Regarding rainfall and humidity levels, Florida is one of the wettest in the nation. Although we mostly love the climate here, we see our fair share of stormy weather. Of course, our excellent air conditioners work their hardest to keep us cool during hot, humid weather.

However, no matter how much you crank down your thermostat, staying comfortable can be challenging. If you struggle to keep cool this summer, you can do a few things to help. First, make sure your air conditioner is properly maintained and serviced. Second, consider making changes to your home to improve airflow and circulation.

With all of our hot and wet conditions, you have to wonder about the weather’s effects on our air conditioners. Luckily, AC units are designed to handle the elements to a large degree. However, when the weather gets extreme, there surely can be some consequences for your AC system!

System failure is the most common problem that arises from harsh weather conditions. A power outage can cause this, but more often than not, it’s simply because the system has been worked too hard. If your AC unit is constantly running to keep your home cool, it will eventually break down.

Another potential problem is that your AC unit could freeze up. This usually happens when the temperature outside dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, your AC unit will stop working until it thaws out. If you live in an area where extreme weather conditions are common, you can do a few things to help prevent problems with your AC unit.

How Does Rain Affect Your AC System?

Here in South Florida, we get almost 60 inches of rain annually! But as you watch the rain fall from the comfort of your home, have you ever wondered if it could damage your AC unit? With heavy rainfall happening regularly (especially if a hurricane comes through) combined with your system’s electrical components, it’s not unreasonable to think something could go wrong.

If you’re concerned about your AC unit during a storm, the best thing to do is turn it off. But we know that’s not always possible or even desirable. If you have an older system, it may be better to turn off the breaker to be safe. Newer units have surge protectors so that they can handle some fluctuations in power.

If your AC does get wet, the most important thing is to call a professional as soon as possible. Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s best to let someone with experience handle it. They will be able to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

In short, don’t worry too much about your AC during a storm. With proper maintenance and some common sense, it should be just fine. And if you have any problems, our team at All Year Cooling is always here to help!

As you watch the rain fall from the comfort of your home, have you ever wondered if it could damage your AC unit? With heavy rainfall happening regularly (especially if a hurricane comes through) combined with your system’s electrical components, it’s not unreasonable to think something could go wrong.

Air conditioners are built to withstand even the heaviest of downpours. Cooling systems are made of aluminum, copper, metal, and various other materials designed to cope with inclement weather. The electrical components are well-contained, and your air conditioner is protected even if rain is pouring for days.

Rain only becomes a factor in severely flooding scenarios when parts of the unit are submerged under water, and all modern AC units are built to handle even the worst of storms. However, it’s always a great idea to schedule regular maintenance appointments so a technician can ensure that no part of your system has been compromised. Suppose you live in an area especially prone to severe weather, such as hurricanes.

In that case, taking extra precautions with your air conditioner is a good idea. For example, you may want to invest in a unit that’s specifically designed for hurricane-force winds. These units are typically made of heavy-duty materials.

They have special fasteners that help keep them in place during high winds. You should also ensure that your cooling system is appropriately anchored to your home, so it doesn’t get blown away or damaged by flying debris.

While rain may not be the biggest threat to your air conditioner, there are still some things you can do to protect it from the elements.

Can Humidity Damage Your AC Unit?

Unlike excessive rainfall, humidity may affect your air conditioner. It doesn’t directly damage the system, but it makes it work harder for indoor comfort needs. So beyond simply cooling down your home, air conditioners are also built to eliminate indoor humidity.

In low humidity, an air conditioner only needs to cool the warm air. Still, in high humidity, it must cool the air and remove the moisture. While the cooling process is slowed, your AC unit is forced to do its best to keep up. The result is a less effective cooling system and a higher energy bill.

If you live in an area with high humidity, you can do a few things to help your air conditioner out. The first is ensuring your AC unit is correctly sized for your home. An undersized unit will struggle to keep up with the demand, no matter how low the humidity is.

The second is to ensure that your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated. Leaky ducts can contribute to higher humidity levels in your home, allowing moist air to enter the system. Finally, consider investing in a whole-house dehumidifier.

This will help remove moisture from the air before it enters your AC unit. High humidity can lead to:

Higher energy bills
A decrease in energy-efficiency
More wear and tear on your cooling system
A shorter lifespan for your unit
Increased need for repairs
More frequent system replacements

As you can see, humid weather is tough on your comfort and demanding on your air conditioner and your energy bills! However, a great thing about our AC units is that most of them are now built with dehumidifiers.

These are a fantastic solution when dealing with incredibly high humidity levels. While some people like some humidity, most of us want to get rid of all of it. Depending on how severe your indoor humidity problem is, there are many options of products to best suit your needs.

Commonly you’ll find two different types of dehumidifiers: whole-home and portable. The one you select depends on whether or not you wish to target specific areas or rooms. For example, portable dehumidifiers may be the best choice if your family members have preferences for humidity levels.

Mold and Algae

Another danger associated with high humidity levels involves mold and algae growth. As condensation builds inside our air conditioners, the excess water flows from the drain pan to the condensation drain and then out to the main water line.

With high amounts of humidity and moisture, these drains clog easily, leading to stagnant water inside your unit. As the moisture builds up, mold and algae start to grow and prosper. Over time, these growths can worsen the clog, increasing the chances of flood damage or creeping into electrical components and causing damage. If you notice strange smells or pools of water near your system, we recommend calling us immediately.

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ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.