If you’re wondering how your AC unit’s performance is affected by rain, you don’t need to worry about it. In normal situations, it will continue working just as it should. Your unit’s condenser can even benefit from the rainwater. Depending on the situation, however, too much rain can really damage your unit. As your leading expert among air conditioning and electric panel companies, here we’ll explain just how your AC unit handles rain.
How Rain Can Actually Be Good for Your Unit
Your outdoor AC unit contains the compressor, rotor fan and condensing coil. Rain can actually wash away the dust collected on these components. If the coil stays clean, it can release heat faster, helping your unit work more efficiently. The electrical components and wiring are sealed so they won’t be affected by the rainfall and can stay dry.
Your unit’s outdoor compressor and condensing coil are made from a metal such as aluminum or copper, and are designed to stand up to even moderate rainfall while still maintaining their performance when in use. Normally, your unit doesn’t really need to be covered, even during heavy rainfall. Nevertheless, most air conditioning companies will warn that there are still some conditions which may affect your unit’s performance.
Too Much Rain Can Affect Performance
Heavy rainfall can sometimes become a problem for your AC unit when it submerges part of your unit’s condenser, affecting its performance. A sudden power outage and lightning strike can easily damage your unit. If severe weather is about to hit your area, it’s best to turn off your AC unit at its thermostat as well as its circuit breaker to minimize any damage.
Corrosion can also affect your outdoor AC unit if it’s not covered properly, especially during the winter months. Choosing to wrap your unit tightly in plastic, however, can trap moisture inside, which can then degrade rubber wiring and corrode metal components. This occurs because there’s no ventilation to allow the moisture to escape..
As one of the leading professional air conditioning and heating companies, All Seasons, Inc. knows how your AC unit should be maintained under all weather conditions. If you have any more concerns, you can reach us by contacting our NATE-certified HVAC team at (253) 879-9144 or filling out our request form online. We serve Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and nearby WA areas.
