While air conditioners are designed to withstand most weather conditions, they’re not impervious to damage caused by storms. Avoid unexpected HVAC breakdowns and other damage-related problems by knowing the signs that indicate you need to schedule a service call with an air conditioning installation contractor. Sierra Air shares the details here.
It’s Not Powering Back On — When your area regained power after a blackout during a storm, your air conditioner may have suffered damage from a power surge. In such cases, the circuit breaker will usually protect your air conditioning system, and all you’ll need to do is to reset it. If your air conditioner still doesn’t start up, then you’ll need to have it repaired by an HVAC professional.
Low Output — If your air conditioner isn’t blowing as much cool air as it did, there’s a chance it may have sustained storm damage. The refrigerant lines– the tubes that transport refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units–may have been damaged by high winds. Don’t attempt to repair or refill leaking refrigerant; instead, turn off your HVAC system and call a heating and air conditioning technician as soon as possible. The more refrigerant your air conditioner loses, the harder it will need to work to provide minimum cooling.
Weird Noises — High winds can push loose debris into your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. You may hear rattling, buzzing or screeching noises caused by stones, branches or other kinds of debris being moved around by the fans. This can increase the strain being put on your air conditioner’s moving parts. If your air conditioner is designed for user maintenance, you may be able to open the outdoor enclosure and clean it out. If you’re not sure how to do this, your HVAC technician can do it for you.
Pooling Water Around the Outdoor Unit — Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is water-resistant, but it’s not designed to be submerged. If you notice water pooling around the outdoor unit, turn it off at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock. Then you’ll need to address the drainage problem, as pooling water can cause damage to your home’s foundation. This must be done before your air conditioner can be inspected by your HVAC technician.
Call Sierra Air for All Your Air Conditioning Needs
Sierra Air is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning repair and installation services. You can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Reno, NV, and nearby areas.
