Many Floridians believe Florida only has two seasons, summer and hurricane season! While that is not true, Florida does get a lot of rain during the year and you need to understand how weather affects your AC unit. In November, we are at the end of hurricane season, but still receiving decent rain levels. We receive many calls about whether or not our customers’ outside air conditioning unit (compressor unit) is safe from the rain. The short answer is yes. Your ac unit is designed to weather the storms, however there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of when it comes to heavy rains.
How Rain Affects Your AC Unit: Flooding
While rain itself will not damage your ac, standing water (flooding) will affect your AC unit. Standing water can be harmful to your air conditioning unit. If you experience flooding that exceeds over 15 inches, the electrical components can become damaged. If flooding is present and your outdoor unit is flooded, once the water has drained, call an HVAC maintenance specialist near you to come out and check your unit before you restart it. The AC repair company will also be able to make AC repairs to your system. Be sure to also check your unit for any fallen objects like branches or other debris.
How Rain Affects Your AC Unit: Corrosion
Corrosion can occur when the internal components begin to corrode and rust. This is due to the moisture and condensation being trapped inside the system. This can likely occur if your air conditioning unit was improperly wrapped during the off-season (raining season). Not all homeowners choose to cover their ac unit, as this isn’t mandatory. However, if you do choose to wrap your unit, be sure to use a commercial cover. Commercial covers have proper ventilation holes. Many people make the mistake of using homemade covers using garbage bags or large plastic tarps. Using this method can increase your chances of internal corrosion and make a service call necessary.
Courtesy Check
Monitor the outside of the unit and check the grille, fan, and wiring for any damage. Even if it didn’t flood, high winds could have had an affect on your AC unit. If there is any debris or you suspect electrical, or water damage, make sure your ac is turned off at the switch. If you are not comfortable or believe there are issues with your ac, please give American Air Cares a call to come inspect your ac unit.
Our expert, friendly and experienced staff will be more than happy to speak with you about our air conditioning service in Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas, and to assess your household’s needs.
