How to Protect Your HVAC System from Flood Damage
Learn how to help protect your HVAC system from flood damage with a few tips for protecting the outdoor unit as well as the HVAC components inside your home
By Anne Fonda
Coastal flooding, as well as river and stream flooding, are all becoming more common across the country and the world. Climate change and the resulting extreme precipitation events are to blame, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Experts predict heavy precipitation and flooding events will only increase and be more intense with increased global warming.
From flash flooding due to heavy thunderstorms to storm surge flooding from a hurricane to basement flooding due to a rising water table, all this water poses a risk for your home, including your HVAC system.
Understanding the Risks of Flooding for HVAC Systems
Floodwater is dirty and filled with debris and potentially bacteria. The dirt and sediment can clog the inner workings of your outdoor unit as well as your indoor components should the water reach inside your home. If the system is running when your air conditioner floods or rising water infiltrates your furnace or air purification system, it can cause severe electrical damage.
Your HVAC system is one of the more expensive things to replace. By taking the steps you can to protect it during a flood, you may save yourself some money in the long run.
Preventive Measures to Safeguard Your HVAC System
If you’re at home and flood waters are coming up the driveway or rising from the creek, turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat. It might make the house uncomfortably warm and humid, but it can help protect the electrical system. If water has begun to enter your home, turn off the HVAC system at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shorts.
Protecting the Outside Unit
How do you protect your AC unit from flooding? In hurricane-prone areas and coastal communities, one of the best things you can do is elevate the outdoor unit. You might also choose to elevate the unit to prevent air conditioner flooding from a rising creek.
A licensed HVAC professional can do this safely. It may require a new, higher concrete pad or a raised air conditioner condenser platform. These platforms are also suitable for heat pumps. The unit should be secured to the raised platform.
Elevating the unit can help prevent water damage, but is not a guarantee your air conditioner won’t be impacted. This is not a DIY job. A professional needs to raise the unit because it may involve changes in the wiring and refrigerant lines.
Another option is to build a solid concrete wall around the unit and your home’s foundation to divert rising water around the unit. Hire a professional concrete contractor to do the job, after consulting with your HVAC company.
Protecting the Indoor Components: Furnace and Air Handler
Flood waters can infiltrate your basement and other areas of your home as well, which can damage your furnace, air handler, or air purification system. Basements can flood after several days of heavy rain.
To protect your HVAC system, consider some basement waterproofing measures such as installing a French drain and sump pumps. A floor drain in the room where your HVAC system is located can also be beneficial. This system will work to help remove water that is infiltrating the walls or floor of your basement. Consider installing a backup sump pump as well.
Many newer systems allow you to monitor them remotely and they can alert you if there is a problem. You can also install flood sensors near your HVAC system, water heater, and other areas of your home to alert you of the potential for water damage.
Relocation Options for HVAC Systems in Flood-Prone Areas
If you live in a flood-prone area, you may want to consider relocating your outdoor HVAC system to a higher level on the other side of your home, or uphill from where it is currently located. This is a more complex operation than simply elevating the unit on a platform.
You can also relocate the indoor components to a second level or attic. Keep in mind physically relocating your HVAC system should only be done by HVAC professionals after a thorough evaluation. The professional should have experience in system design, as ductwork, electrical wiring, and drainage pipes will all have to be relocated.
The best time to relocate your HVAC system, if you choose to do so, is during system replacement.
By following a few flood preparation tips now, you can help prevent HVAC flooding damage to either your outdoor AC condenser or your indoor furnace and air handler.
What to Do After HVAC Flooding
If rising water flooded your AC unit or basement flooding impacted your furnace or air handler, don’t use your HVAC system until a heating and cooling specialist inspects it for damage. This is for your safety. In some cases of minor damage, the HVAC technician may be able to simply clean and disinfect the equipment and replace some parts.
However, with more extensive damage, you may need to move forward with a full system replacement. It’s important to note that neither the warranty for your HVAC system nor your homeowner’s insurance will cover the repair or replacement of an HVAC system damaged by flooding. The exception is if you have a flood insurance policy.
Contact Your Local Trane Comfort Specialist
Was your HVAC system damaged by floodwaters or basement flooding? Need to schedule an HVAC inspection or HVAC repair? Contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist for prompt service and new product recommendations.
When you choose Trane for your heating and cooling needs, you get energy-efficient, quality equipment backed by some of the best warranties in the industry.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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