Air conditioners are designed to endure elements, such as rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a torrential downpour, this might severely damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to suffer damage if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the system has flooded at all, contact Knochelmann Service Experts at 859-905-0834 for an air conditioning inspection.
If extreme flooding has occurred 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 a heavy cloth. A plastic sheet won’t repel water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, encourage rust, hasten mold growth and give pests an area to hide.
If you are in a flood-prone location, think about placing your air conditioner on a high base. This elevates the system above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense when you have to deal with the next downpour.
Another method to safeguard your air conditioning system is to install a retaining wall around it. This technique can stop air conditioner flooding, even as water collects around it. Similarly, you can place sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is on the way.
If hail is predicted, you can secure pieces of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.
During Flooding
Don’t use your system while it’s submerged in water. Doing so may lead to an electrical shock hazard or potentially damage the internal system components.
To skip these issues, switch off the power to the AC 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 a second opinion, contact an air conditioning service company like Knochelmann Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain moves on, you want your system to dry out quickly. Draw away standing water, if possible, and clean any debris from the nearby area.
Don’t run the system until it has been checked by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some issues require days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, so it’s wise to keep your air conditioning turned off until you get the okay from an HVAC tech.
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 photos of the damage and submit your claim quickly. If you don’t have flood insurance, you may still be covered if the system has sustained wind or hail damage.
Don’t Delay and Schedule Your AC Flooding Review with Knochelmann Service Experts Today
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