It is no secret that summers in NOLA are hot and wet. Most Air Conditioning manufacturers perform extensive testing on their products to ensure operation during a variety of weather phenomena, but we are not too sure if they really understood the wet summer swelter that is naturally New Orleans. Since your air conditioning unit is a valuable asset and necessary commodity for your home, it is important to know how to protect this necessity we hold so dear to our hearts. If your unit malfunctions, contact a reliable residential ac repair professional straight away.
Here are some questions that we get asked on rainy days or when a storm is approaching.
Should I turn my air conditioner off when it rains?
No. If you loose power however, it is a good idea to turn your thermostat to the off position so when power is restored, excess amperage is not drawn from the electrical panel all at once. After power is restored, wait a couple of minutes before turning the air conditioner back on.
Do I need to cover my air conditioning unit from the rain?
No. Air conditioners are designed to withstand heavy rainfall outside. If there is excessive debris that has fallen into the air conditioner such as leaves and sticks, they will need to be removed in order for your unit to function properly. Make sure that there are no hedges or large weeds obstructing the fins of the outdoor unit casing. Usually in the fall, some homeowners install a cap on the unit to prevent debris from entering the outdoor unit. It is not recommended to use these during the summer months due to frequency of use because the cap lifts up and down when in operation.
What should I do if my air conditioner is in standing water?
If your yard is prone to flooding, it is important to make sure that the unit is on a platform. The platform should be high enough to keep the air conditioner above the water and be made of pressure treated wood. (Speak to our office about having a platform built for your air conditioning unit.) If the unit was indeed in standing water for any period of time, have the unit inspected by a licensed hvac contractor to determine whether any damage was done before attempting to turn the unit on.
What can I do to prepare my Air Conditioner for rainy weather?
With most things in life, preventative maintenance is key. Having your Air Conditioning System regularly inspected and maintained is a must. During the maintenance service, your air conditioning contractor should remove excess debris from the condensing unit outside. Make sure that all drain lines are inspected and cleared. Cut nearby bushes, shrubs and tree limbs. Do not store objects on top of, or around outdoor condensing unit. Always make sure that there is no exposed wiring on air conditioner or disconnect box. Panels should always be replaced and secured after servicing.
What should I do if my ductwork gets wet?
if the ducts in your home get soaked, the additional weight of the ducting could have caused some trunks of the system to become disconnected. With excessive moisture, mold growth becomes an issue as well. It is recommended that you have the ductwork inspected by an air conditioning contractor to determine the extent of the damage .Most ducting is in the attic in our area due to this flooding risk.
Our office is open from 7am to 7pm. If you have any more questions, or would like to schedule an inspection, call 504-304-2725. We will be glad to help!