Phoenix Air Conditioning Preservation During Severe Weather
Phoenix Air Conditioning When Summer Takes A Break
Phoenix air conditioning and heat pumps bring home cooling during the summer and home heating during the winter. Yet the excessively warm nature of Arizona temperatures may cause a bit of lapse in winter AC maintenance planning. After all, summer reports from azcentral typically deal with record-breaking highs. For example: On Sunday June 19, 2016 temperatures in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma set various heat records. It was a day when Phoenix came in at 118 degrees while Yuma temperatures punched a record setting 120 degrees (1).
The need for severe winter weather air conditioning preservation is not foreign to regional Phoenix AZ.
Perhaps you remember the Phoenix freeze warnings during the December of 2015 NM blizzard (2). Local residents were cautioned to wrap pipes, protect weather sensitive plants, and take special care of outdoor pets. As to 2017, January should hang mostly in the mid forties, but may experience several drops to mid thirties. The following list reveals some of the recorded 2015 low:
- Flagstaff – 16 degrees
- Prescott – 17 degrees
- Mesa – 34 degrees
- AND Phoenix – 39 degrees.
In this article, American Cooling and Heating offers a how to on heat pump and Phoenix air conditioning preservation during severe winter weather.
Phoenix HVAC Preservation Tips – Dealing With Cold, Heat, Rain and Wind
Poorly maintained air conditioning systems are subject to unnecessary points of failure. Although crafted to withstand even extreme weather changes and conditions, HVAC systems perform better when homeowners follow basic air conditioning preservation practices. The following tips lead to increased longevity in both heat pumps and air conditioners.
1) AC Preservation – Avoid Covering Your System
Someone may consider a cover a sensible component of efficient Phoenix air conditioning preservation. This would be error. HVAC systems are designed to weather rain, snow and wind. Here are three reason covering an outdoor condensing system may actually damage the unit – even on a unit with a temporary disconnect from power:
- HVAC & Accumulated Moisture… No cover will effectively keep moisture out of external air conditioning components. Evaporation draws water up from the ground. Humidity in the air penetrates any break in the seal of the cover. The splash of raindrops promotes moisture accumulation within the confines of the cover.
- HVAC & Rodent Control… By nature, heat pumps and air condensing units are designed to deter rodents from finding sufficient cover for nesting. Don’t void this purpose by offering rats a nice, warm, cozy external HVAC system.
- HVAC & Effective System Airflow… Air conditioning systems function by effective movement of air. A cover can hinder the system to the point of critical breakdown. An even minor obstruction to AC airflow can increase accumulation of mildew and mold.
2) AC Preservation – Powering Down When The Power Goes Down
Bad weather sometimes causes a local outage of power. Problems during repair of the lines can cause multiple power surges to enter your home. If severe weather causes your household power to go out, you might consider tripping the main HVAC fuses until after the problem is fully resolved.
3) AC Preservation – Batting Down For High Winds
Just as installing a cover can damage the exterior components of your heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit, so can wind blown debris. Be prepared for high winds. Keep yard furniture, toys and brush secured, stored, or effectively distant from your HVAC system.
Dealing With Phoenix Air Conditioning Failure During Severe Weather
Severe Arizona weather: You never know when trouble will arrive. Keep the American Cooling and Heating service and heat pump sales number on hand. We run service trucks 24/7. Quick response. Fair pricing. And services are guaranteed.
1) azcentral, “Arizona Temp Records Toppled By Deadly Heat Wave“
2) azfamily, “Freeze Warning Looms For Phoenix, Blizzard In NM Sparks Misery“