Can I turn on the air conditioner during rain and thunderstorms?

Operating household appliances in the rain always raises questions, especially if the rain is accompanied by a thunderstorm or hail. Experts say that you can turn on the air conditioner in the rain. Precipitation is not able to damage the outdoor unit. However, it is worth taking certain measures so that a thunderstorm or hail does not cause a breakdown in the air conditioner.

The principle of operation of split systems

To understand how rain and other types of precipitation affect modern climate technology, you need to understand the principle of operation of air conditioners. Most modern systems consist of two blocks. One of them is installed on the street, the second - indoors.

Each block performs its functions:

• The module located in the room consists of a heat exchange unit and fans. Fans drive warm air from the room to the exchange unit. There, air gives off heat to freon and returns to the room.
• The module located on the street also contains a heat exchanger. In addition to it, under the case there is a compressor that drives freon between two circuits, and a fan. Hot freon enters the heat exchange unit and gives off heat to the street air. The fan expels portions of heated air, replacing them with cooler air. Thanks to heat transfer, freon gradually cools down, and then returns to the indoor unit.

In addition to the described schemes, there are more complex options involving the use of street air for "ventilation" of the room. However, in the article we will consider only the classical scheme.

It is the street block that is exposed to the weather. Manufacturers take into account the likelihood that this module will be in the rain, so they put it in a stainless case, protected from ingress of rainwater. Therefore, the operation of the air conditioner in the rain does not pose any risk to either the equipment or its users.

The specifics of the operation of the air conditioner in the rain

Typically, rainy weather is characterized by lower temperatures. This facilitates the operation of the air conditioner, since heat transfer in the external circuit is accelerated. Cold street air quickly removes heat from freon and creates less load on the compressor. In addition, the temperature in the room decreases naturally, which also reduces the operating time of the air conditioner.

The second factor that can affect the operation of the air conditioner during rain is air humidity and water droplets. Theoretically, there is a possibility that water droplets will fall into the body of the external unit. However, most manufacturers guarantee the protection of the enclosures of the external modules of their climate systems at the IPX4 level.

Protection class “IPX4” implies that the casing of the device is protected from water splashes flying in any direction. This means that even heavy rain in combination with a gale is not able to throw water inside the body of the air conditioning unit.

Although the external unit of the climate system has protection against hitting a wagon, it is not able to protect the device from impacts of hailstones or icicles falling from the roof. Therefore, when installing climate control equipment, it is worthwhile to take care of the construction of a visor above the device in advance.

Most modern models of air conditioners are equipped with air drainage units. They are able to reduce humidity in the room, making the atmosphere in the room more comfortable for the people in it. Therefore, the use of air conditioning in the rain is not only safe, but also useful.

Safe use during thunderstorms

Thunderstorm is rain, accompanied by lightning strikes and thunder. Atmospheric electricity can be dangerous not only for air conditioners, but also for other electrical appliances installed in the house. If lightning hits the house, it can damage all electrical devices that are turned on at that moment.

Most modern buildings are equipped with a lightning rod system and grounding outlets. All of these protective systems significantly reduce the risk of lightning striking electrical appliances. The probability of such a strike is very small, but it is impossible to reduce it to zero. Therefore, in a thunderstorm, it is advisable to turn off electrical appliances, including air conditioning.

Electrical safety experts do not recommend turning the air conditioner on and off when lightning already sparkles outside the window. The fact is that a device is struck by lightning most likely precisely at the moment of beginning of current supply or power off. It is better to turn off the air conditioner in advance when a thunderstorm is just beginning.

Following the recommendations, you can use the air conditioner in the rain without worrying about your own safety or the risk to the device.