Air conditioners are built to resist precipitation, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a large downpour, this could critically damage the electrical components within. Your cooling is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, contact A-PLUS Service Experts at 301-747-3140 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these steps to avoid damaging your air conditioning or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will draw moisture inside, promote rust, encourage mold growth and give animals a place to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone location, research moving your air conditioner on a high base. This elevates the equipment above any floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to safeguard your air conditioning system is to build a retaining wall around it. This technique can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the system when you realize a storm is coming.
If hail is predicted, you can secure sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so may result in an electrical shock hazard or possibly ruin the internal system components.
To avoid this damage, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The fastest method for doing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you require assistance, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like A-PLUS Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your AC to dry out as soon as possible. Remove standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been evaluated by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment might cause the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some troubles take days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioner turned off until you get the all-clear from an HVAC technician.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor AC system. If so, take pictures of the damage and process your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the air conditioner has suffered wind or hail damage.
Arrange an Air Conditioning Flooding Evaluation with A-PLUS Service Experts
For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check today.
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