Air conditioners are built to endure weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a large downpour, this may 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, call Orangutan Home Services at 602-906-0111 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these instructions to avoid hurting your air conditioning 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, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone location, research installing your air conditioner on a raised base. This elevates the machinery above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to protect your air conditioning system is to build a retaining wall around it. This structure can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is on the way.
If hail is in the forecast, you can secure boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can lead to an electrical shock hazard or possibly destroy the internal system components.
To skip this damage, disconnect the power to the AC and thermostat. The quickest method for doing 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, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Orangutan Home Services.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your air conditioner to dry out swiftly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t start the AC until it has been checked by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues require days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioning turned off until you have the go-ahead 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 process your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Delay and Request Your AC Flooding Appointment with Orangutan Home Services Today
For a full air conditioning inspection and safety check today.
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