How Does Rain Affect My Air Conditioning Unit in Crystal River?

One of the most frequent questions HVAC technicians hear from homeowners is, “Does rain affect my air conditioning unit?” It’s an understandable concern. After all, those outdoor A/C units do have electrical connections and moving parts – things that generally don’t mix well with water. So can rain be a problem for A/C units? The short answer is no; rain generally isn’t a problem, but certain extreme conditions can be the exception to that rule.

The Elements and Your A/C

The first thing to know is that the outdoor unit of your central A/C system is built to withstand the elements; its components and electrical connections are designed to operate safely in the rain. Even a heavy downpour won’t cause any harm. Generally, the only time rain can cause a real problem to the unit is if flooding submerges it under water.

Covering Your A/C

The second thing to know is that homeowners who cover these units to protect them from the elements often do more harm than good. That’s because outdoor A/C units are designed to allow airflow around vital components to dry up moisture that collects within the unit from rain or condensation.

Wrapping the unit in a waterproof covering – for instance, a tarp – traps that moisture inside and causes corrosion. For that reason, if you do cover your unit, getting a cover specifically made for it – available from A/C manufacturers – is your best bet, since they’re designed to allow proper ventilation.

For more information on proper use and care of your A/C system, please contact Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. We’ve been serving the comfort needs of homeowners in Crystal River and throughout the Ocala area for more than 25 years.

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