Flooding or Hail Can Cause Severe Damage to Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners are built to endure elements, like rain and snow. However, if your outdoor air conditioner is submerged in standing water from a torrential downpour, this may critically damage the electrical components inside. Your cooling is most likely to get damaged if the floodwater rises above a foot deep. Still, if the unit has flooded at all, contact Freschi Service Experts at 925-384-1303 for an air conditioning inspection.

If bad flooding has occurred or is likely to occur, follow these instructions to avoid harming 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 repel water. Instead, it will bring moisture inside, lead to rust, encourage mold growth and give pests a place to hide.

If you live in a flood-prone location, research moving your air conditioner on a raised floor. This elevates the machinery above potential floodwaters and can save you hassle and expense after the next downpour.

Another approach to protect your air conditioning unit is to install a retaining wall around it. This technique can help you avoid air conditioner flooding, even as water surges around it. Similarly, you can pile sandbags around the equipment when you know a storm is coming.

If hail is expected, you can place boards of plywood across the top of the air conditioner to protect it from hail damage. Weigh the wood down firmly with stones or bricks in case the wind gets stronger.

During Flooding

Don’t turn on your AC while it’s submerged in water. Doing so can create an electrical shock hazard or even destroy the internal system components.

To skip these problems, turn off the power to the AC 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 require help, contact an air conditioning service company like Freschi Service Experts.

After Flooding

Once the rain eases off, you want your system to dry out quickly. Remove standing water, if possible, and remove any debris from the nearby area.

Don’t start the system until it has been inspected by an HVAC expert. Even after it has dried out, utilizing flood-damaged equipment can cause the same hazards as using the air conditioning while it’s still underwater. Some problems need days or weeks to begin having symptoms, so it’s best to keep your air conditioning turned off until you have the okay from an HVAC professional.

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

Schedule an Air Conditioning Flooding Inspection with Freschi Service Experts

For a comprehensive air conditioning inspection and safety check right away.