Your outdoor HVAC unit may feature sealed electrical parts and sturdy materials that help it withstand the elements, but it is not immune to rain. Here, learn why your local HVAC company strongly suggests protecting the unit from the elements to prevent premature damage and untimely replacements. You’ll also learn what you can do to shield the appliance from assorted downpours.

How the Rain Can Damage the Unit

While mild rains without strong winds won’t cause HVAC unit damage, torrential rains accompanied by severe gusts are another issue. High winds make it possible for tree branches, rocks, and other flying debris to hit the unit, causing external dents and dings. Debris can also become stuck within the appliance, resulting in blockages that decrease efficiency and increase the risk of heat-related damage because of restricted airflow.

Flooding rain presents problems as well, even if the unit is raised a few inches off the ground on a pallet. High waters can saturate the appliance, causing parts to dislodge and corrode. A flooded unit can also cause electrical shorts that blow a breaker on your main panel, resulting in appliance failure.

What You Can Do

Protect your outdoor unit with a rain guard product or a makeshift cover, such as cardboard or a tarp. Use these items only during severe storms since the unit is designed to accommodate normal rain patterns. Keep your yard free of debris whenever possible to reduce the chances of foreign object-related damage.

If you live in an area subject to severe rains and floods, place the unit on a 4 x 4 or 4 x 6-mounted platform that’s embedded in concrete to keep it from getting saturated. You can also ask technicians from your HVAC company to drill drain holes in the bottom of the unit, so any water that infiltrates the system has somewhere to go.

Another option is to build a small roof over the unit that doesn’t impede system airflow. Should your unit sustain flood damage despite your best efforts, do not work on it while your electricity is on to prevent electrocutions. Instead, turn the system off and call your local HVAC company. 

Keep your outdoor unit and the rest of your heating and cooling system in excellent condition with assistance from Allen Service Company. An authorized Carrier® dealer serving clients throughout Pell City, AL, and the surrounding areas, this insured HVAC company employs certified technicians ready to help you maintain a comfortable, efficient home. Call (205) 338-2311 today to make an appointment or visit the contractors online for product information. Get more home efficiency tips on Facebook.