When it comes to window ACs, One of the things that people often worry about is how they will withstand the weather, specifically rain.
With summer coming in fast, it’s the right time to ensure that your air conditioner is in good shape and can handle any weather that comes its way.
Will rain damage a window air conditioner?
No. Window air conditioners are designed to withstand and handle rainfall. But there is a difference between rainfall and severe weather. Severe weather with high winds can bring along with it falling debris that potentially can damage a window AC. But rain itself is not a problem.
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Are Window Air Conditioners Waterproof?
Window air conditioners are not completely waterproof, but they are designed to be weather-resistant.
That means they can withstand the rain and still function properly.
That means that they are designed to handle rain,
While window air conditioners are designed to handle rain, they are not meant to be submerged in water.
Should You Cover Up Your Window Air Conditioner to Protect It from Rain?
Covering your window air conditioner may seem like a good idea to protect it from rain, but covering an window air conditioner can actually do more harm then good.
How’s that?
When do air conditioners need good air flow to be able to function properly. Covering the air conditioner can restrict the air flow which will make it work harder, get hotter, and use more energy.
And also make a big difference on how well the unit is cooling.
If the covering is too tight, it can restrict the air flow to the point of the AC overheating and shutting off.
Additionally, covering up a window AC can provide a great environment for mold to take root.
What If Rain Is Getting into Your House Through the Window Air Conditioner?
First of all if rain is getting into your house, you should address the problem as soon as possible.
1. The first step is to make sure that the air conditioner is installed properly.
Most window ACs require that you tilt the air conditioner slightly downward in the rear so that the condensate water that the air conditioner creates drains towards the drain hole.
And you definitely do not want the water to drain towards your house.
2. Damaged or missing seal
If there’s rain getting into your house through the window air conditioner, it may be coming in around the air conditioner because of a broken or missing seal.
If that’s the case, then weather stripping or other types of foam seal can be purchased and placed around the air conditioner to keep any moisture from coming in to your house because of a broken or missing seal.
3. Side panels broken
The plastic side panels that come with window air conditioners could be broken.
This can happen over time because they are exposed to the sun and weather 24/7. And plastic Will begin to break down eventually from direct sunlight.
If you inspect your side panels and find that there is a crack or hole, then you can purchase new ones at a local Home improvement store.
Alternatively, you can DIY some side panels fairly easy out of some wood, or other water resistant material you have around.
4. Regular maintenance
it’s also important to regularly clean and maintain your air conditioner.
This includes removing any debris that may accumulate around the unit and cleaning the filters regularly.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your window air conditioner is in top shape and can withstand any weather that comes its way.
Conclusion. Will rain damage a window air conditioner?
Generally, rain won’t harm a window air conditioner that is designed to be weather-resistant, but if the unit is not installed properly or the seal is damaged, water could potentially cause damage to the unit.
It’s important to ensure the air conditioner is properly installed, and the seal is in good condition to prevent water from getting into the house.
Window air conditioners are designed to withstand and handle rainfall. Severe weather on the other hand does not fall under the category of good old rainfall.
The question that usually comes up when people are worried about it raining on their window AC is whether or not they should cover it up.
Even though that sounds like a great ideal, it’s actually a bad idea.
Covering up the rear of a window AC can restrict the air flow and cause your AC not to work properly.
It will even cause it to overheat and turn off if it is too tightly covered.
Which all results in a higher energy bill.
And remember that even though they are designed to withstand the weather, specifically rain, that does not mean they are waterproof.
Completely submerging a window AC in water will potentially ruin the AC, and create a shocking hazard.
