Can an Air Handler Become Damaged from Rain and Snow?

Air handlers can’t become damaged from rain because they’re located inside the house. But you don’t have to be worried about the components of your AC unit that exist outdoors, either. The only time homeowners should worry is when standing water is present. If this happens, call your local HVAC technician in Portage, MI to assess the electrical components for water damage.

Don’t cover units with a tarp

A little bit of rain and snow won’t hurt your AC unit. Since it’s located outdoors, the electrical components have watertight seals to deter mold and condensation. Air conditioners wouldn’t be installed outside Portage, MI homes if they were prone to damage from a light shower or dusting of snow. When bad weather is in the forecast, homeowners shouldn’t fret over their AC units.

Outdoor units function at their best when they’re left alone. Some homeowners feel the need to protect units by covering them with tarps, but this actually makes the situation worse. Rain and snow will inevitably find a way into the AC unit, and tarps keep all that moisture trapped inside. Tarps cut off proper airflow through the unit and rust the components over time.

Shut off AC units during a flood

Air handlers can’t be damaged from rain, but homeowners still have to shut down AC units during a flood. In severe cases, a thunderstorm might flood your backyard and submerge the AC unit in standing water. Air conditioners can handle a few drops of rain, but they have little defense against flood waters.

Power down your AC unit the second you learn a flash flood is on its way. AC units that are submerged in water will short circuit and electrocute anyone who attempts to inspect them for damage. Any electrical appliance that sustains water damage presents a serious safety hazard, so leave it alone until the flood waters subside. Even though rain and snow can’t damage air handlers, letting the air conditioner run during a flash flood isn’t worth the risk.

Call your HVAC technician

Once the roads are passable, the first step after a flash flood is to call your HVAC technician in Portage, MI. Technicians are trained to assist homeowners when severe weather hits, and they’re more equipped to properly assess the water damage. The air conditioner could be running fine after a storm but suffer from hidden damage without you realizing it.

Just because air handlers can’t be damaged from rain doesn’t mean all the other components will remain unscathed by the storm. It’s possible for AC units to run a little bit longer, but floods greatly reduce their lifespan and will lead to a need for replacement sooner or later. Homeowners should preemptively replace AC units after a flood so they don’t burn out during the hottest time of year.

The typical rain shower won’t make your air conditioner short circuit. However, AC units submerged in standing flood waters demand immediate attention. Don’t hesitate to get in contact with the HVAC technicians at All Brands Heating & Cooling if you suspect rust and mold growth are deteriorating your AC unit.

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