What should I do if my HVAC system is impacted by flooding?

An already disastrous hurricane season can bring some unanticipated conditions, leaving you to deal with flooding or damage to your heating and cooling system. Before you attempt to salvage or start water-damaged equipment, it’s critical to recognize the proper steps you should take to stay safe.

The following safety tips will help you move forward following extreme weather in Calgary:

• Turn off all electrical switches and gas valves. Be mindful to turn off any switches (i.e., disconnects and breakers) to the heating and cooling equipment. If your furnace or water heater was immersed in water, shut off gas valves to avoid exposure to leaking gas.
• Dry out equipment. If the equipment was under water, open it up and help air circulation to quicken the drying process.
• Have equipment and wiring inspected. Do not turn on flooded equipment until you have it inspected and serviced by a qualified heating and cooling contractor. You’ll also want to have a reputable electrician or a technician from a Calgary power company inspect your home’s internal wiring to make sure it is dry and safe before power is reinstated to your home.
• Don’t rush to reconnect. If the power company gives the green light to turn on the electricity in your home, but you think you there may be a problem with your heating and cooling equipment, give our experts a call so we can help you evaluate the situation.

You should also consider the following to decide if your heating and cooling equipment is salvageable or should be replaced:

• The amount of time the equipment was submerged;
• Whether the electricity was on when the water flooded the unit; or
• If the equipment is filled with dirt and debris.

Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, connect with us at A1 Chesney Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning as soon as possible. Our experts are trained to perform safety inspections and help you measure severe weather damage to your HVAC unit. We can examine your system to make sure it’s working properly and to understand if it can continue to run efficiently without replacement. Give us a call at 587-315-5271 if you have any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling system, or if you prefer to schedule an appointment for a severe weather consultation. You can also check out our online scheduler to easily request an appointment.