Severe weather can take many forms. In summer, we face severe thunderstorms that can blow down electric lines or topple trees on lines. There may also be extreme hot weather that forces homeowners to turn down the thermostat and perhaps overload the grid with demands for power. In winter, severe cold may likewise create a call for more power than the grid can supply, with outages resulting. As you’re aware, the use of our HVAC system is directly tied to how severe the weather may be. So read on to learn more about how severe weather and AC are interrelated.
- Lightning. It’s not just high winds from storms that cause havoc in the summertime. Lightning also can knock out your power and damage your HVAC system, a prime example of what can happen when severe weather and AC collide. A bolt of lightning travels at the speed of light and can damage your home even when it strikes as far as 10 miles away. The currents can cause fires and destroy the electronics in your home that are not protected by a surge protector. You can protect the unit by unplugging the AC and shutting off the circuit breaker. You can also ask your HVAC tech about power-surge protection.
- High winds. As mentioned previously, high winds can blow down trees or power lines, and your HVAC system may be affected. If power is interrupted by lines going down, there could be a surge that might impact your HVAC equipment, which is the embodiment of the combination of severe weather and AC. Winds might also blow debris or topple trees onto your outdoor condenser.
- Flooding. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you may want to protect your HVAC from high water. While your outdoor condenser can survive through a few inches of heavy rain, if you have reason to believe your home could be impacted by high water, it would be best to elevate your unit and make sure it’s secured to the ground. Perhaps it can be moved to an area where it’s well protected from falling limbs, flooding, or other storm damage.
For more on severe weather and AC, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area