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

Air conditioners are built to withstand weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is flooded with standing water from a torrential downpour, this could critically damage the electrical components within. Your air conditioner is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 239-908-6991 for an air conditioning inspection.

If extreme flooding has happened or is likely to occur, follow these steps to avoid hurting your air conditioning 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 draw moisture inside, encourage rust, encourage mold growth and give animals an area to hide.

If you reside in a flood-prone location, think about placing your air conditioner on a high stand. This elevates the equipment above possible floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.

Another way to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to place a retaining wall around it. This technique can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the unit when you know a storm is on the way.

If hail is expected, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.

During Flooding

Don’t run your air conditioner while it’s flooded with water. Doing so can result in an electrical shock hazard or potentially destroy the internal system components.

To avoid these issues, switch off the power to the air conditioning and thermostat. The quickest 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 want help, get in touch with an air conditioning service company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

After Flooding

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

Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been inspected by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, operating flood-damaged equipment can pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some problems need days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your air conditioning turned off until you receive the go-ahead from an HVAC pro.

While you wait for your technician to arrive, read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers your outdoor cooling system. If so, take stock 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 suffered wind or hail damage.

Schedule an Air Conditioning Flooding Review with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

For a comprehensive air conditioning inspection and safety check now.