Air conditioners are designed to resist precipitation, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a torrential downpour, this may severely damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, reach out to TML Service Experts at 208-488-4892 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has occurred or is likely to occur, follow these directions to avoid harming your air conditioner 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 trap moisture inside, promote rust, cause mold growth and give pests a place to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone location, consider installing your air conditioner on a raised stand. This elevates the equipment above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense following the next downpour.
Another method to safeguard your air conditioning equipment is to build a retaining wall around it. This structure can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water flows around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment 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 shield it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your AC while it’s submerged in water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest method for doing this is to go to the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you want assistance, call an air conditioning service company like TML Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain subsides, you want your air conditioner to dry out as soon as possible. Siphon off standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the immediate area.
Don’t run the AC until it has been reviewed by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, operating flood-damaged equipment could cause the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some issues need days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your unit turned off until you receive the okay from an HVAC professional.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take pictures of the damage and present your claim as soon as possible. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the system has experienced wind or hail damage.
Don’t Wait and Arrange Your AC Flooding Review with TML Service Experts Today
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