As a Wichita resident, you know how extreme our weather can be! Summer brings highs in the 90s and severe storms every now and then. Winter brings lows in the 20s with some snow and ice. Your HVAC system helps keep your home comfortable in all seasons — but how does the weather affect its performance?

Let’s take a closer look at how different conditions might cause changes in how well your heating and cooling equipment works — and what you can do to help protect it!

Hot Temperatures

Does your home stay cool during summer? Your central AC helps ensure that. But excessive heat, such as heat waves, can put strain on it. Your HVAC system has to work harder to make sure your home interior reaches your set temperature.

Having to run more often in hot weather can lead to the following problems:

  • Excess wear and tear on components
  • Damage or failure of HVAC parts
  • Costly repairs and replacements
  • Higher energy bills

Cold Weather

Winter temperatures can take a toll on your heating system, just as summer temps affect your AC. Your furnace may need to run frequently during cold snaps. Have a heat pump? Its backup heating might need to kick in if temperatures drop too low!

Extreme cold can cause the following issues with your heating equipment:

  • More wear and tear
  • Higher chance of needing repairs
  • Higher gas or electric bills — depending on the type of heating system you have

Rain and Snow

Your HVAC system has an indoor and outdoor unit — and precipitation can affect both! Rainy and snowy weather lead to more humidity in the air. This can make your heating and cooling equipment run more often to raise or lower your indoor temperature as needed.

What about the outdoor unit? If rain or snow is able to reach inner components, it can cause them to corrode. This results in a shorter life expectancy for your HVAC equipment!

Windy Conditions

High winds can also cause trouble for your heating and cooling system. Windy weather makes it tougher for your HVAC unit to push cooled or heated air through ductwork to your home interior.

Windy days can end up leading to more strain on your equipment — and higher energy bills! And wind can blow debris around that might dent or damage your outdoor unit.

Should You Check Your HVAC After Bad or Extreme Weather?

Yes! Your outdoor unit is built to withstand inclement weather. But severe storms may cause damage that affects its performance. After extreme weather, check the following:

  • Inspect the outdoor unit for signs of damage, like bent fins or dents
  • Look inside the outdoor HVAC unit for ice or water buildup
  • Turn your heating or cooling on to see if it runs smoothly or makes unusual sounds

How Can You Protect Your HVAC System?

You don’t have to take chances with weather affecting your heating system and central air! In fact, doing the following can help guard against possible damage or wear and tear:

  • Change the filter regularly — every one to three months
  • Make sure the outdoor unit is insulated from the cold
  • Consider covering the outdoor unit during winter
  • Schedule routine maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment

Call Comfort Systems for HVAC Repairs and Maintenance in Wichita!

Does your equipment have storm damage? Or do you need to set up regular maintenance? Get in touch with our experts at Comfort Systems! We can give your HVAC system routine tuneups — or provide prompt repairs if needed!

Posted in HVAC system