Signs Your AC Has Been Damaged in a Storm

A hurricane with thunder, rain, strong winds, or hail can wreak havoc to your homes and disturb the outdoor AC unit. Although many air conditioning systems are built to withstand harsh weather elements, they are not exempt from storm-related damage, particularly when installed in a location prone to standing water.

It is vital to recognize the warning signs of AC damage after a storm. This way, you’ll do everything needed to mitigate any problems or address them before they become more serious. Identifying storm-related damages to your AC unit is not always obvious. Luckily, keeping an eye on the following indicators will tell whether you need to contact the AC professionals.

1. Abnormal Noises

HVAC units operate quietly. However, all the chaos brought about by heavy storms can easily dislodge some parts of your outdoor unit. When this happens, your system might produce loud buzzing, rattling, and screeching noises. If neglected, these abnormal noises can eventually cause physical damages to some of the components within the outdoor unit. You can check your unit for this damage, but you need an AC expert to diagnose and fix it accurately.

2. Your AC Doesn’t Start

Many times, spikes in power during stormy weather might cause problems within your AC unit, such as serious wear and tear on the internal components. Normally, your circuit breaker will safeguard the air conditioner from such damages by switching off the electricity when it detects an overload. When that happens, all you need to do is reset the system. If the AC fails to start, you need to bring in an HVAC professional to inspect your system and make the necessary repairs.

3. Power Surge or Electrical Issues at Your Breaker Box

If your breaker tripped during a heavy storm or keeps flipping off after resetting it, it could be a sign of a power surge and possible damage to the electrical system. Power surges can cause damage to multiple parts of your air conditioning unit.

4. Insufficient Cooling

The other indication that an ill-timed storm has damaged your AC unit is when you notice reduced cooling. For instance, the AC unit’s cooling can get compromised when the condenser coils get clogged or blanketed with mud from the rainwater. Insufficient cooling can also happen when heavy storms cause leakages in the refrigerant lines. If any of these scenarios occur, call for an AC repair service immediately.

5. Poor Air Quality

It is pretty easy to notice when your home’s air quality has dropped. Dust will spread on all surfaces, strong unpleasant odors will be everywhere, and allergies will become more frequent. Different factors can impact indoor air quality, but if your region has been hit by a hurricane recently, that could be the cause of your air quality problems. Have an HVAC expert inspect your HVAC system once you notice a drop in your air quality.

6. Pooling Water Near the Outdoor Unit

Flooding is one of the most apparent signs of condenser damage. While your AC’s outdoor unit is water-resistant, it cannot operate well when submerged in water for a long time. If you notice water collecting around your condenser unit, turn it off at your circuit breaker to reduce the chances of electrical shock. After that, you will need to fix the drainage problem since standing water can destroy your home’s foundation.

7. Physical Damage

After a hurricane, your outdoor air conditioning unit might show clear signs of some physical damage. Some of the signs include disconnected electrical wires, damaged condenser coils, and a displaced condenser. You might also find mud and any other debris, which indicate that water may have found its way inside the outdoor unit.

Work With the Professionals

Storm-related damage might not necessarily be obvious, but at times it can cause more severe damage after the hurricane has passed. For instance, disconnections within the AC unit can cause toxic coolant leakages, flooding may damage some interior components, and flying debris can easily clog up your unit.

It is always a great idea to have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional regularly to make sure it is in good working condition. However, if your home suffers damage from a heavy storm, you need to have your AC system checked by an experienced professional from Premier Indoor Comfort Systems before switching it back on. Our experts will inspect your unit and make the necessary repairs to ensure your Whittier, NC, home continues to get efficient and reliable cooling.

We also offer thermostats, wine coolers, ductless mini-split systems, radiant heating systems, zoning control systems, heater, and furnace services. For any advice regarding AC storm damage or any of the above services, call us today.