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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