Should I Turn Off My AC During a Storm? 5 Safety Tips

July 15, 2018

Thunderstorms have rocked the Northeast this spring and summer, especially in our corner of New Jersey. Violent storms can be unsettling, with flickering lights, rattling floors, and loud cracks of thunder. During these intense moments, it's natural to worry about your family's safety and potential damage to your home and wonder, "Should I turn off my AC during a storm?"

This is why we tell customers that being prepared is always important! Knowing what to do during a storm can help ease your mind. Here are some important air conditioner protection reminders to remember before and after the next big storm.

Should I Turn Off My AC During a Storm?

If it's a severe storm, we typically recommend yes. Even though it's unlikely that lightning would strike your AC unit, power surges do often accompany lightning strikes. And it's those power surges that can damage electrical equipment, your compressor, and your electrical panel. Ideally, you should shut your AC off right before the storm hits. Turn it back on once it passes, and you don't have any damage.

How to Protect Your AC During a Storm

Storms bring thunder and lightning, and severe weather events can also bring hail. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, hailstorms happen about 7,000 times each year, often with hail measuring at least one inch in diameter. If it's a heavy storm, hail could damage your AC unit by denting fan blades or damaging tubes inside the coils.

To protect your home from hail and storm damage, you can:

• Install an AC surge protector (yes, it's worth it and can save headaches and money).
• Place a heavy-duty cover over the outdoor unit.
• Secure any loose objects in the yard that might become airborne and damage the unit.
• Elevate the unit if it's in a flood-prone area.

General Storm & HVAC Safety Tips

You'll want to be prepared if the weather station calls for severe storms, including lightning, winds, thunder, and hail. Here are some reminders:

• Turn off the system on the thermostat and circuit breaker.
• Wait to turn the HVAC system back on until your power is secure and stable.
• Keep all doors and windows closed to preserve indoor temperature.
• Before restarting your system, check for electrical issues or gas leaks.
• Always have an emergency plan for your family.

Troubleshooting Storm Damage to Your AC

Once the storm has passed, you'll want to assess your home and your AC to see if there is any damage. If your AC is not working after a storm, try these things before calling a professional.

• Check the circuit breaker. It's possible a fuse was blown and a breaker tripped.
• Inspect the unit for any physical damage.
• Check the thermostat and reset it if it went out during a power outage.

If you can do all these checks and your AC comes back on, great! You've survived the storm! On the other hand, if you notice strange noises, odd smells, no cool air from the vents, or the system won't turn on, call us. You likely need professional maintenance.

Post-Storm Recap

In our experience, turning off your air conditioning system before a storm hits can help prevent costly damage. As the summer heat intensifies and the risk of storms increases, don't wait. Prepare your home and AC system now to be ready when it hits. As always, the team at A.J. Perri is just a phone call away if you have questions about air conditioner protection or other HVAC concerns that arise post-storm. Call us today at 732-733-2541.