Air conditioners are constructed to withstand precipitation, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a torrential downpour, this might severely damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, reach out to Donelson Air Service Experts at 615-953-9885 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these steps to avoid damaging your HVAC system or generating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t repel water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, encourage rust, cause mold growth and give animals an area to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, think about moving your air conditioner on a high base. This elevates the equipment above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.
Another way to protect your air conditioning equipment is to install a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the unit when you realize a storm is approaching.
If hail is expected, you can place sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your system while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can result in an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To avoid these problems, turn off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest method for completing this is to go to the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and flip them to the “off” position. If you need help, call an air conditioning service company like Donelson Air Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your AC to dry out quickly. Draw away standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t turn on the system until it has been evaluated by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some problems take days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioning turned off until you receive 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 covers your outdoor AC system. If so, take photos of the damage and present your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the system has experienced wind or hail damage.
Schedule an Air Conditioner Flooding Inspection with Donelson Air Service Experts
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