Air conditioners are built to withstand elements, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a long downpour, this might critically damage the electrical components in it. Your AC unit is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to Coastal Service Experts at 912-208-2399 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these steps to avoid hurting your HVAC system or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, encourage rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a place to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone location, research placing your air conditioner on a raised stand. This elevates the machinery above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another method to protect your air conditioning system is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the unit when you realize a storm is coming.
If hail is expected, you can secure sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your system while it’s flooded with water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or even damage the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, turn off the power to the AC and thermostat. The quickest method for doing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you want assistance, contact an air conditioning service company like Coastal Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your system to dry out quickly. Siphon off standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues require days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your unit turned off until you have the all-clear from an HVAC pro.
While you wait for your service visit, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take pictures of the damage and process your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the unit has suffered wind or hail damage.
Don’t Hesitate and Schedule Your AC Flooding Appointment with Coastal Service Experts Today
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