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

Air conditioners are constructed to withstand precipitation, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a long downpour, this could severely damage the electrical components in it. Your AC unit is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater reaches a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Parker Pearce Service Experts at 301-476-4577 for an air conditioning inspection.

If extreme flooding has occurred or is likely to take place, follow these directions to avoid damaging your AC unit or making dangerous operating conditions.

Before Flooding

Don’t cover your air conditioner with a tarp. A plastic sheet won’t protect it from water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, encourage rust, hasten mold growth and give critters an area to hide.

If you are in a flood-prone area, think about moving your air conditioner on a raised stand. This elevates the equipment above any floodwaters and can save you stress and expense after the next downpour.

Another approach to safeguard your air conditioning unit is to build a retaining wall around it. This option can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water collects 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 lay sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down securely with stones or bricks in case the wind picks up.

During Flooding

Don’t use your AC while it’s submerged in water. Doing so could result in an electrical shock hazard or possibly ruin the internal system components.

To prevent these problems, disconnect the power to the air conditioner and thermostat. The fastest method for accomplishing this is to locate the HVAC and thermostat breakers in your junction box and switch them to the “off” position. If you need help, call an air conditioning service company like Parker Pearce 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 surrounding area.

Don’t turn on the system until it has been checked by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, using flood-damaged equipment may pose the same hazards as turning on the air conditioning while it’s still under the water. Some troubles take days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s best to keep your air conditioner turned off until you receive the go-ahead from an HVAC pro.

While you wait for your service visit, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage protects your outdoor cooling system. If so, take photos of the damage and process your claim right away. If you don’t have flood insurance, you could still be covered if the air conditioner has suffered wind or hail damage.

Schedule an Air Conditioner Flooding Evaluation with Parker Pearce Service Experts

For a thorough air conditioning inspection and safety check today.