Air conditioners are constructed to withstand precipitation, including rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a long downpour, this may severely damage the electrical components within. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, reach out to Peachtree Service Experts at 678-235-9699 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to take place, follow these steps to avoid harming your AC unit or generating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with anything. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will draw moisture inside, promote rust, hasten mold growth and give critters a place to hide.
If you live in a flood-prone spot, research placing your air conditioner on a raised platform. This elevates the machinery above possible floodwaters and can save you stress and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another method to protect your air conditioning unit is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you are alerted a storm is coming.
If hail is predicted, you can lay sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your air conditioner while it’s flooded with water. Doing so could lead to an electrical shock hazard or possibly damage the internal system components.
To prevent these problems, turn 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 switch them to the “off” position. If you need help, contact an air conditioning service company like Peachtree Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your AC to dry out as soon as possible. Remove standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t run the air conditioner until it has been checked by an HVAC technician. 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 underwater. Some issues require days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s best to keep your unit turned off until you get the okay from an HVAC pro.
While you wait for your technician to arrive, go over your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage secures your outdoor air conditioning system. If so, take photos of the damage and submit your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the unit has sustained wind or hail damage.
Don’t Hesitate and Request Your AC Flooding Inspection with Peachtree Service Experts Today
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