Air conditioners are constructed to resist elements, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a torrential downpour, this can severely damage the electrical components within. Your AC unit is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to Comfortech Service Experts at 601-852-3105 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these instructions to avoid damaging your air conditioner or generating 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, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, think about moving your air conditioner on an elevated platform. This elevates the unit above any floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the system when you realize a storm is approaching.
If hail is predicted, you can secure boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or even destroy the internal system components.
To prevent this damage, turn off the power to the AC and thermostat. The easiest method for completing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you require a second opinion, contact an air conditioning service company like Comfortech Service Experts .
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your system to dry out swiftly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t start the system until it has been evaluated by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may cause the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues require days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s best to keep your air conditioner turned off until you have the all-clear from an HVAC pro.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor AC system. If so, take stock of the damage and submit your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
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