Air conditioners are constructed to endure elements, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a torrential downpour, this can critically damage the electrical components within. Your cooling is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, call Robinson Service Experts at 847-306-8730 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has occurred or is likely to happen, follow these instructions to avoid hurting your air conditioner or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give pests a place to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone area, research placing your air conditioner on a high stand. 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 system is to build a retaining wall around it. This technique can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the system when you are alerted a storm is approaching.
If hail is in the forecast, you can lay boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield 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 system while it’s flooded with water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially ruin the internal system components.
To skip these problems, turn off the power to the AC and thermostat. The fastest method for completing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you need help, contact an air conditioning service company like Robinson Service Experts .
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your AC to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t turn on the system until it has been evaluated by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, operating flood-damaged equipment could pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some troubles require days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your unit turned off until you receive the okay from an HVAC technician.
While you wait for your appointment, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take stock of the damage and submit your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the air conditioner has sustained wind or hail damage.
Request an Air Conditioning Flooding Evaluation with Robinson Service Experts
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