Air conditioners are built to withstand weather, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a torrential downpour, this may critically damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts at 226-773-3357 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has occurred or is likely to happen, follow these directions to avoid harming your air conditioner or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with anything. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, encourage rust, cause mold growth and give animals a spot to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone area, think about placing your air conditioner on a high platform. This elevates the unit above any floodwaters and can save you trouble and expense following the next downpour.
Another method to protect your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This option can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the unit when you are alerted a storm is on the way.
If hail is expected, you can lay sections 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 picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your air conditioner while it’s submerged in water. Doing so may result in an electrical shock hazard or potentially destroy the internal system components.
To skip this damage, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The fastest 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 need a second opinion, contact an air conditioning service company like Bryant Heating & Cooling 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 immediate area.
Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment might present the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some issues require days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your air conditioner turned off until you receive the all-clear from an HVAC pro.
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 present your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the air conditioner has suffered wind or hail damage.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Flooding Review with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts
For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check right away.
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