Air conditioners are built to endure precipitation, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a long downpour, this might critically damage the electrical components within. Your cooling is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, call Strand Brothers Service Experts at 512-592-3072 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these instructions to avoid hurting your air conditioning or creating 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 draw moisture inside, encourage rust, hasten mold growth and give critters an area to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone location, research moving your air conditioner on a raised platform. This elevates the equipment above any floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to care for your air conditioning unit is to create a retaining wall around it. This technique can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the system when you realize a storm is approaching.
If hail is predicted, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to shield it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or potentially destroy the internal system components.
To prevent this damage, turn off the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The quickest method for completing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you want a second opinion, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Strand Brothers Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your system to dry out as soon as possible. Draw away standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t turn on the system until it has been inspected by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment could pose the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s best to keep your air conditioning turned off until you get the all-clear from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your service visit, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor cooling system. If so, take stock of the damage and process your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the unit has suffered wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Request Your AC Flooding Evaluation with Strand Brothers Service Experts Today
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