Extreme weather is becoming more common. It can significantly affect an HVAC system, and the specific impact depends on the type of weather event. At Comfort Professionals, we inform you of the conditions extreme weather can pose and how to protect your HVAC system.

Extreme Heat and Heatwaves

• Increased Strain and Overheating: Your air conditioning works overtime to keep your home cool. The can stresses components like the compressor and fan motor, leading to overheating and a system shutdown.
• Higher Energy Consumption: The harder your system works, the more energy it consumes. This leads to a noticeable spike in your electricity bills.
• Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Reduces its cooling efficiency, meaning it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature
• Refrigerant Issues: Prolonged extreme heat can increase pressure in the refrigerant lines, which can lead to leaks and damage to the compressor.

Extreme Cold and Winter Storms

• Frozen Components: In sub-freezing temperatures, the condensation in your system’s pipes or on the outdoor coils can freeze, blocking the flow of coolant or water.
• Increased Mechanical Strain: Extreme cold forces your heating system to work harder. This can accelerate wear and tear on components, especially in older systems.
• Heat Pump Problems: In extremely cold temperatures, they may not be able to pull enough heat from the outside air to effectively warm your home.
• Blocked Airflow: Snow and ice can accumulate around and on your outdoor unit, restricting airflow. This makes the system less efficient and can cause damage.

Severe Storms (Hurricanes, Tornadoes, etc.)

• Debris Damage: High winds can turn everyday objects into projectiles that can dent the fins of your condenser coils, damage fan blades, or cause other physical harm to your outdoor unit.
• Flooding: If your outdoor unit is submerged in floodwater, it can cause catastrophic damage to the electrical components, motor, and compressor, often requiring a full system replacement.
• Power Surges: Lightning strikes and power outages can cause power surges that fry the sensitive electronic components of your HVAC system, such as the control board.
• Physical Displacement: High winds from a tornado or hurricane can be strong enough to dislodge or even topple an outdoor unit if it isn’t properly anchored.

How to Protect Your HVAC System

The best way to prepare for any extreme weather is regular maintenance to ensure your system is well-maintained and in good working order. A professional tune-up from Comfort Professionals can catch potential problems before they become serious issues. 

Ensure your outdoor unit is securely anchored to a solid concrete pad to prevent it from being moved or toppled by high winds. You will need to consider elevating your unit if you live in a flood-prone area. A surge protector can also provide a crucial layer of defense against electrical damage caused by lightning strikes or power fluctuations.

Once a storm has passed, do a visual inspection of your outdoor unit. Look for any damage, and clear away any debris that may have accumulated. If you suspect any damage, contact Comfort Professionals or call us at 770-756-5600 to inspect the unit.