just be sure to turn the power back on when the storm passes, as the moisture trapped from the wind can cause mildew and mold. If you’re unsure of what to do, call an electrician.
Install a Wooden Lattice
Another way to protect your AC unit from sunlight is installing a wooden lattice around the unit to provide shade. Make sure the lattice is 3-5 meters away from the unit so the air flow isn’t blocked. Blockage of air can heat up the compressor and damage your AC unit.
At All Solar Energy Solutions, our fully licensed electricians can help protect your outdoor AC units from inclement weather conditions.
We offer customized, high-quality and competitively priced solutions for all your needs related to AC units or mini-split maintenance. Additionally, we provide generator services and heat pump installers in Portland, Brunswick and Topsham.
You can contact us today for a free estimate, and our experts will reach out to you in no time. For more information, call us at (207)-536-5935.