Hurricane AC Units

[curiousgirl]

just curious, when ac/heat units (insde and out) get submerged like in new orleans are they totally ruined or can they be dried out and made to work again?

[edrock]

gas furnaces shot........a/c units maybe repaired new boards and relays and such

[aircooled53]

I would replace motor/contactor and any relays.
ductwork if sub-merged and thermostat with air handler if water or mold present.

[Carnak]

It is possible to repair the outside unit of the air conditioner, they could work for two days, two months or two years.

I salvaged my outdoor air conditioning unit, it has been working a year so far.

[smokin68]

If they can make a submerged car work again so can an A/C,furnace or whatever once it's dried out . Many of today's electronic gadgets can work again if submerged and then dried out...as long as it's thoroughly dry.

[peytonc2682]

I say fire the old a/c systems back up, if they go out there is no loss. On the other hand, I am not sure I would want to use a furnance that had been under water.

[Edited by peytonc2682 on 10-18-2005 at 05:48 PM]

[Chill]

One thing to think about is how old the unit is. Anything over 15 years, I wouldn't waste my time on.

[millerman]

We are not talking just submerged but submerged in raw sewage, chemicals you name it. The outdoor unit could be saved, toss the indoor unit along with ducting.

[Edited by millerman on 10-18-2005 at 06:01 PM]

[Carnak]

If you are insured get a new one, if it is going to be a while before you can replace, repair now, replace whenever you can.

[dash]

From the "no name" or "storm of the century"of March 1993 ,FEMA paid for new syatems,those that kept the old one ,had it fail in the next 3 years,as far as we could tell.

Hard to get all the salt water out of coils,etc..

[Carnak]

If you live in an area that is prone to salt water flooding, odds are it is a corrsoive environment in the first place.

[dash]

Ours isn't as we are on the central west coast of Florida,the Gulf doesn't have the surf and salt spray of the Atlantic,or SW Florida beaches.

[Carnak]

No surf here either, just can't get more than 2.5 miles inland.