Air conditioners are designed to resist precipitation, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a long downpour, this could seriously damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to Midland Air Service Experts at 803-399-7208 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these directions to avoid harming your air conditioning 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 draw moisture inside, encourage rust, cause mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone location, consider placing your air conditioner on a high stand. This elevates the machinery above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another method to protect your air conditioning unit is to create a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment when you know a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can place boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your air conditioner while it’s submerged in water. Doing so may result in an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To prevent these issues, switch off the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The easiest method for doing this is to go to the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you require a second opinion, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Midland Air Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your air conditioner to dry out quickly. Draw away standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t turn on the system until it has been checked by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment may present the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some troubles take days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioner turned off until you receive the go-ahead from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your service visit, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor cooling system. If so, take pictures of the damage and submit your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the air conditioner has suffered wind or hail damage.
Arrange an Air Conditioning Flooding Review with Midland Air Service Experts
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