While we all appreciate the warmer weather of summer, it sometimes brings violent storms. These storms wreak havoc on all kinds of infrastructure, and in your home, the air conditioning could be the culprit. Here are the signs to look out for that indicate your device has become damaged and needs repairing.
Your Condenser Is Cracked or Dented
Start by inspecting your post-storm condenser, which is the square or rectangular unit outside your home. You may see small dents or dents in the case, which shouldn’t be a problem.
However, significant dents or cracks in the case should be a cause for concern. Although the unit can still function with this type of damage, this indicates the high probability of additional damage. It also compromises the integrity of the case, making internal components more vulnerable to rain and storms.
The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Your device may be damaged even with no visible signs. An important indicator is whether the circuit breaker starts to trip during operation. The circuit breaker trips when a circuit draws too much current.
With your air conditioner, there can be several reasons why this can happen after a thunderstorm. The power line may have been damaged and is now causing a fault in the electrical circuit. This represents a potentially dangerous situation and should be corrected by a qualified professional.
The compressor is more likely to be damaged, resulting in more resistance and higher power consumption. Sometimes it is due to a refrigerant leak and insufficient refrigerant in the system. In other cases, some internal components of the compressor have been damaged.
Your Unit Is Completely Dead
Another obvious sign of damage is when your device won’t turn on at all. Check the simple causes before assuming that your system is corrupted. First, check if your home has power, then check your installation’s circuit breaker.
If these are checked, there is a high probability that your system has suffered damage. It can be as simple as a damaged capacitor or contactor. It could also be of a larger nature, Damage to condenser fan motor, compressor or power supply.
Large Debris Sticking Out of the Unit
You should assume your unit is damaged if debris sticking out is larger than leaves or grass. Branches, stones and other foreign objects can easily damage the liquefaction coil. You can also damage the fan blades, fan motor, compressor, condenser or contactor.
Attempting to remove these deposits yourself can do even more damage without proper training. Call a technician to remove the debris and examine any damage that is affecting your device’s ability to function.
Warm or Humid Air
Once your device is operational again, listen for the feeling of air escaping. Under normal operating conditions, your air conditioner removes some of the moisture from your home.
If your home is wetter than normal, or the air is warmer than usual, your system is probably damaged. The most likely cause after a storm is damage caused by a refrigerant leak. This leak may be small and therefore show no other signs, but it still needs to be fixed quickly.
An unresolved leak destroys the efficiency of your system and leads to preventable damage. If the leak is large enough, your system may freeze, or you may hear a bubbling or squeaking noise.
Flood Waters Around the Condenser
Depending on the location of your home on the property, the worst of the storms can cause flooding. Your condensing unit can be damaged if water collects at the base or if any part of the unit is submerged.
There are usually signs of water damage even if you haven’t seen water build up around your device. Look for small debris or dirt around the device. This is an important clue that there was standing water that likely caused damage.
If you notice water collecting around your device, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This can help prevent damage to electrical components.
If you are expecting a strong storm, you should consider lowering the temperature a bit in advance. Once the temperature is set, turn off the power at the circuit breaker until the storm has passed.
FAQs about indications a storm damaged your AC:
Q: What are some indications that a storm damaged your AC?
A: There are a few indications that a storm may have damaged your AC, including:
- Your AC won’t turn on.
- Your AC makes strange noises.
- Your AC is leaking water.
- Your AC is not cooling properly.
- Your AC’s thermostat is not working properly.
- There is visible damage to your AC unit.
Q: What should I do if I think my AC has been damaged by a storm?
A: If you think your AC has been damaged by a storm, the first thing you should do is turn it off. This will help to prevent further damage. Then, you should contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect the unit and determine the extent of the damage.
Q: How can I prevent my AC from being damaged by a storm?
A: There are a few things you can do to help prevent your AC from being damaged by a storm, including:
- Have your AC unit professionally cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.
- Make sure that your AC unit is properly grounded.
- Trim any trees or shrubs that could fall on your AC unit during a storm.
- Cover your AC unit with a tarp during a storm.
New Jersey residents have trusted Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. for the safety and comfort of their families. Our experts offer AC installation, AC maintenance and service for heating and cooling services. Call today to schedule your air conditioning service with one of our NATE certified technicians.