Living in Hawaii or any other hot, humid environment means depending heavily on air conditioning units to enjoy a temperate and comfortable home. It also means subjecting the cooling system to island weather, which can include sudden and violent storms. Understanding the possible weather-related problems your air conditioning unit can experience makes it easier to keep up with maintenance and repairs:

Top 3 Weather-Related Air Conditioning Unit Issues

1. Floods

Heavy rain by itself generally will not damage your air conditioning unit; however, standing water from flooding presents an issue. Flood waters more than 15 inches deep can compromise your system’s electrical and mechanical components, resulting in power issues and internal corrosion if the unit is not allowed to dry out. Internal corrosion can also occur if you wrap your unit in plastic without the proper ventilation because the material traps moisture.

2. Strong Winds

The severe winds accompanying major tropical storms can seriously affect your air conditioning unit due to flying debris. Wind may knock tree branches loose, knocking them onto your unit and damaging the condenser fan grille. Smaller pieces of debris such as leaves and sand can also collect within the unit when wind gusts are strong. Too much debris clogs the unit’s filter, causing the appliance to malfunction and your home to become less comfortable. Debris can also collect on your air conditioning unit’s coils and interfere with the cooling process.

3. Hurricanes

The flooding, strong winds, and lightning during hurricanes are especially problematic for air conditioning units. They can cause internal and external AC system damage, especially if the unit is not properly secured. Winds up to 150 miles an hour can rip air conditioners from their bases, possibly causing them to crash into vehicles, houses, or anything else nearby. Turn off your air conditioner and let it dry after serious flooding; use tie-down straps and a surge protector to fortify your unit against high winds and lightning.
 

Kauai Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Kapaa, HI, keeps commercial and residential clients cool at reasonable prices. Work with a team of renowned HVAC contractors specializing in high-efficiency air conditioning unit installation, maintenance, and repair. Call (808) 822-2770 or visit them online for more information. Read the latest reviews on Yelp.