Should You Turn Off Your Air Conditioner During a Storm: Safety Guide

Severe weather is a factor every homeowner faces throughout the year. Risks might include heavy rain, lightning, or even tornadoes depending on where you live. Of course, the best place to be during a storm is inside your house. 

But many people have a crucial question once indoors: Should you turn off your air conditioner during a storm? That can be a hard decision when temperatures are steamy and you cannot escape to someplace more comfortable. Yet, it can also be the difference between keeping your air conditioner safe or damaging the system that keeps your family cool. 

Why Should You Turn Off Your Air Conditioner During a Storm?

The answer to should you turn off your air conditioner during a storm depends on the weather you are experiencing. 

Possibility of Lightning Strikes 

The first risk of using an air conditioner during a storm is the chance of lightning strikes. If lightning hits your house where your electrical system enters the building, it can emit a powerful surge. 

Lightning bolts have the potential to cause widespread damage because they transfer electricity through the wires powering your appliances, devices, and lighting. You may install lightning rods to prevent this type of incident from occurring. 

Possible Damage to AC Unit 

Another risk is the possibility of damaging your AC unit during a storm. A billion joules of energy can travel through your house from a particularly damaging lightning strike — this can render an air conditioner unusable or require total replacement. 

In addition, you could end up paying a large amount of money on repairs. A professional with Randolph's Professional Heating and Air Contractors can help you manage your air conditioner wisely to prevent damage.

Protecting Your Cooling Unit from Lightning Strikes 

To protect your AC unit from lightning strikes, you must first understand what will not work. For example, it's not a good idea to depend on a surge protector to keep your air conditioner in good working order. 

Unfortunately, despite their name, these devices aren't meant to handle the high amounts of energy that a lightning strike can produce in a split second. In addition, relying on a surge protector can damage your cooling system or leave your air conditioner permanently unusable. 

Instead, understand the tools that can help you redirect lightning in the event of a strike. For example, a better option includes lightning rods, which can divert lightning away from the electrical connections into your home. By focusing on lightning's intense heat and electrical charge, rods give cover to your house's electrical system. 

Ultimately, the safest option is to shut down the entire air conditioner whenever it is possible to do so during a storm. This can mitigate your risk as a homeowner and ensures this vital appliance can keep operating safely once the storm passes.

Is It Safe to Use an Air Conditioner During a Rainstorm? 

The good news is that not every type of weather requires a complete shutdown of your AC unit. For example, a standard rainstorm that brings moderate to light precipitation without lightning does not cause problems for your cooling system. So feel free to enjoy the rain from the comfort of your home while the AC system keeps you and your family in a comfortable climate.

Occasionally, though, there is cause for caution. For example, heavy rains and flash floods can create problems for AC units when water rises to a level that soaks electrical boxes and components within your cooling system, which can cause the system to malfunction. 

After a storm, check to ensure water is not standing or pooling near your AC unit. If it is, call a trusted professional to inspect and ensure you can keep operating regularly. 

Regardless of rain, it is a good idea to have an annual cooling system inspection to ensure any debris is cleared out and to prevent water damage. This proactive maintenance could save you a lot of money over the years.

Call Us for AC Maintenance 

So should you turn off your air conditioner during a storm? In summary, it is a two-part answer. 

If there is lightning involved, then yes, it is best to turn off your AC unit. If no lightning is present and rain is not excessive, you are likely safe to keep it running. 

No matter the weather, AC units in Denville, NJ, need a little TLC from time to time. If you experience problems with old AC units or need professional help to keep your cooling system in good working order, call Comfort Specialists at 973-490-4881.