We’ve had plenty of wild weather in Virginia recently. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, you might be wondering about the potential impact of severe weather on your HVAC system – and what to do to avoid HVAC flooding. Here’s what to know.
What to do in the aftermath of flooding
If your home has flooded, turn off your HVAC system until a technician arrives to inspect it. This can help prevent damage to the system. Let your technician know when and where the flooding occurred, how much flooding was involved, and whether the system was running at the time of the flooding.
Flooding and your indoor HVAC system
Like with anything electrical, water and your indoor HVAC system do not mix. Generally, an inch or two of water probably won’t damage the system – but no amount of water is good.
Depending on how high the floodwaters have reached and whether your system was running at the time, your HVAC system’s electrical components may have been damaged, or your condenser coil compromised by grime. If the system has been physically moved by floodwaters, there may be issues with your refrigerant system. Your technician can advise about the extent of the damage and whether repair or replacement is required.
Remember that water damage goes beyond initial flooding. Mold and mildew can develop in flooring, walls, or other breached areas, including your HVAC registers and ducts. If left untreated, they can affect the air quality in your home. Use a mold remover and inhibitor to clean any visible mold, and consider professional duct cleaning or replacement as well.
Flooding and your outdoor HVAC system
The outdoor components of your HVAC system are designed to be weather resistant. The panel for your unit is sealed and therefore relatively protected from the elements. Unless the unit is completely submerged, you’re probably okay. In the event that water levels do submerge the unit, you still might only have to worry about damage to the controls.
If you’re not sure, talk to your technician at Shaw. We can check your system to confirm that everything as it should be – or advise about repairs and replacement. Don’t undertake repairs by yourself, or you may void any warranties or insurance claims!
While not all HVAC flooding can be prevented, there are steps you can take to keep your system safe in the event of a flood. Seal basement areas and install a sump pump to draw away moisture during wet weather. Ensure that your HVAC system is raised above ground level, and make sure pipes are insulated to avoid burst pipes during cold weather snaps. And act quickly to turn off your system if water does breach the house.
Have you experienced flooding in your home? Talk to the team at Shaw about HVAC repair, replacement, or what steps you can take to keep your HVAC system safe from future extreme weather events.