Does anyone remember the huge rainstorms we had this past summer? For many people those storms are now a distant memory, but for far too many homeowners, there is still recovery in progress. The problem is that hundreds of homes suffered severe flooding, and in the process the HVAC systems were damaged. Replacing these units can become costly, and for many families, the furnace still needs to be swapped out. With winter quickly approaching, there isn’t much time left to get your family ready before the temperatures start to drop. At the very least, the furnace must be inspected before you turn it on, and if you neglect to do so, your home could suffer a much more devastating disaster than a little water in the basement.
The Good News
There doesn’t have to be 2 feet of water in the basement in order for the unit to become flood damaged. A few inches could do the trick, but the only way to know what kind of condition the unit is in is by having a professional serviceman, like the ones we have here at Four Seasons, check it out. He will do an in depth search into the systems integrity, check the heat exchanger for and signs of corrosion, and be able to determine whether or not the unit is fit for use. The good news is that sometimes furnaces that come in contact with water can be saved. If the technician determines this is the case, all you need to do is replace the furnace filters and have the unit cleaned and tuned-up. This will help prevent mold growth from the exposure to the water. However, not everyone is so lucky.
The Bad News
The bad news is that many furnaces that are exposed to water do need to be replaced. Water exposure is like cancer for your furnace. Water spurs on rust and corrosion, and in no time at all, many parts break, the heat exchanger develops cracks and the system fails to function completely. Although the unit may seem to work initially, trying to use a furnace that has flood damage can have very serious consequences.
According to a GAMA news release, the use of equipment with damaged gas or oil control devices can cause fire, flashbacks, or even explosions. In the case of electrical equipment, GAMA warns consumers of the possibility of severe electrical shock. Why would you want to take these risks? If the furnace is condemned it is time to invest in replacement. Luckily, many homeowners can take advantage of aid programs offered through FEMA for cities that were declared disaster areas. Homeowner’s insurance may also cover the replacement of the heating equipment, but you need to act soon.
Recovering with Four Seasons
Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning understands how stressful the whole recover process can be, and we intend to make it easier. We will work with you to get the paperwork together for insurance claims, and we even offer attractive financing options for those who may be interested. Don’t risk using a unit that is damaged this winter. Call Four Seasons to schedule an inspection of your furnace, and we will help you finish the recovery process today.
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Tags: basement, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Cicero, FEMA, flood damage, Furnace, furnace cleaning, furnace installation, GAMA, IL, Inspection, water, Westchester, winter