Is the rainy season making you worried about your air conditioner? Follow these tips to protect it from the rain!
If you live in an area with a hot and humid climate, then you definitely know the perks of summer rain. It is a relief after the scorching summer sun. However, it might not be a treat for your AC.
Since an air conditioner is an important home appliance, especially for hotter climates, it’s essential to protect it. Unfortunately, the entire condenser unit remains outside, which makes it prone to the impact of weather, especially rain. Although manufacturers test ACs under all weather types, still it’s electronic and needs protection from rainwater. So let us look at the ways you can protect your precious appliance.
How Does Rain Affect Air Conditioners: Good & Bad
Rain Contributes to the Condenser Unit’s Well-being
Seasonal rain is actually good for your AC’s outdoor unit. It helps to clean out the clogged dirt and debris that is very hard to clean manually. In fact, if there isn’t enough rain, the unit’s mechanisms will not work at high performance. The manufacturers have insulated all the electrical wires and coils and the condenser unit is made from hardcore plastic to make it waterproof.
Is Central AC Safer than a Windows AC Unit During a Rainstorm?
In terms of safety, both types of AC play the same role, although their cost may be quite different. Both are tested and qualified to tackle seasonal weather. However, a window unit needs regular professional service to keep its mechanism working correctly. Timely service and care will detect any error or malfunction, allowing it to be fixed before it creates a problem.
When you install a window AC unit, make sure the gaps are tightly closed to prevent water from seeping into the main unit.
Is It All Right to Use Air Conditioning During a Storm?
Any appliance should be turned off during a thunderstorm, including the AC. This is because electricity can spike during thunderstorms, potentially damaging electrical appliances. It is better to shut them off to be safe.
The Importance of Shutting off the AC During a Storm:
Lightning
It is very uncommon for lightning to strike a house. However, depending on the intensity of the thunderstorm, it is still possible. Energy as high as five billion joules can be transferred to electrical wiring during a lightning strike, causing a massive power surge. In a fraction of a second, it can cause damage to your air conditioner’s electrical system.
The Damage to Your Air Conditioner
An AC’s control panel has electrical wiring that is vulnerable to damage. A lightning strike can make it necessary to get intensive servicing and repair, or in the worst case, the entire unit will have to be replaced. Lightning can actually melt its plug. In addition, the entire cooling mechanism of the AC can become corrupted if the AC operates during thunderbolts and lightning.
If you reside in Florida and are looking for AC servicing, here you can get AC repair in Tampa.
Ways to Protect Your Air Conditioner During the Rainy Season
Here are some ways you can protect your air conditioner from lightning and rain.
Protection from Storm
Strong winds can be filled with debris, dirt, leaves, twigs, etc. These can clog the condenser unit of the AC, which can lead to potential damage to the condenser grille as well. Tree branches and other solid objects have also been known to collide with the external unit, which can cause damage and interrupt the functioning of the interior of the AC. Therefore, it is crucial to check the condenser unit of the AC after such storms.
If your region is more prone to storms, you can add a metallic covering over the condenser unit to protect it from collisions.
Protection from Lightning
If you live in an area where lightning is common, you might want to install protection for your AC. To prevent the lightning from reaching your electrical wiring, you can install lightning conductors, rods, and ground tools so that the lightning is directed into the ground and not the electrical system.
However, this method is not guaranteed to give fool-proof protection from lightning. To be safe, turn off the AC at such times.
Protection from Corrosion
During winter, you may cover the condenser unit to protect it from exposure. If you do this, you should not use plastic or anything that will block the ventilation. Without airflow, the metal wiring and electrical circuits will rust and corrode. Also, the build-up of moisture due to improper ventilation will encourage mildew and mold.
Protection from Floods
Flooding can affect the condenser unit on the first floor of a building. If your area is prone to flooding, install the condenser unit a minimum of one foot above the ground.
Quick Tips to Improve Your AC’s Effectiveness During Flooding:
- During high humid conditions, use the dry mode in your AC. This mode is set on the remote controller.
- Clean the filters, as it will reduce power consumption and increase effectiveness.
- Try to operate as little as possible when it’s raining.
- Look for an anti-rust cabinet for the condenser unit.
Final Thought
These simple precautions for your AC can help make it last longer. A little forethought and some preventive measures can save a lot of time and money, not to mention the hassle of having a broken air conditioner in the sweltering heat. Don’t forget to service your AC once every fifteen days to detect and fix any issue before it becomes a big problem.
