Air conditioners are designed to resist weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a torrential downpour, this may seriously damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, call Atmostemp Service Experts at 856-310-4824 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has occurred or is likely to happen, follow these directions to avoid damaging your AC unit 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 draw moisture inside, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give animals a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone area, think about moving your air conditioner on an elevated platform. This elevates the machinery above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.
Another method to safeguard your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This option can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can secure boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your system 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 fastest method for accomplishing this is to go to 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 Atmostemp Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your system to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t start the system until it has been inspected by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment may cause 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 receive the okay from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your service visit, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor AC system. If so, take pictures of the damage and submit your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the system has sustained wind or hail damage.
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