When storm season hits Kentucky, it can bring strong winds, lightning, hail, and heavy rain. Because your condenser unit sits outside, it’s fully exposed to all the elements. This can make it especially vulnerable during severe weather events during Kentucky’s storm season. Understanding what these risks are can help you properly prepare your system to ensure it weathers the storm.
Storms and Your Condenser Unit
One of the biggest threats to your outdoor condenser unit is high winds. These can blow debris like leaves, branches, and dirt directly into the unit. This can cause clogging and restricted airflow, which can reduce your system’s operating performance. While your unit is designed to handle water exposure, it isn’t designed to sit in pooling water. If you have poor drainage and excessive rainfall, it can lead to standing water that can corrode the inside of your unit. This can lead to electrical issues and even a shorter lifespan.
During those odd weather events that bring hail, small hailstones can dent the delicate fins on your condenser unit. When you have a significant number of fins that get bent out of place, it greatly reduces operating efficiency. Lightning strikes are another big problem during storm season in Kentucky. These can lead to power surges and send excess energy through your electrical system. This can be potentially damaging to the sensitive internal components of your condenser unit, like its control board.
Key Signs Your AC Unit Was Affected by a Storm
Anytime a storm passes through the area, it’s important to check over your outdoor condenser unit. You want to look for any visible damage or performance-related issues. You may notice visible debris buildup inside or around your unit. It’s necessary to remove this buildup to enhance system performance.
Look for any bent or damaged fins. If there are a number of bent fins, it is best to have a professional correct them to restore proper airflow and efficiency. This will restore full functioning to your unit.
Some other key signs that your unit may be affected by a recent storm are unusual operating noises, reduced cooling performance, and your equipment not turning on at all. If you experience any of these issues, it’s best to contact our HVAC technicians for professional evaluation. Catching these issues as soon as possible can help prevent a full system breakdown during the worst weather conditions.
How to Prep Your AC Unit for Storm Season
Now that you understand the different ways that Kentucky’s storm season can affect your AC unit, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent that damage from happening in the first place. One of the best places to start is by clearing around your outdoor condenser unit.
Remove any loose branches, yard furniture, or debris that’s been pushed up against the unit. You ideally want about two to three feet of open space around it. Aim to trim back any shrubbery or low-hanging branches to prevent airflow restriction. Many homeowners find it beneficial to install a protective barrier around their condenser unit to protect it from blowing debris during a storm. Using a simple wind fence about two to three feet out from your condenser unit is a great solution for catching leaves and other blowing objects.
An additional smart way to prepare your condenser unit for the upcoming storm season is to have a whole-home surge protector installed. This is installed right at your electrical panel and works to divert excess energy away from your home’s electrical system. Whenever a power surge happens, such as when power is restored to your home, it can send excess voltage through your line that can permanently damage your AC’s components. A whole-home surge protection device is one of the best ways to prevent that damage from occurring.
The Importance of Professional Maintenance
Another necessary step to ensure that your air conditioner is ready to handle storm season is to get a professional inspection. This is where a technician will inspect, test, and clean all the internal components of your system. This helps ensure that everything is operating as efficiently as possible and greatly minimizes your risk of experiencing a malfunction.
Professional AC Maintenance Services
Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional AC maintenance services for Richmond, KY and the surrounding areas. We can also assist with all your AC repair, new installation, and replacement needs. Contact our office today to learn more about our service offerings.
