Key Takeaways

A typical Colorado storm releases a concentrated punch of hail, high winds, and lightning. These factors can wreak havoc on your AC unit, leading to expensive repairs or emergency replacements.
You can protect your HVAC system further by installing whole-home surge protectors and AC-specific surge guards. It’s a savvy move to protect yourself from costly power surges!
Remove any debris or combustible material from around your AC unit. Anchor and elevate it in flood-prone areas to prepare it for the state’s topsy-turvy climate.
Step 1: Power down your AC before a storm hits. Avoid turn-on until power is stable post-outage to protect the system from damage and prolong the life of your equipment!
Post-storm, look for any visible signs of damage to your AC unit and listen for strange sounds. If you see something wrong, contact a trusted local Colorado HVAC pro today!
Regular maintenance, smart thermostat use, and staying informed through local alerts and insurance reviews boost your AC’s resilience during Colorado’s severe weather.

A brief Colorado storm might leave you unprepared when an unexpected power outage threatens your air conditioner. Sudden shutoffs, voltage spikes, flying debris – it’s a perfect storm for damage!

To prevent damage to your AC, switch it off at the thermostat before the power goes out. This action will protect it from restarting too quickly when the power comes back. Employing an external surge protector or disconnect switch protects your unit from power surges, too.

Removing branches and other loose objects around your outdoor unit prevents physical damage during severe wind or hail storms. These measures are effective against Colorado’s unique blend of summer hail, strong wind, and quick blackouts.

The following section addresses how you can protect your AC in three easy steps. AC tips anyone can do at home to keep their AC working and safe during Colorado storms.

Why Colorado Storms Threaten ACs

Colorado’s weather patterns introduce a special mix of threats for residential air conditioning units. The state’s storms bring hail, strong winds, and widespread lightning — all of which are hazards that can severely damage or destroy AC units.

As temperatures rise and power demands grow, understanding these threats helps homeowners keep their systems running and avoid costly repairs.

Hail, Wind, and Lightning Risks

Hailstorms routinely knock out ACs from Boulder to Baca, especially along the Front Range and eastern plains. Large enough hail can dent, or in some cases, break through the metal housing of outdoor AC units. This kind of damage lowers the efficiency and can cause a refrigerant leak or total unit failure.

In larger cities such as Denver or Colorado Springs, damage from just one storm can cost thousands in repairs. High winds are frequently associated with Colorado storms. They can knock over outdoor compressors, bend the fan blades or hurl projectiles into the units.

Even a loose patio chair can shatter a fan blade or severely clog the condenser. Lightning is another common storm visitor. Even with the close strike, a power surge occurs. This flood destroys at least one control board, compressor or blower, rendering the system useless until you replace the much more costly components.

Protective hail guards, heavy-duty covers, or wind barriers protect units from these dangers.

Power Surges: The Silent Killer

Yet another, more insidious killer to ACs is electrical surges from the storm. In sudden bursts, sensitive components—such as circuit boards—can bake during a surge. Some warning signs include inconsistent cooling throughout your home or unexpected shutoffs.

Surge protectors are inexpensive compared to the cost of a new AC. They can spare you thousands in repair costs, a necessity as Colorado’s population and electricity consumption continue to increase.

Brownouts: Slow AC Damage

Brownouts, or sudden drops in voltage, can significantly stress AC motors and internal wiring. Extended low voltage, frequent under conditions like heatwaves or peak demand, causes overheating and premature wear.

Keeping tabs on performance and implementing voltage regulators or auto-shutoff switches proactively intercept issues before they lead to more extensive damage.

Protect Your AC: Pre-Storm Actions

Colorado storms can produce powerful, damaging winds in a matter of minutes, torrential rain and extended power outages. Taking a few proactive steps can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable. It helps your AC system last longer! Having a solid checklist is half the battle.

Prevention is key. Preventive measures go a long way in protecting your AC. Have a certified technician inspect refrigerant lines, tighten electrical connections, and remove any corroded components. Taking these steps helps ensure your AC runs smoothly now and will be less likely to break down when the weather turns suddenly.

Now, prepare your home and your storm kit. Charge up your phone now and buy candles, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Make covers for your external AC unit and surge guards a part of your checklist.

For window units, consider removing them and sealing the window. This helps prevent rain and flying debris from getting in. Check your insurance policy while you’re at it. Ensure it includes comprehensive storm damage, particularly for large repairs or total replacements.

1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

They are an important first step in protecting all of your electric devices, not just your AC. Hire a licensed electrician to install one at your main panel. Choose a model that best suits your home’s requirements.

The test button should be pressed regularly, especially before your area’s storm season begins.

2. Add AC-Specific Surge Guards

AC-specific surge guards are designed to protect HVAC systems. Install them close to your outdoor unit for maximum benefit. Find models made for your brand and intermittently replace aging surge guards.

3. Master Your Circuit Breaker

Familiarize yourself with the layout of your breaker panel in advance and label which switch controls your AC. Train yourself to turn it off. Smart circuit breakers are able to send alerts when things go awry.

4. Clear Around Your Outdoor Unit

Remove any leaves, sticks, snow, or debris from around your outdoor AC unit. Leave at least a two-foot space around the unit for airflow. Cut back any trees or shrubs so that branches cannot strike the unit.

5. Anchor Your Condenser Unit

Brackets or concrete will help hold your condenser down. Confirm that anchor weights are appropriate according to local code. So take another look after every storm.

During the Storm: Smart Tactics

When Colorado storms come knocking, knowing what to do in advance can save your air conditioner and ensure your home stays nice and cool. Storms here can get intense, especially between late August and early September, which means more severe weather and power outages. Keeping track of weather warnings through regional news or trusted applications is an obvious, but often overlooked, starting point.

It’s what prepares you to jump into action when you realize the forecast has taken a severe turn. Always have key emergency contacts, such as your HVAC technician, and your local utility, saved in your phone. This could save a lot of time if you’re looking for assistance during or after a storm. Prepare your family. Ensure that every member of your household knows what to do when a sudden change in weather occurs—whether outdoors or indoors.

Being indoors during a storm is generally much safer. Unplug sensitive equipment and refrain from using large appliances during storms with lightning. If the storm is not bringing high winds and is just bringing rain, feel free to use your air conditioning. It’ll reduce moisture and make the air cleaner, too!

When lightning or severe winds are in the forecast, have a plan to temporarily shut down your air conditioning system. This will ensure you avoid damage from power surges.

Power Down Your AC System

Power down your AC system. This greatly reduces the chance of a surge frying the complete system. Unplugging the entire unit is a good idea if possible, for added safety. Close off windows and doors to keep your cool air inside.

Use fans, open upper windows, or use cross breezes if weather permits. Shut blinds and shades to keep the scorching sun out! Replacing dirty air filters too improves indoor air quality and helps rooms stay cooler on less energy.

Wait Before Restarting Post-Outage

Wait Before Restarting Post-Outage. Wait 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This allows the grid to balance out and prevents a large surge that could damage your system. Good news—many of the newer, smart thermostats have a built-in delay, so they prevent your AC from getting damaged as well.

Monitor your thermostat, be aware of unusual sounds, inspect for anything out of the ordinary as you turn back on. Running heavy loads after peak heat can reduce your cooling load and save your neighbors from rising local energy costs.

After the Power Returns

After the power returns following a Colorado snowstorm, don’t forget to give your air conditioner some attention. That’s a good idea, especially before it gets rolled out widely. Power surges and outages from recent hurricanes can damage home systems, and your AC is not immune.

An early glance can prevent time and cost overruns down the road, and ensure that any threats to people’s safety or comfort can be addressed before it’s too late.

Inspect for Obvious Damage

Begin by inspecting your outside condenser unit. It could get dented by hail, or even cracked if flying debris from strong winds impacts it. Look for little puddles of mud or water stains at the base.

These signs may be alerts to flooding or drainage problems, prevalent after intense storm events in Colorado. Inspect the wires for charring or melted insulation because power surges can occasionally burn wires.

Take a quick picture if you see something unusual. That will make it easier down the road if you need to talk to your insurance company or a repair technician. Documentation provides a strong tool to identify recurring problems following subsequent storm events.

Listen for Strange AC Sounds

First thing when you start the AC, look out for strange sounds. Grinding or hissing noises may indicate cracked components or an A/C refrigerant leak. If you notice any strange, loud, or unusual sounds, immediately stop the system.

This prevents things from worsening. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious following a major storm. If the sounds are annoying or they persist, consult with a professional HVAC contractor in your area.

When to Call a Colorado Pro

If your AC is not cooling properly or you notice physical damage, you need to contact a Colorado HVAC professional. Our local techs are experts with the unusual weather and work conditions here and are able to quickly identify issues.

If you are unsure about what the issue is, it’s better to err on the side of safety and consult with a professional. Their assistance extends to larger tasks as well, such as replacing filters, repairing electrical components, or inspecting for concealed water damage.

Long-Term AC Storm Resilience

In Colorado’s shifting climate, building storm resilience for your AC requires more than band-aids. As heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires increase, dependable cooling is a necessity. Residents and enterprises alike deserve a strategy that goes further than the next storm, with an eye toward long-term, permanent protection.

Consider Backup Power Options

Power outages are increasingly prevalent when storms or wildfire events occur. Providing backup power, through generators or battery storage, can help ensure your AC continues to function even in an emergency. Choose a generator that will meet your AC’s requirements, not only the minimum.

Be sure to consult with a licensed professional to ensure safe installation. Run your backup system through a test each season—don’t wait for an emergency to learn it’s not functional.

Perhaps not surprisingly, many Colorado homeowners install whole-home surge protectors. They do this to protect against power surges that happen when the grid returns to service.

Use Smart Thermostat Features

Smart thermostats let you monitor your system remotely in the midst of a storm. Create notifications for significant temperature changes or equipment malfunctions. Remote monitoring allows you to adjust settings if a storm rolls in while you are gone.

Use smart thermostat features to save energy during peak demand periods to reduce strain on the grid. This can be really helpful during peak times, where everyone at home is cooling down at the same time.

Schedule Regular HVAC Checkups

Regular maintenance by qualified HVAC technicians can go a long way. Seasonal tune-ups help ensure your system is prepared to face the next wave of extreme weather. Addressing minor issues at the outset prevents them from becoming major, costly repairs.

Document everything—this will aid in making warranty claims and demonstrate that you are proactive and prepared.

Elevate Unit in Flood-Prone Zones

If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate your outdoor AC unit. Provide a durable base and adhere to local code. Monitor for site hazards following heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.

Colorado-Specific Help & Resources

Colorado’s spring storms are known to produce quickly changing conditions and can cause power outages with little to no notice. Having the right resources at your fingertips empowers Coloradans to be prepared and be safe when storms roll in.

Who you call really DOES matter! Identifying the right local help isn’t hard if you know what to look for. Luckily, a little advance planning makes all the difference!

Know Your Utility Provider Alerts

Keeping informed begins with knowing what your electric utility is up to. Xcel Energy and most local co-ops provide online outage maps showing current trouble spots. You can subscribe to outage and repair updates via text or email.

Always keep your power company’s phone number handy, and familiarize yourself with how to report an outage. This allows crews to respond to issues more quickly and efficiently.

Many utilities have websites where you can see when power will be restored, instead of wondering in the dark. Online tools for tracking restoration can be very helpful during storm events.

Find Trusted Colorado HVAC Techs

A skilled HVAC tech can help ensure that recovery is as easy as possible. Find companies with good reputations in your town. Neighborhood forums and community groups such as Nextdoor are great places to request suggestions.

Make sure any tech you bring on board has an active license with the state of Colorado, as well as insurance coverage. A short phone call or in-person meeting goes a long way to allow you to discuss your configuration and identify potential hazards before storms roll in.

Check Your Home Insurance Policy

Insurance should cover most storm-related expenses, but only if you’re aware of what’s included. Look through your policy to see how it covers power surge, AC and freezer loss.

If you see something that’s lacking, discuss potential upgrades with your agent. Take pictures of your AC unit and save any repair receipts. This will streamline claims if you need assistance in the wake of a storm.

Conclusion

Colorado storms can change their course quickly and dangerously. One moment the sun may be shining down on Denver or Boulder, the next hail and wind are pelting the pavement. When the power goes out, AC units tend to absorb the worst of it. Sharp operators cut power in advance, protect external units and breakers before switching things back on. A very brief conversation with a trustworthy local pro could save you several times that amount in cost and stress. Protecting your AC in the lead up to, during, and after a crazy Colorado storm helps you stay cool and avoid more serious issues. So don’t sweat it the next time those clouds start piling up. Stick smart, stay tuned, and keep your cool—both cool and in reality. Have a question, or require immediate assistance? Contact a trusted local HVAC professional and gain some peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Colorado storms put my AC at risk?

All three of Colorado’s most infamous storm hazards can put your AC at risk. These kinds of surges can short circuit your AC’s electrical components and outdoor unit, causing costly replacements or repairs.

Should I turn off my AC before a storm in Colorado?

Should I turn off my AC before a storm in Colorado? This can help keep power surges from frying your system when the power goes out and/or comes back on unexpectedly.

What should I do with my AC during a power outage?

Leave your AC powered down until you’re sure power has been restored completely and is consistent. Turn it on too soon after an outage and you risk overloading the entire system or severely damaging your brand-new AC.

How can I protect my AC from hail during a Colorado storm?

Use a hail guard or cover specifically designed for AC units—never a regular tarp or blanket. These guards protect your outdoor unit from hail damage while still allowing airflow through them.

Is it safe to use a generator to run my AC after a storm?

Do not attempt to run your AC with a generator, unless the generator is appropriately sized and properly installed by a licensed electrician. Fail to do so and you’re exposing yourself to electrical dangers or your unit to damage.

What maintenance helps my AC survive Colorado weather?

Schedule annual professional tune-ups. Be sure to clear the area around your outdoor unit and inspect your AC unit for storm damage after each major weather event.

Where can I get local help for storm-damaged ACs in Colorado?

Reach out to local HVAC contractors or utility providers such as Xcel Energy. They provide emergency services and consultations, with recommendations based on Colorado climate and code.