If your home or yard was flooded during the recent storms, chances are your outdoor air conditioning equipment, either a condenser or heat pump, was also submerged. Before turning on your system, it is recommended that you contact a professional HVAC contractor to have your equipment and electrical components evaluated.
In cases with only a few inches of standing water, it is possible your HVAC system will be fine and still operational. However, anytime water is high enough to reach the compressor, there is potential for complete failure. Knowing your options for flooded air conditioners is important.
First, find out what type of refrigerant your current system uses.
R22
If it contains R22, a refrigerant currently being phased out of production by the EPA, you can install a Guardian R407c condensing unit outdoors that will work with your existing indoor furnace or air handler. This option is the most economical way to get your home’s heating and air conditioning functioning again.
The other option for homeowners with R22 systems is to make the complete change to R410a. This option has a higher upfront cost since it requires replacing both the outdoor condenser or heat pump and the indoor furnace and coil or air handler. However, when you consider the increased efficiency and energy savings and the rising cost of R22, converting to R410a can pay for itself in the long run. Folks who opt for higher SEER systems can also enjoy enhanced humidity control thanks to indoor blowers that can change the speed at which air crosses the coil, allowing more water to be removed from the air.
R410A
If your system contains R410a, then you will be able to replace just the outdoor equipment as long as your wiring and electrical components are operational. However, you may want to consider addressing any comfort concerns with your contractor to see if zoning, indoor air quality products, smart thermostats, or higher efficiency equipment makes sense for your family.
Please know that your friends at Viser’s Integrity Air are here for you as we all begin the long recovery process after Hurricane Harvey. If you need advice or want to know more about how you can rebuild after the storm, please contact us today for expert HVAC tips.