Hurricane season is nothing new for SWFL homeowners, but one thing homeowners may not be prepared for is the amount of water that floods their backyards.
Not only can this flash flooding strip your yard, but it can also lead to damaged AC systems. If hurricane floods have left your AC system in ruins, this guide may help you find the answer to the question, “What now?”
Table of Contents
Important Safety Precautions After Hurricane Floods
According to AHRI, the trade association representing HVAC and water heating equipment, homeowners are instructed to take important safety precautions after a hurricane or flood.
AHRI advises homeowners that standing water can severely damage their home’s HVAC equipment and recommends that flood-damaged HVAC equipment be replaced, rather than repaired.
Manufacturer’s Warranties Do Not Cover This Damage
Because manufacturers’ warranties don’t cover failure or damage due to floods, winds, fires, lightning, accidents, corrosive environments (rust, etc.), hurricane floods, or other conditions beyond the control of the company, we recommend that you contact any of the offices set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Government aid may be available to help SWFL flood victims finance the replacement of flood-damaged HVAC equipment. Please visit FEMA’s website for more information.
Choose a Qualified Contractor Like Home-Tech
HVAC equipment submerged or damaged by hurricane floods (or water in general) should not be inspected or replaced by a homeowner. All work should be done by a qualified contractor!
As soon as the flood water recedes and your home is accessible (with power), please contact us by using our online contact form on this web page.
Our technical representatives are available to visit your home and inspect your equipment. Not only are our technicians NATE certified, but they are trained in-house by our own experienced professionals.
We want to take care of our fellow SW Floridians, so we never send subcontractors.
Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Split air conditioning and heat pump systems have power and control wiring between the indoor and outdoor parts of the system, as well as piping through which refrigerant flows within the system.
If hurricane floods have caused either the outdoor or indoor units of a split system to become repositioned, even by a small amount, there is a potential for refrigerant leaks. The system will then require major repair or full replacement.
If the refrigerant system remains intact after the flood, the entire system should be cleaned, dried, and disinfected. Homeowners should have a contractor check the indoor and outdoor units’ electrical and refrigeration connections, including all control circuits. The decision to repair or replace should be made after consultation with a qualified professional on a case-by-case basis.
Gas Furnaces
If there is any concern that flood water has reached a gas furnace it should be inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor. Furnaces feature gas valves and controls that are particularly susceptible to water damage.
While the damage might not be visible, corrosion begins inside the valves and controls, even if the outside appears to be clean and dry. At the very least, this damage can result in reliability issues.
Ductwork
If a house that has incurred flood damage contains a central forced-air system, it is important to
also closely inspect the ductwork. Duct insulation that has been in contact with flood water
should not be salvaged, as it is impossible to decontaminate.
A qualified contractor can clean, dry, and disinfect the ductwork; a thorough job requires disassembling the ductwork altogether.
Get Peace of Mind for Your AC
Whether a hurricane, flood, or even a rogue bug causes a breakdown for your AC system, Home-Tech can help! With a Gold Home Service Warranty from Home-Tech, you can have peace of mind that your AC is taken care of all year.
Our certified technicians are available seven days a week, even on holidays, for all your AC and appliance repairs. Call us and ask your local representative about how our annual AC Clean and Check can help keep your AC in tip-top shape.