Flooding or Hail Can Result in Severe Damage to Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners are designed to resist weather, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a long downpour, this might seriously damage the electrical components in it. Your cooling 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 Teays Valley Service Experts at 304-760-5088 for an air conditioning inspection.

If severe flooding has occurred or is likely to take place, follow these instructions to avoid harming your AC unit 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, promote rust, cause mold growth and give animals a place to hide.

If you are in a flood-prone spot, research installing your air conditioner on a high stand. This elevates the machinery above any floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.

Another approach to care for your air conditioning system 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 stack sandbags around the system when you are alerted a storm is coming.

If hail is in the forecast, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.

During Flooding

Don’t use your AC while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so can lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially ruin the internal system components.

To prevent these issues, turn off the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The easiest method for accomplishing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you require assistance, contact an air conditioning service company like Teays Valley Service Experts.

After Flooding

Once the rain moves on, you want your air conditioner to dry out swiftly. Draw away standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the surrounding area.

Don’t start the air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment might cause the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioning turned off until you receive the okay from an HVAC professional.

While you wait for your technician to arrive, 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 present your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the air conditioner has experienced wind or hail damage.

Schedule an Air Conditioner Flooding Evaluation with Teays Valley Service Experts

For a full air conditioning inspection and safety check now.