Rain is good for many things, including plants, water systems and cooler temperatures. However, with spouts of frequent rain, there’s a question that may be lingering on your mind. When it rains, is there rain damage to your outdoor HVAC unit?
Mission Air knows that there may be some concern with rain damage to your outdoor unit. Here are some ways that water may potentially damage both an outdoor AC unit and a window unit.
The Truth About Your AC And Rain Damage
In Richmond, the months of May through August are prime time for rain and humidity. When the sun is out and the temperatures rise, you may need your AC more than usual. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor unit, the normal amount of rainfall does not harm your system — in fact, if there is debris covering the system, the water can clean it off!
Although your system can usually withstand outdoor conditions, there are times where it simply cannot. When it rains heavily, water can pool around the system and flood, bringing in unwanted guests like debris, small animals and mold. The system may even short circuit, causing your system to not work.
The lesson from this? When rain is in the forecast, your outdoor unit is made to tolerate regular rainfall. Unless it’s flooding or there’s the threat of a natural disaster, your AC system should be fine. However, if the idea of water getting into your unit concerns you and you want to take precautions, you can cover your AC system. If you have to cover your system, do not cover it with plastic bags. Instead, use something that’ll welcome ventilation.
Does Rain Affect Window Units?
At Mission Air, our team understands that there’s more than one way to air condition your home! Instead of relying on a central AC system, Richmond residents may elect to cool their home using a window unit. When this is the case, homeowners may be left wondering whether this style of cooling system is more likely to experience rain damage.
A good thing about window units is that they’re similar to outdoor units by being able to stand rainy conditions — as long as they’re installed properly. However, when not installed properly (as window units are usually do it yourself projects), it can lead to a slippery situation.
When it rains, water can find its way inside walls and open spaces, leading to bigger issues such as corrosion and molding. Here are some signs that water is entering your home:
- The seals of your windows and doors are not sealing tight.
- You’re seeing discoloration on your walls.
- The wall paint is peeling or is beginning to peel.
- Puddles on the window sill are forming.
If any of these issues become too much to handle, call an HVAC technician to help you out.
Mission Air Is Here To Help!
If either your indoor or outdoor air conditioning unit is beginning to malfunction, Mission Air is here to help. Specializing in Richmond HVAC repairs, we make it our priority to help serve the place we call home. Contact us today!
