Air conditioners are designed to endure elements, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a torrential downpour, this may critically damage the electrical components within. Your air conditioner is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, contact Chief/Bauer Service Experts at 217-689-2469 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these directions to avoid damaging your air conditioning or generating 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 trap moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give animals a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone area, research placing your air conditioner on an elevated floor. This elevates the unit above potential floodwaters and can save you stress and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another approach to care for your air conditioning equipment is to install a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the system when you realize a storm is approaching.
If hail is predicted, you can lay pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t use your system while it’s submerged in water. Doing so may result in an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To avoid these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The easiest method for doing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you need a second opinion, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your system to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t start the AC until it has been reviewed by an HVAC technician. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment might present the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some problems need days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s smart to keep your air conditioner turned off until you get the okay from an HVAC technician.
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 stock of the damage and submit your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the unit has experienced wind or hail damage.
Arrange an Air Conditioning Flooding Review with Chief/Bauer Service Experts
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