Air conditioners are designed to endure precipitation, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a large downpour, this could critically damage the electrical components in it. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-647-5749 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has happened or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid hurting your air conditioner or generating 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 bring moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give animals an area to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone spot, research moving your air conditioner on an elevated base. This elevates the equipment 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 structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the system when you are alerted a storm is approaching.
If hail is in the forecast, you can lay pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t run your AC while it’s submerged in water. Doing so could create an electrical shock hazard or even damage the internal system components.
To avoid these problems, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The easiest method for completing this is to go to the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you want help, contact an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your system to dry out swiftly. Siphon off standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t turn on the system until it has been inspected by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment can present the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. 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 go-ahead from an HVAC technician.
While you wait for your appointment, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take photos of the damage and present your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the system has sustained wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Arrange Your AC Flooding Evaluation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Today
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