Unfortunately, your air conditioner can be significantly damaged in a storm, no matter what size it is. Even a pop-up afternoon storm can do some damage due to winds and heavy rain. Larger storms like hurricanes can do a lot of damage due to high winds and flooding waters. Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether it is time to call an HVAC technician to come out and repair or replace your air conditioning system.
The Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling Effectively
After a storm, pay attention to your air conditioning. Make sure that your home is cool and comfortable. Feel the vents and make sure that the air is cold. You will also want to go into each room in your house and make sure that it feels cool. If it feels warm and you feel like the air coming out of your vents is not cool enough, your air conditioning unit may have been damaged. This will be in your outdoor air conditioning compressor, and the problem could be a leaking or damaged refrigerant line. This can happen with floodwaters or winds push debris into the refrigerant line of your unit. This repair will need to be done as soon as possible. Once the refrigerant leaks down, your unit will no longer cool your home.
Weird Noises Coming From the Air Conditioning Unit
During a storm, all kinds of different debris can get blown around. Trash, branches, sticks, leaves, and more can get lodged inside the outdoor air conditioning unit. If this happens, you will hear a rattling or buzzing noise coming from your air conditioning unit. Noise can also be caused by damage to the fan or compressor during the storm. Never try to remove the debris from your air conditioner yourself. You will want to get a professional to address the situation. You should cut the power off to the compressor when you hear any kind of noise.
You See the Air Conditioner Has Been Flooded
If your air conditioner has been flooded, you will want to call an HVAC technician. Due to water exposure, your air conditioner’s electrical system may be damaged. Turn the unit off and call for immediate repair. Never go near a unit that is still submerged in water. If the electrical system has been damaged, there may be exposed wires which can cause you to be electrocuted. Also, after flooding, you will want to get your ductwork system cleaned as there may be mold and bacteria growth that will be harmful to your health.
A Power Surge Happened
A power surge can happen during a storm. If you had a lightning strike near your home, you might have had a power surge. This is especially true if you have lost any of your electronic belongings. A power surge can burn up wires and fuses, cause compressor damage, and can fry your capacitors. In some cases, after an electric surge, your air conditioning unit may work as normal. However, in a few hours, it could break down and not run again. As soon as you know that you have experienced an electrical surge, call your local HVAC professional to ensure that your unit is 100% good to operate. A professional inspection can help save you costly repairs or the expense of a replacement in the future.
Breaker Box Issues
Another sign that you may have an issue with your air conditioning system is that your breakers keep flipping off. It is normal for an electrical breaker to trip every once in a while, as this is what they are meant to do. However, if after a storm, your breaker for your air conditioner has tripped and you reset it only for it to trip again, this is a sign of an electrical issue that needs to be repaired immediately. There could be several different issues that are causing the breaker to trip. Do not hesitate to call a repairman out once the breaker keeps tripping. If you let this go, your unit will not work, and you could be putting your home at risk for a fire.
At Heatwave Heating & Cooling, we offer air conditioning repairs, heating repairs, installations, air purification, ductless systems, and tankless water heater installation. We service the Amherst, NY, area, and if you are experiencing trouble with your air conditioning system after a storm, we are happy to come out to ensure that your unit runs smoothly again. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
