Air conditioners are designed to withstand elements, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a long downpour, this could severely damage the electrical components inside. Your AC unit is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare at 226-270-1164 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these instructions to avoid harming your HVAC system or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with anything. A plastic sheet won’t repel water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, lead to rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a place to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone location, consider placing your air conditioner on a raised floor. This elevates the system above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to care for your air conditioning equipment is to place a retaining wall around it. This technique can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the unit when you realize a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can lay pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your AC while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially destroy the internal system components.
To prevent 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 turn them to the “off” position. If you need assistance, contact an air conditioning service company like Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, 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 run the system until it has been checked by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment can cause the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your unit turned off until you have the go-ahead from an HVAC tech.
While you wait for your service visit, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor cooling system. If so, take stock of the damage and present your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Arrange Your AC Flooding Evaluation with Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare Today
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