Air conditioners are constructed to endure weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a large downpour, this can severely damage the electrical components within. Your cooling is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 561-629-1826 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has happened or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid hurting your air conditioner 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 bring moisture inside, encourage rust, cause mold growth and give pests a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone area, consider placing your air conditioner on an elevated floor. This elevates the unit above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to create a retaining wall around it. This option can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment when you are alerted a storm is coming.
If hail is expected, you can place pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t use your air conditioner while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can lead to an electrical shock hazard or possibly ruin the internal system components.
To avoid these problems, switch off the power to the AC and thermostat. The quickest method for completing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you want assistance, call an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
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 air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment could pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some problems need days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your air conditioner turned off until you receive the all-clear from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your service visit, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take stock of the damage and present your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the system has sustained wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Schedule Your AC Flooding Evaluation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Today
For a full air conditioning inspection and safety check right away.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.