While not on the same level as Seattle, Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area gets its fair share of rain. Statistics show Atlanta’s annual rainfall is about 40 to 50 inches per year. During periods of heavy rain, your air conditioning system will get wet. As a homeowner, you might be wondering if heavy rain can damage your air conditioning system.

AC Parts Exposed to Rain

Air conditioning systems contain dozens of parts, most of which are located indoors where they are protected from the rain. Only the condenser unit – as well as the refrigerant lines to which it’s connected – is installed outdoors.

Most of your air conditioning system’s parts are located indoors. The evaporator coil, blower, filter and ductwork, for instance, are all located indoors. Therefore, they won’t sustain damage from heavy rain The only part that’s installed outdoors is the condenser unit.

The Condenser Unit Can Withstand Rain

Your air conditioning system’s condenser unit can withstand rain. Whether it’s light or heavy rain, it won’t damage the condenser unit.

Condenser units are large metal boxes with a perforated, semi-open design. This semi-open design allows them to release heat. Hot refrigerant will flow to the condenser coil. A fan will blow air over the condenser coil to release heat from the refrigerant. With a semi-open design, hot air will escape out of the condenser unit.

Heavy rain means that water will enter your air conditioning system’s condenser unit. Water will trickle in through the perforated sides. Fortunately, condenser units are designed so that water will drain out of them.

Beware of Flooding

You don’t have to worry about heavy rain damaging your air conditioning system’s condenser unit, but flooding is a different story. Flooding can cause serious and costly damage.

There are electrical parts inside of the condenser unit, such as the fan and compressor. Even during periods of heavy rain, water shouldn’t reach the electrical contacts of these parts. As it enters the condenser unit, water will flow out of the bottom of the condenser unit.

Flooding, though, may result in your air conditioning system’s condenser coil being submerged. If the surrounding landscape is flooded with 5 inches of water, the condenser coil may have 5 inches of freestanding water inside of it. Some of this water can find its way to electrical parts inside of the condenser unit where it damages them.

Heavy rain isn’t a concern for your air conditioning system. Only the condenser unit will get wet, but it’s designed to withstand rain. With that said, flooding can damage the condenser unit. If your home was recently flooded, you may want to get your air conditioning system inspected by a professional.