What to Do With Your HVAC System After a Flood
After the sudden break of a jam along Grand River, thousands of homes had to be evacuated due to flooding concerns within the Brantford area. After a flood, homeowners and workers focus initially on things like tearing out drywall, ripping up carpet and taking away furniture.
Shortly after those steps have been taken, HVAC technicians become high in demand as they inspect, repair and replace HVAC systems affected by floods.
To help guide you through a difficult time, we have put together what your next steps should be with your HVAC system if your home has been affected by a flood.
1. Have your home be declared safe
Before re-entering your home after a flood you should have a licensed electrician, utility worker or qualified emergency responder declare the home to be safe again. The major concern is any electrocution risks associated with standing water.
2. Shut off all power
Depending on whether the water reached electrical wiring, outlets or other electrical components, an electrician may need to disconnect the main panel. If this isn’t necessary but you still think the furnace or air conditioner may have been compromised, shut off power to the entire HVAC system and keep it turned off until a licensed technician can inspect and service your system.
3. Mark the water line
Marking the water line along your furnace and air conditioner will help the technician to quickly assess which components were submerged.
4. Take out the trash
Remove waterlogged drywall and carpet as quickly as possible to avoid mould growth inside your house. Mould creates health concerns, and the more you allow it to grow the more your cleanup costs will be later.
Anything absorbent must be thrown out, which includes any wet insulation. This also includes any disposable filters in your HVAC system.
5. Cleanup time
During the recovery and rebuilding process, you’re likely to have all sorts of contractors coming and going such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and more. It’s important to coordinate HVAC services with your other repair needs to allow sufficient room to work, and to make the jobs as easy and quick as possible.
It may also make sense to complete certain jobs before others, so you need to schedule everything appropriately. It might be hard for a carpenter to do their work before power is restored to your house, and you don’t want to install a nice new carpet before wet drywall or insulation are torn out!
6. Back in business
After these steps have been taken, your HVAC technician will conduct a final tune-up and systems check to ensure safety and functionality. This is not a DIY project, improper repairs and installation can not only lead to energy inefficiency but they can create serious hazards.
Crystal Heating and Cooling express our deepest condolences to all of those affected by the recent flooding within Brantford and surrounding areas. If you are in need of our recovery services, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
