Heavy rain can overwhelm drains and sump pumps across the GTA in a single evening, and a flooded basement is usually where your furnace and water heater live. Water damage to heating and cooling equipment is not always visible from the outside, so we want to walk you through what to do, what to avoid, and when to have your equipment checked.
Why Flood Water Is a Problem for Your Furnace
A furnace has its electrical controls, circuit board, blower motor and gas controls sitting close to the floor. When water reaches these parts, it can cause corrosion and short circuits, and gas controls that have been under water should be checked by a licensed gas technician before the furnace is used again. Even after the water drains away, moisture and silt left inside the cabinet can keep causing damage for weeks.
If your basement has flooded at all, it is vital to have your furnace inspected to ensure the water has not damaged the equipment. If you don’t have it inspected, you may find out your furnace no longer works when the weather cools down, or worse, it may become a danger to your home.
Your Air Conditioner Can Be Affected Too
Flooding outside your home may have affected your air conditioner as well, so refrain from turning it back on without having it properly inspected. Water and silt around the outdoor unit or the indoor coil can damage the electrical parts and the compressor, which is one of the most expensive parts of the system to replace.
What to Do Right After a Basement Flood
- Put safety first. Do not walk into standing water if it could be in contact with outlets, cords or equipment.
- If you can reach it safely, turn off power to the furnace and air conditioner at the service switch or breaker.
- If you smell gas, leave your home right away and call your gas utility’s emergency line from outside.
- Do not restart the furnace, relight a pilot light or run the air conditioner until the equipment has been inspected.
- Take photos of the water level and your equipment before cleanup starts. They help with an insurance claim.
- Once the water is gone, keep the area ventilated so the basement can dry out.
Signs Your Equipment May Be Damaged
Some damage shows up right away and some takes time. Watch for:
- A water line, rust or silt on the furnace cabinet or around the base of the unit
- The furnace or air conditioner not starting, or starting and shutting off again and again
- Error codes or flashing lights on the furnace control board
- Musty or burning smells when the system runs
- Damp or dirty ductwork and filters, which can spread mould through the house
If your ductwork took on water, duct cleaning after the repairs helps remove silt and moisture so it is not blown through your home.
How We Can Help
We can send a technician out to your home to inspect your equipment, determine if it has been damaged, and tell you plainly whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
We are on the approved contractor list for a number of insurance companies, and are familiar with the claims approval process. If there is damage, we can generate a report and send it to your insurance company for you to expedite any necessary repairs or replacements in your home.
Don’t get left out in the cold next winter, and don’t get stuck in the heat next summer. Have your furnace and air conditioner inspected to make sure they are safe and working as soon as you notice any water in your basement.
Call Furnace King today at 905-564-5464, or click here to have a member of our team get in touch with you.
