Air conditioners are designed to endure elements, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a large downpour, this could critically damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, call Wesley Wood Service Experts at 484-401-7577 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has happened or is likely to take place, follow these directions to avoid damaging your air conditioner or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with anything. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will draw moisture inside, lead to rust, hasten mold growth and give critters an area to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone area, think about installing your air conditioner on a raised floor. This elevates the machinery above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to care for your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This technique can prevent 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 sections 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 gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your AC while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so could create an electrical shock hazard or possibly destroy the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, switch off the power to the AC and thermostat. The easiest method for completing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you require help, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Wesley Wood Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your AC to dry out as soon as possible. Siphon off standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t run the AC until it has been checked by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment can present the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some issues take days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioner turned off until you have the go-ahead from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor AC system. If so, take stock of the damage and submit your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the air conditioner has sustained wind or hail damage.
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