It’s been a rainy season across Northeast Florida, and summer only just officially started! In fact, the Jacksonville area alone saw nearly 11 inches of rainfall in June alone. With this in mind, many homeowners are left wondering what these high rainfall totals will mean for their properties not just in terms of potential flooding, but damage to outdoor HVAC components as well.
For homeowners with central A/C units, this is an especially serious concern. While these units are designed to withstand exposure to moisture and the elements, there are some situations in which the unit could become damaged.
Flooding
When rainfall is heavy enough to overwhelm local storm drains, flash flooding can occur. And while it is unlikely that flooding will become severe enough to affect your property, it does happen. When flooding occurs, standing water could damage the electrical components of your outdoor A/C unit. As a general rule, if your outdoor central air system is in more than about a foot of water, it’s probably best to keep it shut off until you’re able to have an hvac contractor in jacksonville fl to come and check it out. For this reason, many A/C units are installed on an elevated platform so as to protect them from potential flooding.
Corrosion
Another possible concern related to higher-than-average rainfall is potential internal corrosion from moisture, especially for homeowners who attempt to cover up their A/C units. Rather than protecting your A/C from the rain, what this can actually do is trap moisture inside the unit and make it more prone to corrosion and other problems. It is generally recommended that Florida homeowners do not cover their outdoor A/C units at all.
How to Protect Your A/C Unit
As long as your A/C unit has been recently serviced and is in good overall operation, there is no reason that it shouldn’t be able to withstand the heavy rain we’ve been experiencing. However, keep an eye on water levels if flooding occurs and shut off your A/C if the unit becomes even partially submerged until you’re able to have it checked out. Otherwise, you could end up with serious electrical or other internal damage that can be expensive to repair. If you haven’t had your A/C inspected in the last six months, now would be a good time to have this done so you can enjoy added peace of mind during these hot and humid months of the year.
If you’re in need of A/C repair or installation, our team at A/C Designs is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our services!