While routine air conditioner maintenance is always important, the weather can affect your AC unit’s specific needs. Harsh storms, air quality, and other natural elements all play a role in the wear and tear of your cooling system. That’s why it’s important to understand how local weather conditions help determine how often you should schedule this service and what components need attention.
Exterior Damage
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is vulnerable when it comes to extreme weather. Hail, falling debris, and high winds can cause serious harm. Lightning can result in electrical damage that affects how the AC unit operates, while flooding can ruin internal components.
You can minimize the risks by turning off your cooling system during severe storms and using a tarp to cover the unit when high winds are predicted. Scheduling a maintenance visit afterward allows us to find and repair issues before any further damage occurs.
Dust and Debris
Storms have a way of leaving debris in their wake. This, along with dust during dry spells, can clog your condenser coils. This reduces the AC unit’s efficiency. You can reduce dust and debris by cleaning the area around your outdoor unit, but even in the best weather, this debris can take a toll on your cooling system. We’ll make sure your air conditioner is clean and operating properly during routine maintenance visits.
Poor Air Quality
Environmental factors such as wildfire smoke and pollution can clog your AC unit’s air filter. Once it’s blocked, the airflow decreases. To keep your cooling system running efficiently, the air filter needs to be replaced. Typically, you’ll change them every three months, but if the outdoor air quality is poor, you’ll need to do this more often.
Power Outages
A power outage during a severe storm can cause your cooling system to fail. The compressor, blower motor, and variable speed motor can all be damaged by a sudden blackout. Turn off AC unit if you see the lights flicker. Otherwise, you’re putting the system at risk of more damage when the power comes back on.
Power surges are another concern that can be weather-related. They’re known for damaging the electrical components in a cooling system. You’ll want to have your air conditioner inspected for any possible hidden damages after experiencing one. You can also reduce the possibility of future power surges by using a protector that’s designed specifically for AC units.
Annual air conditioner maintenance should be a given, but if you’ve been experiencing any of these weather conditions, it could be beneficial to schedule more frequent inspections. Call Alta Air for all of your North Salt Lake, UT air conditioning repair and maintenance needs.
