Flooding or Hail Can Lead to Severe Damage to Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners are constructed to endure precipitation, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is drenched in standing water from a long downpour, this may severely damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, call Becht/Givens Service Experts at 502-785-8230 for an air conditioning inspection.

If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid damaging your air conditioning or generating 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 draw moisture inside, promote rust, encourage mold growth and give pests an area to hide.

If you reside in a flood-prone spot, research moving your air conditioner on a raised stand. This elevates the system above any floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.

Another approach to care for your air conditioning equipment is to place a retaining wall around it. This technique can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you are alerted a storm is on the way.

If hail is in the forecast, you can place pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the boards down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.

During Flooding

Don’t turn on your AC while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.

To avoid these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The fastest method for accomplishing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you want a second opinion, contact an air conditioning service company like Becht/Givens Service Experts.

After Flooding

Once the rain eases off, you want your AC to dry out quickly. Draw away standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the surrounding area.

Don’t run the AC until it has been evaluated by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment may present the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some problems need days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioner turned off until you get the go-ahead from an HVAC tech.

While you wait for your appointment, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take photos of the damage and present your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the unit has suffered wind or hail damage.

Arrange an Air Conditioning Flooding Inspection with Becht/Givens Service Experts

For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check right away.