Air conditioners are designed to resist weather, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a long downpour, this may critically damage the electrical components within. Your AC unit is most likely to be damaged if the floodwater exceeds a foot deep. Still, if the equipment has flooded at all, contact Broad Ripple Service Experts at 317-527-0271 for an air conditioning inspection.
If severe flooding has taken place or is likely to happen, follow these instructions to avoid hurting your air conditioning or creating dangerous operating conditions.
Before Flooding
Don’t cover your air conditioner with anything. A plastic sheet won’t keep out water. Instead, it will trap moisture inside, promote rust, cause mold growth and give pests a spot to hide.
If you reside in a flood-prone spot, consider moving your air conditioner on an elevated platform. This elevates the equipment above any floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense following the next downpour.
Another way to safeguard your air conditioning system is to place a retaining wall around it. This structure can prevent air conditioner flooding, even as water rises around it. Similarly, you can stack sandbags around the equipment when you realize a storm is on the way.
If hail is expected, you can secure sections of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to guard it from hail damage. Weigh the plywood down safely with stones or bricks in case the wind begins gusting.
During Flooding
Don’t turn on your AC while it’s surrounded by water. Doing so can result in an electrical shock hazard or even damage the internal system components.
To prevent these issues, disconnect the power to the AC 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 require assistance, call an air conditioning service company like Broad Ripple Service Experts.
After Flooding
Once the rain eases off, you want your system to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and pick up any debris from the surrounding area.
Don’t turn on the air conditioner until it has been reviewed by an HVAC professional. Even after it has dried out, running flood-damaged equipment could pose the same hazards as switching on the air conditioning while it’s still submerged in water. Some problems require days or weeks to begin revealing symptoms, so it’s ideal to keep your unit turned off until you receive the go-ahead from an HVAC tech.
While you wait for your service visit, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if flood damage covers 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 air conditioner has experienced wind or hail damage.
Request an Air Conditioning Flooding Review with Broad Ripple Service Experts
For a full air conditioning inspection and safety check today.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.