Is rain affecting your HVAC system? It’s probably not the first thing you think about when a big spring or summer downpour strikes, but there are specific cooling and heating components that could be affected by heavy rain. For example, significant central A/C components are installed and stored outdoors and exposed to rain. HVAC vents also terminate at the roof, and indoor ductwork can even be exposed to infiltrating rainwater in certain circumstances.
To avoid the costly consequences of rain affecting your HVAC system, here are some potential issues to be aware of:
Outdoor Air Conditioner Components
Heavy rain can cause pooling around the outdoor central AC unit, usually located behind or to one side of the house. Standing water may be deep enough to flood the interior of the unit and damage internal parts.
The outdoor AC component should never be resting directly on the ground. It should be mounted on a dedicated pad — either concrete or another material specifically designed to support the unit and elevate it above potential water pooling.
Ground surrounding the outdoor unit should also be graded to divert water away from the unit and out into the yard.
Inspect the Furnace Vent
Furnace exhaust vents that terminate at the roof may allow water to enter the furnace during heavy rain. The rain cap installed atop the vent pipe to keep water out should be inspected regularly to make sure it’s still securely in place and not damaged by wind or animals.
Check for Roof Leaks
Roof leakage is not only a source of potential structural water damage and ruined insulation, it may also seep into HVAC ductwork routed through the attic. Water entering ductwork may trigger internal corrosion that causes air leakage from the ducts. It can also spawn toxic mold growth inside ductwork, which will spread into living spaces in contaminated airflow. During a rainstorm, check the attic for any evidence of leakage, and get a roof inspection every three years.
Is rain affecting your HVAC system? Contact Paitson Bros. for more information. Since 1922, we’ve helped keep Terre Haute homes comfortable and dry, rain or shine.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922