The summer heat would be almost unbearable without your air conditioning system. But the weather won’t always be merely hot and humid. Summer is also ideal for the formation of thunderstorms, and if such weather is forecasted to hit our area, it may not be a good idea to keep your AC system running. Climate Systems Heating and Cooling shares more insight.
Thunder & Lightning
When a thunderstorm is imminent, you can be certain that lightning will come along with it. The reason why it’s recommended that you turn off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm is to prevent major damage to your system in the event lightning strikes your home. There are some cases where the AC unit still works after lightning strikes it, but its performance has likely been compromised. It may not be noticeable now, but it will be hard to ignore in the weeks and months that follow.
Protecting Your Air Conditioner
Surge protectors can be useful, but keep in mind that they don’t provide enough protection against a surge caused by a direct lightning strike. If you live in an area with a high occurrence of lightning strikes, you can protect your air conditioner by installing protection such as conductors, lightning rods and ground rods. A lightning rod system creates an alternate path for lightning to reach the ground, skipping your home’s electrical system in the process. Keep in mind that even a lightning rod system doesn’t provide fail-safe surge protection for sensitive electronics, so it’s still best to turn off your air conditioner and other electronics during a storm.
Running Your AC Unit During a Rainstorm
If only a rainstorm is forecast, it’s safe to keep your air conditioner running. Using your AC on warm, rainy days can make your home cooler and more comfortable! The rain doesn’t interfere with compressor and condenser motors as they dissipate the heat from your outdoor unit.
If you’re searching for the best HVAC contractor in the area, the team from Climate Systems Heating and Cooling has got you covered! Call us today at (724) 935-3900 or fill out our online contact form.
