How Flooding May Damage Your HVAC System
Posted on: 2 June 2016
You probably know that storms and floods can damage your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, but do you know how the damage occurs? Here are some parts of the system that floods may damage, and the specific damage they may incur:
Ductworks
The major danger of having water in the ductwork is that it may spread dangerous pathogens throughout the house. For example, floodwater may be contaminated with sewage effluent, which contains dangerous microorganisms. Another problem is that the water increases the risk of mold growth inside the HVAC system. What can be salvaged should be cleaned, dried, and disinfected. In most cases, the insulation is discarded while the metal ductwork is cleaned and disinfected.
Electrical Systems
Water conducts electricity, which means it can connect parts of an electrical circuit that shouldn't be connected. Such a short-circuit fault can fry your system and disable some of its parts. HVAC system contains many electrical parts. Examples include outdoor fan motor, compressor, timer, transformers, wires and many others. The extent of the flood determines which of these parts get damaged.
For this reason, it's advisable to shut off power to the unit during and after a flood if its location is flooded. Have an HVAC technician inspect the unit and make the necessary repairs before using it again.
Metallic Components
Most metals are susceptible to corrosion. Water or moisture accelerates corrosion, which means the metallic parts of your HVAC unit are likely to be corroded after being exposed to water. Corrosion deteriorates the metal components and accelerates their wear and tear; this reduces the efficiency of the unit.
Corrosion damage may not be immediately apparent, but it is likely to occur if the unit isn't promptly cleaned and dried. The longer water stagnates in the unit, the higher the chances of corrosion. This is another reason you shouldn't delay calling a technician if your HVAC unit is exposed to water.
Filters
Damage from flooding isn't just due to the water alone. A typical flood carries with it mud and other debris that can also damage the unit. The debris will clog the internal components of the unit and prevent them from operating at peak efficiency. For example, the air filters can be clogged with mud and prevent them from operating normally. Cleaning or replacing the filters after the flood is mandatory.
Talk to a technician about the measures of shielding your HVAC system from the effects of floods and storms. You will also need the technician's expertise in cleaning and servicing the system if it has been exposed to floodwater and debris.
For more information, contact Chappel's Heating & Cooling or a similar company.
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