How does Rain Affect my AC?
In Southern California we’re lucky to see sunny skies for a majority of the year. Despite this, there are a few months that bring the rainy weather. It’s vital for some homes to have an outdoor air conditioning unit and we’ve received questions about how rain affects a condenser. This is why we’re sharing the ways rain does, or doesn’t, affect your AC.
How Does Rain Affect My AC
Half of all central air conditioning systems live outside. This means you have some vital pieces of your HVAC system completely open to the elements. But is this a bad thing? Fortunately for Southern California homeowners, it’s not.
Modern outdoor condensers, and the parts inside, are made of copper, aluminum, strong plastics, and other materials that are not susceptible to rusting. This means the small amount of rain we get here won’t do any damage to your outdoor condenser. However, this doesn’t give you a pass to just ignore your AC unit all together.
There are some storms that can truly kick up the wind and send debris flying. After one of these weather events, take the time to look at your condenser. Are there any visible debris protruding from the machine? If it’s safe for you to do so, pull them out to help keep the machine running.
Should I Cover my Condenser?
When it comes to taking care of your condenser, less is always better. We have some proactive homeowners who think wrapping their condenser with a tarp, or some other cover, will help protect it from the rain. We’re telling you to not do this. Do not put a cover or wrap on your condenser when it rains.
Without ventilation, it’s too easy for rain drops to find themselves congregating in your condenser. If the condenser has a cover over it, that water never has the chance to evaporate or dry up. Instead, what you’re left with is a big potential for mold growth. Ditch the cover and let your condenser breathe.
Schedule a Tune-Up to Take Care of Your AC
The best way to take care of your AC, throughout all seasons, is to schedule regular maintenance. At Service Champions, we recommend an HVAC tune-up at the start of spring, and the start of fall.
During a tune-up, one of our HVAC experts will clean and inspect every part of your air conditioning system. From the outdoor unit to the indoor air filter, we make sure to go through everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure you and your family stay safe and cool for months to come.
Want to Make Sure Your AC is in Tip Top Shape?
Then schedule a tune-up with the experts at Service Champions! We’ll make sure to go through all 26-points of our AC tune-up. This will allow us to clean your system from top to bottom and see if there are any potential problems lurking in your HVAC system. Service Champions is the only Diamond Certified company providing aid for homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to book an appointment online.