While your air conditioner was engineered to endure all of the crazy weather in the Bay Area, occasionally severe weather can lead to an AC repair. For example, bad weather oftentimes goes hand-in-hand with power surges. Because your AC is electronic, and power surges and electronics are not compatible, you’ll want to take steps to protect your AC. It’s best to turn your system off using your thermostat and turn off the circuit breaker to increase protection during a storm.
A lot of people are concerned about too much water getting on their air conditioner and decide to cover it with a tarp or cover. This is not necessary, and could essentially damage your AC if you forget to remove the covering before running it again. Your AC was made to handle rain and snow, so keep your money and avoid a potential AC repair by not covering your unit. However, if you see that your unit is in standing water after a storm, you’ll want to call Contra Costa Heating & AC before you turn it back on.
Another danger to your AC throughout severe weather is falling (or flying) objects. This is a little hard to prevent, but keeping loose outdoor items restrained can help reduce your risk. Once the storm passes, make sure to clean up any debris that may have accumulated around your unit. If debris happens to hit and damage your unit, Contra Costa Heating & AC can inspect it and perform an AC repair if it’s needed.
In addition to storms, summer is known for its blazing heat. Just like it was made to endure water, your AC was made to handle large amounts of heat from the sun. But, the hotter the sun, the harder your AC has to run to cool your house. You can help prevent some wear and tear by keeping your home’s temperature setting a little warmer on these days. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the easier the work is for your AC. Many people are still comfortable with their thermostats set to roughly 78 degrees Fahrenheit on exceptionally hot days. Remember that the older your AC is, the more it may struggle in hotter weather.
If you have any questions about the effects of severe weather on your air conditioner, or believe you are in need of an AC repair, call Contra Costa Heating & AC. We can be available at 510-343-9841.