While your air conditioner was engineered to endure all of the crazy weather in Chelan and Wenatchee, there are times that severe weather can lead to an AC repair. For instance, bad weather oftentimes goes hand-in-hand with power surges. And since your AC is electronic, and power surges and electronics are not compatible, you’ll want to try to protect your AC. It’s ideal to turn your system off using your thermostat and turn off the circuit breaker to increase protection during stormy weather.
A lot of people are concerned about too much water getting on their air conditioner and choose to cover it with a tarp or cover. This is not necessary, and could actually damage your AC if you neglect to remove the covering before you run it again. Your AC was designed to handle rain and snow, so hold onto 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, be sure to call Lakeside Heating & Air before you turn it back on.
Another threat to your AC in severe weather is falling (or flying) objects. This is a little hard to prevent, but keeping loose outdoor items contained can help lower your risk. Once the storm passes, make sure to clean up any debris that may have collected around your unit. If debris happens to hit and damage your unit, Lakeside Heating & Air can check 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 withstand water, your AC was made to handle lots of heat from the sun. But, the hotter the sun, the harder your AC has to operate to cool your indoor space. 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 about 78 degrees Fahrenheit on extremely hot days. Don’t forget that the older your AC is, the more it may struggle in hotter weather.
If you have any questions about the threat of severe weather on your air conditioner, or think you are in need of an AC repair, call Lakeside Heating & Air. We can be reached at 509-284-4265.