Flooding or Hail Can Result in Severe Damage to Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners are constructed to withstand weather, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a torrential downpour, this might critically damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 866-397-3787 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has taken place or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid damaging your air conditioning or generating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, lead to rust, encourage mold growth and give animals a spot to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone area, research placing your air conditioner on an elevated platform. This elevates the unit above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.
Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to install a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the unit when you know a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can place sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or possibly ruin the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The easiest method for accomplishing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you need assistance, contact an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your air conditioner to dry out swiftly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t run the air conditioner until it has been reviewed by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment could pose the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your unit turned off until you receive the all-clear from an HVAC tech.
While you wait for your appointment, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take photos of the damage and process your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Hesitate and Schedule Your AC Flooding Appointment with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Today
For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check now.