NV Energy
As the winter approaches, bad weather conditions can have a severe impact on your outdoor unit's functionality. Modern outdoor air conditioners are very reliable and they have very strong external unit designs. The thanks to its hard, metal shell - most outdoor units can easily withstand the rain, wind, hail, and snow. But because weather often can be quite unpredictable, many unexpected factors can an affect on your outdoor AC unit, such as Heavy wind, Blockage, Humidity and even Tornadoes. During thunderstorms or hurricanes strong winds can damage trees and other outdoor furniture and that flying debris can damage your HVAC System.
HVAC Systems normally built with two primary parts: The evaporator coil located inside your home’s furnace and the compressor unit located outside of your home. Obviously the outdoor part requires most of the attention during bad weather, but don’t worry, with proper preparation, you can avoid most potential problems.
- Keep, toys, decorations, and other objects that could be tossed around by strong winds away from the area around the outdoor unit.
- Before any storms make sure that hail guards are installed. Hail guards are made of thick metal mesh, so they can stay in place all year and still allow efficient heating and cooling.
- Shed leaves and check for the damaged branches on nearby trees and trim them so they can’t fall into your unit.
- Plant shrubs around the unit to protect from wind and blowing snow. Check with Our Air-Conditioning Service Company about the proper clearance for air flow, which is essential for proper operation of the AC unit in the summer.
- Anchor Your Unit on a Concrete Pad, for extra protection, make sure downspouts are far away from your system. A stone or concrete wall also provides great outdoor AC protection, adds shade and protects it from strong winds as well.
- Protect Wires to prevent dangerous shorts, make sure any wires that are between your outdoor HVAC unit and your home are secured and covered.
Cover the HVAC System
Shield your HVAC system from water and debris by covering it with a tarp that can withstand strong winds. Buy and use a specially designed cover or place a metal or plywood cage around the outdoor air conditioner unit to protect it from flying debris if strong winds occur.
Falling leaves as well as snow and ice can get into the condensing unit and cause damage so clean them up from you’re your yard or any other area surrounding the unit.
Always remove the cover after the storm passes.
Don't run the unit with the cover on.
How to cover your outdoor air conditioner for winter?
It’s important to know how to properly cover an air conditioner for winter! The most crucial tip about how to cover an air conditioner for winter is - Never wrap your air conditioner in plastic!
Here are some suggestions for how to cover an air conditioner for winter in a way that doesn’t trap moisture inside, yet still keeps the unit protected:
- Use a proper cover that made of “breathable” material
- Put plywood over the top of the unit to shield from snow and ice accumulating snow can encase the unit. A light layer of frost on the outside of the unit will not do any harm, but never let it become fully encased in a thick layer of snow or ice.
- Install or build a shelter that provides protection for outdoor unit in winter and shade in summer.
Proper AC protection will prevent inconvenient, expensive breakdowns, and drastically extends your HVAC system’s life.
If you think inclement weather has already affected your HVAC system, avoid turning it on until a professional HVAC contractor has inspected it. Nevada Residential Services Air Conditioning & Heating can help. Contact us at 702-935-0777 for fast, effective air conditioning repair after a major weather event.
