Air conditioners are built to resist weather, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a long downpour, this may seriously damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to Rolf Griffin Service Experts at 260-557-1275 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has happened or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid harming your air conditioner or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, promote rust, cause mold growth and give animals a place to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone location, think about installing your air conditioner on an elevated base. This elevates the system 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 system is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the system when you are alerted a storm is on the way.
If hail is predicted, you can place sections 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 picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your system while it’s submerged in water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially ruin the internal system components.
To avoid this damage, switch off the power to the AC and thermostat. The fastest method for doing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you require help, contact an air conditioning service company like Rolf Griffin Service Experts .
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your AC to dry out swiftly. Remove standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t run the air conditioner until it has been reviewed by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment might cause the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some issues need days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your unit turned off until you have the go-ahead from an HVAC technician.
While you wait for your service visit, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take stock of the damage and process your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the system has suffered wind or hail damage.
Request an Air Conditioning Flooding Evaluation with Rolf Griffin Service Experts
For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check right away.
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