Homeowners Urged to Replace Storm Damaged

Heating and Cooling Equipment

Colony Heating & Air Conditioning would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the Flood of 2008. To help all in need through this difficult time we will be extending our hours and services.

After a flood, homeowners are advised to take important safety precautions with regard to their home’s heating and cooling systems.

A house or basement exposed to standing water can damage a home’s heating and cooling equipment – putting families at risk. We advise homeowners to play it safe and replace, rather than repair flood-damaged heating and cooling equipment and systems. Unfortunately all equipment with any manufacturers or extended warranties will be void. We recommend all flooded equipment be inspected by our trained service technicians.

Homeowners can turn misfortune into opportunity by considering new, energy-efficient models that will lower their future energy bills. Utility rebates are also available on new energy efficient equipment.

Gas Furnace and Boilers

If there is any question whether flood water has reached a gas furnace or boiler, it should be checked by a qualified contractor. This equipment gas valves and controls that are especially vulnerable to water damage from floods. Once an electrical control has been wet, it poses a fire and electrical shock risk and must be replaced. Gas valves are no longer assured to provide a safe shut off to the gas, potentially causing gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Even mechanical devices such as float low water cut-offs and safety relief valves need to be replaced, as their components may become corroded, making the device unreliable for future use.

Blower Motors

Electric motors that have been under water many times can be saved. Make sure the motor is completely and thoroughly dried out. Oil the bearing and spin the motor by hand before applying power.

Air Conditioning Systems

Split air conditioning and heat pump systems have power and control wiring between the indoor and outdoor parts of the system, and piping through which refrigerant flows through the system. If flood water has repositioned either the indoor or outdoor units of a split system even by a small amount, there is a potential for refrigerant leaks. The system will then require major repair or full replacement.

If the refrigerant system remains intact after the flood, the entire system should be cleaned, dried and disinfected. Homeowners should have Colony Heating check the indoor and outdoor units’ electrical and refrigerant connections, including all control circuits. The decision to repair or replace should be made after consultation with one of our qualified professionals on a case-by-case basis.

Water Heating Systems

Whether a water heater uses gas, oil or electricity, and it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. A new water heater is a relatively small investment, and replacing it is fairly easy to do. If the water heater was more than five years old, chances are a new unit will be more efficient, saving the homeowner money in the long run.

In a gas unit, valves and controls can corrode. In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls can corrode. In both types, the insulation surrounding the unit will likely be contaminated and will be nearly impossible to disinfect, from bacteria left from flood waters. In addition, the insulation takes a great deal of time to dry and can lead to corrosion of the tank from the outside, leading to potential fire hazards and reduced insulation value.

Even if water heater components have been cleaned and the unit seems to operate properly, parts may corrode in the future. Both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure relief valve that can corrode and stick after being exposed to flood water. Homeowners should be sure, therefore to replace this valve as well.

Government Aid

For victims of some natural disasters, government aid may be available to help consumers finance the replacement of flood-damaged HVAC equipment. Homeowners should contact any of the offices set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help flood victims in their area.

Whether you are a long time customer or just learning about Colony Heating & Air Conditioning we thank you for your patience.

Thank you,

Doug Kohoutek

Owner

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