Is Your AC Unit Ready to Weather the Storm?

January 14th, 2019 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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If a hurricane or severe wind storm hits your region, is your home and AC unit ready to weather the storm? Many times, homeowners forget about their AC unit when preparing for a natural disaster situation. On top of securing garage doors, windows and shutters, you need to make sure your AC unit is ready to handle high winds and lightning strikes. Before storm season arrives, here are a few tips to get your outdoor AC unit ready to handle any storms that come your way.

  • Tie downs. Your AC condenser unit needs the right straps and tie downs that will keep it secure if high winds hit. You do not want to be waiting until the last minute to get these precautions in place.
  • AC service. When you have your air conditioning system serviced in the spring and early summer, talk to your service technician about the type of tie downs that will work best for your unit. Your HVAC service may have suggestions to protect your unit for the type of weather you face in your region.
  • Add a surge protector. It is a good idea to have a surge protector in place to protect your AC unit from lightening and voltage surge damage during heavy storms that can occur at any time.

Don’t let your outdoor AC unit become a damage casualty of the next big storm to hit your town. Contact your local HVAC service company to get your air conditioning unit ready for the summer and ask about the best options for securing and protecting your unit from storm, wind and lightening damage.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Air Conditioner Lightning Damage

January 24th, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Like any electrical appliance, your air conditioner or heat pump can be damaged by a power surge caused by a lightning strike.   Most homeowners protect sensitive electronics like computers and audio visual equipment from surge damage by using a surge protector strip, but relatively few homes have surge protection for their air conditioner.

A power surge can cause damage to your air conditioner ranging from moderate to severe.  It can fry wiring and knock out the compressor, fan, or condenser.  The lightning does not have to strike your home to cause this kind of damage.  A lightning strike anywhere in your neighborhood could cause a harmful power surge.

If you suspect that your air conditioner may have suffered lightning damage, have the system inspected by a reputable HVAC contractor with experience in residential HVAC repairs.  In some cases the damage can be repaired but in others an HVAC system replacement will be in order.

Air conditioning repairs for damage due to lightning strikes are usually covered by your homeowners insurance, but proving the cause of the damage can be a problem.  It’s up to you to convince the insurance adjuster that the damage was caused by lightning and not some other source.

Ask your HVAC technician to show you the damage and take photographs or video of the damaged components.  Damage to other household electronics is another good indication of a lightning strike.  Contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier promptly and show the adjuster your documentation.

You can protect your air conditioner or heat pump from most power surges by having a surge protector installed.  Talk to your HVAC technician about surge protection for your air conditioner or heat pump.

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