Serving West Chicago & NEARBY Areas
Air conditioning is essential for keeping a home cool and comfortable in warm and humid weather. It’s reliable most of the time, but there are certain complications that can arise during a particularly rainy season in West Chicago. Let’s take a look at three of the most common rain-related problems, what can be done about them, and when to call for professional AC repair.
1. Condensation and Humidity
Your air conditioner is designed to remove excess moisture in the air to lower the humidity in your home. This can help your home feel more comfortable, but rainy weather can make things a little complicated for your air-conditioned space.
It should come as no surprise that the air outside becomes a lot more humid when it rains. This may cause the air inside the home to have more humidity than an air conditioner can handle. When warm, moist, indoor water vapor hits a cold surface, it condenses into a liquid. You’ll likely see this on your windows first, but condensation can also form on tables, walls, furniture, or just about any surface within the air-conditioned space. This condensation can cause numerous problems, such as damage to electronics, mold, and furniture. It can also reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency by forcing it to work harder to lower the increased humidity in your home.
Mitigating this problem is difficult, but it can be done. Regular air conditioner maintenance and proper insulation could help prevent condensation from forming in the first place. Dehumidifiers can also help remove the excess moisture from the air if your air conditioner isn’t able to keep up.
2. Damage to Your Outdoor Unit
A central air conditioning system consists of indoor and outdoor AC units. The outdoor unit is sturdy enough to withstand heavy rain most of the time, but it has its limits. If there is enough rain to cause flooding, part of the unit could become submerged in water, which can lead to corrosion and electrical issues. Rain can also carry debris, such as dirt and leaves, which can obstruct airflow from the unit and even cause it to overheat. Installing an AC unit on a raised platform can protect it from flooding and pooling water, while manually cleaning dirt and debris from the unit itself should keep it running smoothly. Check your outdoor unit frequently, especially after severe weather hits your area. Covering the unit if you expect heavy rain can also help keep it safe.
3. Higher Energy Consumption and Decreased Efficiency
Finally, rainy weather can cause your air conditioner to use more energy and become less efficient overall. As your home becomes more humid and less comfortable, you might be tempted to turn down your thermostat and run your air conditioner for longer than you usually would. If it goes on for too long, this increased activity can raise your energy bills, increase your home’s carbon footprint, and lower the life span of your air conditioner.
In addition, the extra debris carried by rain can obstruct airflow and lower your air conditioner’s efficiency. Even when airflow isn’t completely blocked, you will likely have to contend with dirty air filters, stagnant air, and other issues.
The best way to mitigate these issues is with routine AC maintenance. Change your air filters regularly, clear debris from your outdoor unit, and schedule an AC tune-up at least once a year from our technicians at [company-name]. To avoid running your air conditioner any more than you have to, let a dehumidifier help control the humidity in your home and use fans to circulate air instead of immediately turning down your thermostat if you feel too hot and humid.
Your Local Resource for Your Air Conditioning Needs
If you know that it’s been longer than a year since your last AC tune-up or you suspect that your air conditioner isn’t working properly, Air Choice Heating & Cooling will be happy to assist you. We are an HVAC contractor serving West Chicago, IL and the Metro Chicago Area, and we genuinely care about the comfort of our customers. We provide air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services, and we are available 24/7 for emergency repairs.
To learn more about our HVAC services or to schedule service for your West Chicago home, contact Air Choice Heating & Cooling today.
