(Update September 14, 2017)
Hurricane Harvey’s flooding has hit Houston and South Texas hard. We are still learning about the total impact of the storm. Mission AC has already visited and repaired many AC systems from the flooding across the city. While the devastation and scale are vast, the strength, hope and beauty of our city and its response have never been clearer. Since much of the floodwaters have receded, we have been asked many questions about what to do with your AC after a flooding event.
Questions include:
- Can I turn my AC on after a flood?
- What steps should I take after my air conditioner has flooded?
- Is my AC okay to turn on while underwater?
- Do I need to replace my AC after it has flooded and was submerged in water?
- Is my air conditioner still under the manufacturer warranty?
What to Do
The most important thing to remember is that AC systems should NEVER run or be turned on while underwater. If you are able to before the unit is flooded, turn off the circuit breaker to the HVAC system. Once the flooding has receded, give the unit time to dry out completely, then clear away any debris from around and inside the unit.
You should always have an HVAC technician assess your system before turning it back on after the flood, as the electrical components inside the condenser unit could become corroded and fail when turned on. Once a technician has inspected your system and repaired any damage, you can enjoy air conditioning again.
Manufacturer Statements and Warranties
This is a particularly sensitive topic, and the answer isn’t something anyone wants to hear. In short, manufacturers and contractors can warranty equipment operating in normal conditions. Flooding, as destructive as it is, doesn’t fall under the warranty because it is not a normal condition. Flooding is not something the manufacturer can predict or prevent, so they are not responsible for the damages caused by high waters. Any claims for broken systems should be taken to insurance instead.
For more information and answers to further questions, contact Mission AC today. We will do our best to help you get your AC running again.
