Air conditioning (AC) units are sturdy, durable systems. They’re designed to withstand most heavy weather conditions for many years. Normally, homeowners don’t need to worry about whether their ac unit can handle a rainy day. But that doesn’t mean your unit is invincible! If the rain is severe enough and leads to extreme conditions like flooding, it can damage your unit.
KCA Services understands that in Texas, strong storms may come as no surprise to homeowners. What may come as a surprise, however, is ac unit damage caused by storms. Keep reading if you want to learn more about how rain can impact your ac unit and what to do about it!
Flooding
The electrical components of your outdoor unit are usually made with protective materials such as copper and aluminum, which allow it to be weather resistant. If your unit is submerged in still water due to a flood, however, it will be affected. Most units can handle around 12-15 inches of water, but if a flood exceeds this, then have an HVAC technician check your unit out before you restart it.
Debris
If your area is experiencing storms with high-speed winds, it can be easy for debris like dirt, twigs, and leaves to get into the moving parts of your condensing (also known as outdoor) unit. If a twig gets caught in its fan, for example, it can cause the unit to make strange noises or even shut down altogether. If you’ve recently had a storm with powerful winds, make sure to go outside and check how your unit is running. If you hear anything unusual, contact a technician for repairs.
But don’t wait! You don’t need a powerful storm for debris to build up inside your unit. This can happen simply over the course of the year. To avoid this, schedule annual ac maintenance. A technician will check your unit for any problems and clean off any built-up debris.
Rust and Corrosion
Sometimes homeowners will feel the need to cover their condensing unit around the winter season to protect it from the cold. If you decide to do the same, make sure to buy a cover that has adequate ventilation holes. Never attempt to cover your unit with garbage bags or any kind of plastic material. Rainfall will evaporate and cause no harm to your unit, but if condensation remains trapped beneath a plastic cover, the water won’t dry. This can cause rust to develop over time. Not only that, but it can even cause your wiring to rot. And with rot comes bugs and other pests.
Contact KCA
For the most part, you don’t need to worry about your ac unit after every rainstorm. But if you’ve recently experienced extreme weather, such as flooding or high snow or a hurricane, take the time to check on your unit or have a qualified technician do it for you just to be sure. We at KCA Services would be happy to check your unit for any damages. Whether it’s AC-related questions, or you’d like to schedule an appointment for ac maintenance or repair, KCA services is here for you. Contact us today!