Air conditioners are constructed to withstand precipitation, 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 in it. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 407-329-7661 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has occurred or is likely to take place, follow these steps to avoid hurting your air conditioning or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t repel water. Instead, it will draw moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give pests an area to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone spot, think about placing your air conditioner on a high floor. This elevates the equipment above possible floodwaters and can save you trouble and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to install a retaining wall around it. This option can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you are alerted a storm is coming.
If hail is in the forecast, you can secure sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can lead to an electrical shock hazard or possibly ruin the internal system components.
To avoid this damage, disconnect the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest method for completing this is to go to the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you require assistance, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your air conditioner to dry out as soon as possible. Draw away standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t start the system until it has been checked by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may cause the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some problems require days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your unit turned off until you have the okay from an HVAC technician.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take pictures of the damage and present your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
Arrange an Air Conditioner Flooding Inspection with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
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