Post Storm & Flood HVAC Care

After a hurricane or flood, one of your top priorities is ensuring your home’s cooling system is working properly. The last thing you want to deal with after a storm is a malfunctioning air conditioner. This guide will walk you through essential steps to check your A/C system and help you decide when it’s time to call in a professional.

First, Check if Your A/C System Turns On

Before diving into complex repairs, the first thing to do is make sure your system powers up.

Set your thermostat to a level that should easily trigger the system, typically around 65°F.

No air? If your A/C doesn’t turn on and there’s no air from the vents, there could be multiple causes. However, you can often narrow it down by checking two common issues first: the breaker and the drain line. These two most common can usually be checked before calling your local A/C pro.

1. Check the Breaker Panel

Storms often cause power surges, which can trip the breaker that powers your HVAC system.

Check your breaker panel for any tripped switches. If the HVAC breaker has flipped, turn it back on. But be careful: if it trips again, do not reset it a second time. This indicates a potential electrical issue that needs professional attention.

Next steps: If the breaker stays on but the unit still doesn’t turn on, move on to the next possible culprit.

2. Inspect the Drain Line

A clogged drain line can stop your A/C from running, especially after heavy rain or flooding.

Locate the drain line (usually PVC tubing) and carefully remove the top to check for standing water. If you find a clog, clearing it could solve the problem. You can try using a shop vac or hose to clean it yourself, but if you’re unsure, it’s always best to call in a professional for a thorough flush.

Check out this short video for more on this process:

If you’re still not getting the A/C to turn on and both the breaker and the drain line are good, it’s time to call your local pro.

In a best case scenario, the A/C starts up like usual, and begins to blow air once the thermostat is turned on. Once your A/C is running, it’s time to check the outdoor condenser.

Next, Examine the Condenser (Outdoor Unit)

High winds and rain can mean a lot of debris, and you’ll want to make sure if anything has fallen around your condenser that you remove it. The debris can restrict the airflow to your condenser, which will make your A/C work much harder than it needs to (which can in turn cause premature failure).

Clear away debris like branches, leaves, and other materials that might have fallen around the condenser.

Check the condenser coil for smaller debris. If the metal fins look clogged, a gentle rinse with a garden hose may clean it up. If that doesn’t work, a professional cleaning may be required.

Check the Copper Line

While outside, the next thing to check is any visible copper tubing - the pipes that connect your inside and outside units.

The copper tubing connecting the indoor and outdoor units can be vulnerable to storm damage as well.

Look for any visible damage to the tubing, which could indicate a refrigerant leak. In many cases, your copper will be insulated in soft black foam casing after it leaves the condenser, but the idea is the same. If the tubing is insulated, inspect the foam casing for damage as well.

If your A/C isn’t cooling properly after spotting damage to the copper pipes, call a technician for a refrigerant level check.

Check the Outside Drain Line

Also while outside, locate the end of your drain line (the PVC plastic tubing that starts at your inside air handler). Again, if there is any debris accumulated inside or around it, be sure to clear this out to avoid clogging the line.

Inspect the Condenser Fan and Compressor

Lastly, if you notice while you are outside the fan inside your condenser is not spinning or the compressor is not turned on (the compressor usually makes an obvious humming noise when it’s on), first confirm the inside unit is still on and blowing.

If the fan isn’t spinning or the compressor isn’t running, but the inside unit is on, you could have an electrical or mechanical issue. In this case, turn your thermostat to “fan only” mode to circulate air until a professional can inspect the unit.

Tip: Beware of Ice

If you notice any ice forming on your system, this is a clear sign that something is wrong.

Ice on your A/C means it’s time to call for service. While waiting for the technician, switch your unit to “fan only” mode to help thaw the system.

Tip: Listen for Noises and Check for Odors

In the days following a storm, pay close attention to any unusual noises or smells coming from your A/C.

Strange sounds can signal mechanical problems, while musty odors could indicate moisture issues, which may lead to mold and mildew growth if not addressed quickly.

Tip: Schedule a Post-Storm Maintenance Check

Even if everything appears to be functioning well, it’s always smart to schedule a maintenance visit after a major storm.

Why call a pro? A professional can spot potential issues before they turn into costly repairs and ensure your system is running efficiently. Due to high demand after a hurricane, be patient but persistent in booking your appointment.

Final Thoughts

After a hurricane or flood, it’s crucial to be proactive with your HVAC system. By following these steps and scheduling a maintenance check, you can ensure your air conditioner is running safely and efficiently, keeping your home cool during storm recovery.

Regularly maintaining your HVAC system year-round will make it more resilient during extreme weather events. Stay on top of repairs, and your A/C will be better equipped to handle whatever the storm throws its way!