"Water got into my furnace!" It's a complaint I hear all too often when people are replacing their equipment.
If your gas furnace was in a flooded basement or somehow got wet, you need to take the right steps to fix the problem. We’ve written this short guide to help you safely restore comfort to your home after a flood.
Unfortunately, flood waters usually prove deadly for not only furnaces, but any HVAC equipment, including air conditioners, water heaters, air handlers, and boilers. The sensitive electronics inside can be damaged and rust can eventually form.
Carefully inspect the equipment for any visual signs of danger. Signs of water damage include puddles on the floor; wet spots on or near the equipment; dirt, silt, or other foreign substances near the equipment; and mold.
Wind or other elements can also cause physical damage to the equipment. If you suspect water, wind, or other damage to any mechanical equipment, get a professional inspection. Do not restart it.
If none of these symptoms are present, but the equipment still fails to work properly, do not attempt to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Again, call a professional.
Even after parts are replaced, there is a real risk that the reliability and efficiency of the unit has been permanently compromised. For this reason, most manufacturers and expert organizations such as the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) recommend complete replacement of water-damaged equipment.
If you need help selecting direct-replacement HVAC equipment, please give one of our experts a call today.