Air conditioners are constructed to resist elements, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a large downpour, this may seriously damage the electrical components within. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 330-236-4793 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these instructions to avoid harming your air conditioner or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give animals a spot to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, research moving your air conditioner on an elevated floor. This elevates the unit above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.
Another method to protect your air conditioning equipment is to install a retaining wall around it. This technique can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is coming.
If hail is in the forecast, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your system while it’s flooded with water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To skip these issues, disconnect the power to the AC and thermostat. The quickest method for accomplishing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you need 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 system 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 air conditioner until it has been evaluated by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment might cause the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some troubles require days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioning turned off until you receive the all-clear from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor cooling system. If so, take pictures of the damage and present your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the system has experienced wind or hail damage.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Flooding Evaluation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
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