Is Your AC Prepared For Summer's Thunderstorms?
Posted: July 30, 2020 by Andy

Summer's severe thunderstorms bring high winds, blinding flashes of lightning, and torrential downpours that wreak havoc on your HVAC system. The following six steps will help protect your heating and cooling investment, your comfort, and your safety.

1. Raise your unit above the ground.

Having your air conditioner's outdoor condenser unit installed at a higher level will prevent it from being water damaged by flooding. Even a simple one-foot-tall platform can make the difference between continued comfort and a condenser replacement. Ask our friendly experts for more information about raising your AC unit above flood level.

2. Cover your condenser.

While the outdoor components of your HVAC system are built to withstand the elements, a thunderstorm is still a threat. Placing a protective cover over your outdoor unit during severe storms will stop damage caused by hail and other flying debris. Some homeowners opt to build a more permanent awning above their condensers, and these clever solutions double as sunshades to help your AC run more efficiently.

3. Keep your yard clean.

Mowing your lawn and maintaining your flower beds will prevent wind-blown dirt and debris from entering your AC condenser during a storm and causing damage. Also, remove any dead branches from your trees and keep shrubs and plants at least three feet away from your unit.

4. Eliminate potential flying objects.

In addition to keeping your yard tidy, always bring in any outdoor objects, such as patio furniture, toys, and lawn ornaments that could become airborne and strike your HVAC unit. That plastic lawn chair might feel light, but it can cause severe damage when high winds fling it across your yard.

5. Install a sump pump.

If your heating and cooling system is located in your basement - and that's where it is in most Northeast Ohio homes! - consider having a sump pump installed to prevent indoor flood damage. When rainwater begins to fill your basement, a sump pump automatically starts pumping out the rising water.

6. Turn your system off.

During severe summer storms, shut your air conditioner off at the thermostat. Electrical surges from a power outage or a lightning strike can fry your unit, so keep it turned off until the storm has passed and power has been restored. We also offer surge protectors for new and existing systems as an added layer of security.