AC units are designed to withstand storms and weather as they are located outside the house. In most cases, they are even able to withstand strong storms, including sleet and hail. But sometimes, severe storms can cause damage. For example, after a particularly torrential downpour, water may accumulate and pool around the AC unit. For those in hurricane areas, flooding may occur after a strong hurricane. Standing water around the AC unit is cause for concern as it can significantly damage the moving parts or electrical components of the unit. In most cases, water usually has to reach about a foot deep to affect the outside AC unit, but if you have experienced any flooding at all, it is recommended that you contact a professional AC repair company to come out and inspect your AC unit as soon as possible just to be safe. In the meantime, here are some tips to follow if you have experienced flooding in your area and want to avoid further damage or potentially dangerous situations.
Cut Power to the AC Unit
First and foremost, to protect yourself and your AC unit, it is recommended that you turn off all power to the AC unit during times of heavy flooding. Deactivate all the electrical controls of your unit. If you are not comfortable turning off the electrical power to your AC unit on your own, then be sure to contact AC repair technicians to come out and do it for you. Technicians are quick and efficient so that you don’t have to worry about something else happening to you or your home.
Remove Standing Water or Let Unit Dry Out
If possible, the best thing you can do for your AC unit is to get rid of the standing water around the unit after all power has been shut off. Clear the debris away from the unit and give it time to fully dry out. If you feel your AC unit is dry, it is still best to not turn on any electrical power until you have contacted expert AC technicians to come out and take a look. Again, they can turn the AC unit on properly to avoid unwanted harm to both you and the unit.
Leave the AC Unit Off Until Inspected by a Professional
After severe water damage to an AC unit, it is not safe to turn it on again unless it has been thoroughly inspected by a professional AC technician with knowledge and experience to examine the unit, make repairs, and turn it on correctly. Anytime you are dealing with electrical equipment, you want to be safe. That is why it is best left up to the experts to turn your AC unit back on after a damaging storm. AC repair technicians will fully inspect your equipment to make sure it is operating efficiently and effectively once again.
If you have suffered a storm and have flooding around your AC unit or suspect it may have been damaged in the storm, contact the professionals at Comfort Experts to repair your unit and get it up and running once again.