Air conditioners are designed to endure elements, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a long downpour, this might severely damage the electrical components inside. Your AC unit is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to R & M Climate Control Service Experts at 865-229-6176 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has occurred or is likely to occur, follow these steps to avoid damaging your HVAC system or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, lead to rust, cause mold growth and give critters an area to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone spot, consider moving your air conditioner on an elevated stand. This elevates the machinery above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.
Another approach to care for your air conditioning unit is to install a retaining wall around it. This option can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the system when you know a storm is coming.
If hail is predicted, you can lay pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your air conditioner while it’s flooded with water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or even destroy the internal system components.
To avoid these issues, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The quickest method for accomplishing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you require assistance, call an air conditioning service company like R & M Climate Control Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your air conditioner 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 reviewed by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment can pose the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues require days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your unit turned off until you get the all-clear from an HVAC tech.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor cooling system. If so, take pictures of the damage and present your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the unit has sustained wind or hail damage.
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