Air conditioners are built to endure weather, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a torrential downpour, this could severely damage the electrical components within. Your cooling is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to Falso Service Experts at 315-313-6531 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has happened or is likely to take place, follow these steps to avoid hurting your air conditioning or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, lead to rust, cause mold growth and give critters an area to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone spot, think about moving your air conditioner on a high stand. This elevates the machinery above any floodwaters and can save you stress and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another method to care for your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the unit when you are alerted a storm is coming.
If hail is predicted, you can secure sections 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 gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t run your air conditioner while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or even ruin the internal system components.
To prevent this damage, switch off 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 want assistance, call an air conditioning service company like Falso Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your AC to dry out as soon as possible. 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 expert. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment could present the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some issues need days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your unit turned off until you get the go-ahead from an HVAC pro.
While you wait for your service visit, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take pictures of the damage and process your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the air conditioner has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Request Your AC Flooding Evaluation with Falso Service Experts Today
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