Things to Do When Flooding or Hail Damages Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners are designed to resist precipitation, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is immersed in standing water from a large downpour, this can critically damage the electrical components in it. Your cooling is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-647-5853 for an air conditioning inspection.

If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these instructions to avoid damaging your air conditioner or creating dangerous operating conditions.

Before Flooding

Don’t cover your air conditioner with a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a spot to hide.

If you are in a flood-prone location, think about installing your air conditioner on an elevated floor. This elevates the machinery above any floodwaters and can save you stress and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.

Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning system is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is on the way.

If hail is predicted, you can place pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down firmly 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 could lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially ruin the internal system components.

To avoid these problems, switch off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest method for doing this is to find the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and turn them to the “off” position. If you need help, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

After Flooding

Once the rain subsides, you want your air conditioner to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the nearby area.

Don’t run the AC until it has been checked by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, operating flood-damaged equipment can cause 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 wise to keep your unit turned off until you receive the okay from an HVAC pro.

While you wait for your technician to arrive, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor AC system. If so, take pictures of the damage and submit your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the system has suffered wind or hail damage.

Don’t Wait and Request Your AC Flooding Inspection with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Today

For a comprehensive air conditioning inspection and safety check now.