Air conditioners are designed to resist weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a large downpour, this can critically damage the electrical components inside. Your AC unit is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, contact All American Air Service Experts at 386-310-2061 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these instructions to avoid harming 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 trap moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, think about installing your air conditioner on a high platform. This elevates the machinery above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another approach to protect your air conditioning equipment is to build a retaining wall around it. This structure can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the system when you know a storm is on the way.
If hail is predicted, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t use your air conditioner while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so may result in an electrical shock hazard or even destroy the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The quickest 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 need assistance, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like All American Air Service Experts.
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 clean any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t run the AC until it has been inspected by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, operating flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some troubles take days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your air conditioner turned off until you get the go-ahead from an HVAC tech.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers 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 may still be covered if the system has sustained wind or hail damage.
Don’t Hesitate and Request Your AC Flooding Evaluation with All American Air Service Experts Today
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