Air conditioners are constructed to withstand precipitation, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a torrential downpour, this may severely 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 Komfort Air Service Experts at 704-705-8135 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has occurred or is likely to occur, follow these instructions to avoid hurting your HVAC system or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t repel water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, encourage rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, research installing your air conditioner on a high base. This elevates the system above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.
Another approach to care for your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the unit when you are alerted a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can lay pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t run your system while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so may create an electrical shock hazard or even destroy the internal system components.
To avoid these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest 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 want a second opinion, contact an air conditioning service company like Komfort Air Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your AC to dry out as soon as possible. Siphon off standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment might pose the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some troubles require days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your unit turned off until you have the go-ahead from an HVAC tech.
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 may still be covered if the system has experienced wind or hail damage.
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