5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Has Sustained Storm Damage

July 19, 2026

Quick Answer: Signs of AC storm damage include a system that will not restart, weak cooling, refrigerant leaks, unusual noises, standing water around the outdoor unit, and burning odors. Turn the system off and schedule an inspection if you notice electrical damage, flooding, exposed wiring, or persistent performance problems. Air conditioners are designed to withstand routine exposure to rain, wind, heat, and other outdoor conditions. However, severe thunderstorms, hail, flooding, lightning, and wind-blown debris can damage the outdoor unit or its electrical components. Inspecting your cooling system after severe weather can help you identify damage before it causes energy waste, additional wear, or complete equipment failure. Here are five signs your air conditioner may have sustained storm damage. 1. Your Air Conditioner Will Not Turn Back On Severe storms frequently cause power outages and electrical surges. If your air conditioner was operating before the power went out, it may restart automatically once power is restored. However, a tripped breaker or damaged electrical component could prevent it from turning back on. First, confirm that the thermostat is set to cool and that the home has power. If the air conditioner and surrounding area are completely dry, you may check whether the...

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R-22 vs R-410A: Is There a Difference?

July 13, 2026

Quick Answer: R-22 and R-410A are different refrigerants and are not compatible or interchangeable. R-22 has a 100-year global warming potential of 1,810, while R-410A has a GWP of 2,088. Existing systems can still be serviced with the refrigerant they were designed to use, but you cannot simply put R-410A into an R-22 system. Older air conditioning systems commonly used R-22, while many systems manufactured after 2010 used R-410A. Both substances are refrigerants that allow an air conditioner to absorb heat from inside a home and release it outdoors. However, R-22 and R-410A have different chemical compositions, operating pressures, lubricants, and equipment requirements. They cannot be mixed or substituted for one another without major system modifications. Understanding the differences between R-22 and R-410A can help O’Fallon homeowners make informed decisions about refrigerant leaks, AC repairs, and equipment replacement. Why Does an AC System Need Refrigerant? Refrigerant carries heat through an air conditioning system. It repeatedly changes between a liquid and a vapor as it circulates between the indoor and outdoor equipment. The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor. The refrigerant then moves through the outdoor condenser coil, where it releases heat and condenses into a liquid....

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Integrating Solar Power With Your Lennox AC System

July 8, 2026

Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce energy consumption. Many wonder if they can pair solar power with modern Lennox cooling systems to offset electricity costs. The answer is yes. While solar panels do not increase an air conditioner’s efficiency, they can power your cooling equipment with clean, renewable energy generated at home. Modern HVAC technology and residential solar options can make it easier for homeowners to combine home comfort with energy-conscious upgrades. This pairing allows you to leverage the sun’s energy to run your high-performance air conditioner, lowering your reliance on the utility grid during peak cooling season. This article explores how solar-assisted cooling works, which Lennox systems are best for integration, and what to consider before investing in this powerful home energy solution. What Is Solar-Assisted Cooling? Solar-assisted cooling uses electricity generated by rooftop solar panels to power your home’s air conditioning system. Instead of drawing all its electricity from the utility grid, your AC unit can use the solar energy that your home produces. This process works seamlessly with your home’s main electrical system. It’s important to understand that solar-assisted cooling is not a separate, specialized type of air conditioner. Your AC unit functions in the...

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Keep Your Summer Air Fresh and Cool With an Energy Recovery Ventilator

July 1, 2026

Modern, energy-efficient homes are tightly sealed, which is great for keeping cooling bills low during a hot summer. However, this airtight construction traps stale, polluted air inside. Without natural drafts, your indoor air can become stuffy, full of odors, and less healthy to breathe. Fresh outdoor air has difficulty entering, and contaminated indoor air has no way to escape. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a ventilation solution designed specifically for this problem. It brings in fresh outdoor air while minimizing the loss of your conditioned, cool air. As homes become more airtight, ERVs can be a helpful part of maintaining ventilation, indoor comfort, and energy efficiency. This guide will explore how ERVs work, the problems they solve, and why they are an ideal addition to your home’s comfort system. Why Do Modern Homes Struggle With Stale Air? Newer construction techniques heavily focus on reducing air leakage. Upgrades like high-performance windows, advanced insulation, and tight building wraps are excellent for preventing conditioned air from escaping. The benefits of an airtight home include better energy efficiency, improved indoor environment by eliminating drafts, and lower utility costs. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of natural ventilation. In older, draftier homes, air...

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