How Can a Flood Affect Your HVAC System?

No one wants to think about the unfortunate events that could affect their home, such as indoor floods. But, if you don’t prepare for these kinds of things, you won’t be able to protect yourself. To make the best of a bad situation, you need to know how a flood can affect your HVAC system. 

Inspect Your System Ahead of Time

When you know a flood is coming, or your home is starting to flood, it is best practice to turn off your HVAC system to prevent damage to its electrical components and danger to you. Even after the water is gone, you should not turn your HVAC equipment back on until a professional has had a chance to inspect the equipment and make sure it is safe to turn on. We know it’s a hassle to wait, but it can keep your equipment from further damage, as well as keep you safe. 

In an emergency, call the experts at Appleby Systems!

How Parts of the System May Be Impacted 

Your furnace, air conditioner, humidifier, and other HVAC equipment were not designed to handle submersion in water. Here are a few different parts that may be negatively impacted if your system is flooded: 

• Refrigerant system: In air conditioners and heat pumps, refrigerant systems are used to move heat. When exposed to flood waters they may leak, which may be a safety issue and will prevent the unit from working properly. 
• Electrical elements: We all know that electrical equipment and water don’t mix. Fuses, circuits and wiring may be damaged by water. If so, they will need to be replaced. 
• Flooded ductwork: Floodwater brings all kinds of bacteria and pathogens with it. If it touches the ducts, it infects the ducts. As it is very challenging to properly sterilize ducts that have touched floodwater, and you certainly don’t want the ducts blowing this stuff into your home, professionals recommend you get any ducts that have been exposed to floodwaters replaced. 
• Condenser coils: Floodwaters also bring dirt with them. When the condenser coil is dirty, its efficiency is significantly impacted, and it may waste a great deal of energy. Thankfully all it needs is to be cleaned properly. 
• Valves and connection points: The valves and other connection points of the system are more vulnerable to damage than others. They should be inspected to ensure they are still intact. 

What Will My HVAC Professional Do? 

Your HVAC professional will inspect your equipment, clean and sanitize it, and then let you know if there are any parts which need to be replaced or repaired. They will also confirm if and when your system is ready to be safely turned back on again.  

Recovering from a Flood? Appleby Systems is Here to Help

HVAC systems after flooding require the attention of a professional. The team at Appleby Systems will respond to your call quickly and make sure that your system is safe to run again. Contact our experts today.