You might be wondering if a rain storm can have any impact on the air conditioner sitting outside your home. AC and heat pump systems are designed to be outside, which means the answer is no, for the most part. Only in extreme situations will rain negatively affect your AC and heating system. HVAC systems are designed to withstand a little water. A light drizzle or even a rainy day shouldn’t do any damage damage to your AC system, but much more intense weather conditions could.
Heavy Storms
Heavy storms bring rain, but the bigger threat to your AC system is the wind. Strong winds can blow all kinds of debris into your AC unit and cause damage. A fallen tree branch or even scattered leaves stuck in your unit could be dangerous. Be sure to check the interior and exterior of your HVAC system following a storm. If your coils are dirty, wash them out with water, not chemicals.
Flooding
Flooding isn’t good for anything, least of all your air conditioner. Several feet of deep, standing water can seriously mess up your AC. Typically, AC systems can survive up to 12 inches of water, but if you’re concerned for your unit after dealing with a flood, be sure to contact a professional to help assess the situation.
Corrosion
You might think that you can protect your AC unit from rain and wind damage by covering it up, but be careful if you do this. If you wrap your air conditioner in plastic or cover it using a tarp, you could unintentionally trap moisture inside and cause corrosion.
In general, your AC system is pretty good at taking care of itself. You shouldn’t worry about it every time you hear a clap of thunder or feel a raindrop, but you should definitely check on it after experiencing any severe weather. For any other AC related questions, or to schedule a repair contact us at Champion AC. Get a free estimate today. Your comfort is our mission!
