Air Conditioner | 3 Protective Steps to Guard Split Air Conditioners From Heavy Storms
Posted on: 11 September 2015
An air conditioner provides essential cooling during hot summers, making it an integral part of most Australian households. Split air conditioners are especially popular with homeowners because they provide efficient cooling in each room without taking up much space. A split air conditioner is usually made up of a compressor outdoor unit and an outlet indoor unit, both of which are connected by pipes carrying cooling refrigerant. Your split air conditioner is sometimes susceptible to additional damage during heavy storms and rains, so you'll want to undertake smart steps to protect it from undue damage.
Secure the Air Conditioner Condenser Unit
The air conditioner condenser unit is usually left outdoors, so it is exposed to lighting strikes, high wind speeds, flying debris and floods. These natural elements could cause major damage to your entire cooling unit, which could eventually mean expensive repairs. Make sure that you secure the condenser unit with metal tie-down straps to a strong base near your home. This ensures that the unit remains highly secure even during high winds. A condenser cage is another protective layer that will secure your outdoor unit firmly in place, so be sure to purchase one if you don't already have it. When a heavy storm approaches, cover the condenser cage with tied-down heavy tarp to protect the outdoor unit from excess water, flooding and flying debris.
Get the Electrician to Place a Surge Protector for the Air Conditioner
Electrical supply can fluctuate in a home during heavy rains and storms, so you'll want to protect your appliances as much as possible. If your split air conditioner doesn't come with an automatic surge protector, you may need to get one installed by an electrician because lighting strikes can severely damage its functionality. A surge protector absorbs excess electricity that could destroy internal components within your air conditioner. A surge protector is a smart investment to protect all your household electrical appliances, so be sure to get the electrician to install one in your home. In addition, ensure that the electricity flow to the air conditioner is shut off during a storm for enhanced protection.
Cut Down Potentially Swaying Tree Branches and Flying Objects
Make sure that tree branches near the outdoor unit and near power lines are cut and trimmed. Cutting branches prevents them from swaying and destroying power lines and air conditioning units. You'll also want to clear furniture pieces, logs, stones and boxes from the area around your air conditioner. These potentially flying objects can prove to be destructive to your air conditioner during a heavy storm.
Follow these smart steps for protecting your air conditioner during a heavy storm.
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