Exploring Newer Features for Heating and Cooling Systems

How A Bad Storm And Flooding Can Affect Your HVAC

13 September 2017

Jessie Nichols

When bad storms and flooding hit your area, the last thing you're probably worried about is your HVAC system. However, once you return home to a hot and humid house, you'll probably wish it was still functional. Floodwater can do a lot of damage to your entire HVAC system, so the best thing you can do is cut off the power at the breaker and call an HVAC contractor to inspect your unit to see if it can be saved. Here are some types of damage you may have to deal with.

Contamination Of The Ducts

Mold grows quickly during a flood, especially in warm weather. If mold gets inside your ducts, they may need to be replaced. At the very least, they'll need to be taken apart and disinfected. If mold is a problem in your home after the storm, you don't want to run your AC anyway because mold spores can be sucked into the ducts and spread throughout your home. Instead, if you have safe electricity, use window fans for air circulation until your home can be restored and your HVAC repaired or replaced.

Damage To The Outdoor Unit

If the condenser was submerged in water, it may need to be replaced. It depends on if it was damaged due to storm debris falling on it or crashing into it under the water. Another determining factor is if the refrigerant system is compromised. The electrical components must also be inspected to see if they are still functional or if they need to be replaced. If your AC  unitis older and has a short life expectancy anyway, it may be more cost effective to replace the unit rather than paying for expensive repairs.

Damage To The Furnace And Air Handler

Whether you have a gas furnace or an electric one, water can do a lot of damage to the internal parts. The HVAC contractor will have to do a thorough inspection of the unit to determine if it can be repaired. A lot depends on how much of the unit was under water and for how long. Besides damage to components, the internal parts of the HVAC may be filled with water or covered in mold. If your home had significant flood damage, you may need to have your HVAC system completely replaced because of extensive damage.

It's possible your insurance coverage will help pay for repairs or replacement of your HVAC unit so you can get it functional as soon as possible. However, drying out your home first is probably the first step so your new HVAC system won't sustain any damage during your home restoration.

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