Air conditioners are built to resist precipitation, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a large downpour, this can severely damage the electrical components inside. Your air conditioner is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, reach out to D&K Home Services by Enercare at 613-707-2421 for an air conditioning inspection.
If bad flooding has occurred or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid hurting your air conditioning or making dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, lead to rust, cause mold growth and give critters a place to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone area, think about installing your air conditioner on an elevated base. This elevates the unit above potential floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another method to safeguard your air conditioning equipment is to place a retaining wall around it. This technique can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the unit when you are alerted a storm is approaching.
If hail is in the forecast, you can secure sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t run your system while it’s flooded with water. Doing so could result in an electrical shock hazard or even damage the internal system components.
To skip this damage, disconnect the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The fastest 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 require a second opinion, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like D&K Home Services by Enercare.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your air conditioner to dry out swiftly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t turn on the AC until it has been evaluated by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may present the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your unit turned off until you receive the go-ahead from an HVAC technician.
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 stock of the damage and present your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might still be covered if the system has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Hesitate and Arrange Your AC Flooding Review with D&K Home Services by Enercare Today
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