Categories: HVAC

Is It Safe to Keep Your AC Running During a Thunderstorm?

To ensure reliable performance from your air conditioning system, you’ll need to take measures that keep it safe and damage-free. For example, you’ll need to be wary about running your AC when there’s a major weather event, especially a thunderstorm. To prevent damage and ensure safety, don’t leave your air conditioning system running. The premier HVAC company in the area, Acker Heating & Cooling, explains why. 

Thunder & Lighting Are a Package Deal

A thunderstorm almost always brings lightning with it, and a well-placed lighting strike can cause severe damage to your air conditioning system. Most AC units are insulated against electricity, meaning it’s doubtful that a lighting strike can leave the casing of the outdoor AC unit burning or electrically charged. It can, however, render the unit itself inoperable. The power surge can melt the plug of the unit. Plus, there’s a high chance that lightning will fry the delicate electrical circuitry of the AC control panel and corrupt the system.

It’s safe to run your AC when there’s a rainstorm. That’s because the outdoor AC unit is able to shed rainwater, and the wet won’t interfere with its function. But watch out if a rainstorm has led to flooding. Once you see there’s standing water around the outdoor AC unit, stop using the system and turn off the power at your home’s electrical panel.

What You Can Do

Should your AC system become damaged because of a power surge caused by a lightning strike, you’ll need to call a trusted air conditioning and heating system professional for repairs or possible replacement. If you want to prevent this from occurring in the first place, simply turn off the AC system during a thunderstorm. You can also invest in a protection system that consists of lighting rods, conductor cables and ground rods.

Request an HVAC Quote Today

Acker Heating & Cooling remains the go-to company for high-quality residential and commercial HVAC services. With our top-tier solutions and professional technicians, we’ll help you get the most out of your air conditioning system. Call us today at (706) 425-8774 or fill out this contact form to schedule an HVAC consultation. We proudly serve Colbert, GA, and other areas of Madison County.

Bryan Acker

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