If your home was affected by Hurricane Helene and your HVAC system has been submerged or exposed to floodwaters, there are some critical steps you need to take to protect your health, your home, and your equipment. Flooded HVAC systems can pose serious risks—please read.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Do NOT Turn On Your HVAC System
If your system was submerged, resist the urge to power it up to see if it still works. Floodwater contaminates your system with dirt, debris, and harmful organic matter that can be blown through your home’s ductwork, leading to serious indoor air quality issues. Even if the system runs now, components like motors, control boards, and gas valves could be corroded, leading to future failure.
2. Flooded Equipment is Contaminated
Floodwaters can carry all sorts of harmful contaminants—bacteria, sewage, and chemicals—that can saturate the insulation inside your furnace or coil cabinets. Running a flooded system will spread these contaminants throughout your home, exposing your family to health risks.
3. Don’t Enter Flooded Crawl Spaces
If your HVAC system is in a crawl space that still has standing water, it’s unsafe to enter. Wait for the water to subside or for a professional remediation team to clear the area before assessing any damage. Safety first!
4. Replace Damaged Parts
Any part of your HVAC system that came into contact with water should be replaced. This includes motors, control boards, contactors, and gas valves. While they may seem to work at first, floodwaters can slowly corrode these components, causing unexpected breakdowns or, worse, unsafe conditions later on. For example, a submerged gas valve might seem operational now but could eventually stick, leading to dangerous issues like a runaway furnace or water heater.
5. Document Everything
When it is safe to do so, take detailed photos of your HVAC system, ductwork, and the surrounding area. Capture any water lines on equipment, as well as the overall condition of the unit. These pictures will be crucial for your insurance claim. Make sure to document all aspects of the damage, as your system may be part of a larger claim related to flood damage to your home.
6. Consider System Replacement
In many cases, flood-damaged systems require significant repairs or complete replacement, especially when motors, controls, and gas valves are involved. If your HVAC system was submerged, it’s likely your ductwork was also compromised. Replacing your system and contaminated ductwork is often the safest and most cost-effective route in the long term.
7. Consult the Experts at Moncrief
Don’t try to assess or repair flood-damaged equipment on your own. Reach out to Moncrief to schedule a technician or comfort consultant who can evaluate your system, document the damage, and provide you with recommendations based on safety and long-term performance. Your safety and well-being are the top priorities.
Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado or severe storm is stressful, but addressing your HVAC system's condition right away will help you avoid further headaches down the road. If you’re dealing with a flooded system, give us a call—we’ll help you navigate the repair and insurance process so you can get your home back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.
Hotline: (404) 369-0999