Given the recent events and our business location, the ALL WAYS Heating & Air team has taken numerous calls about HVAC systems that were either ruined, won’t turn on or are smelling odd when the power turns back on. Even though the magnitude of this disaster was way beyond normal for our area or any, there are things you can prep for if you know a large storm is heading your way.
The first step is to turn off your unit at the breaker box. While you will be without heating and air, this step will prevent the power surge from hitting your HVAC components when the power comes back on. An HVAC system creates a high demand for power when it comes back on. That power surge can create damage for the internal components of your HVAC system.
Flood Disasters and HVAC Systems
Flooding is a bit different than other natural disasters. This is due to different variables. While one unit may sit at ground level, another unit may be elevated. Also, it depends on how high the floodwaters get as well. Again, if you are in a flood watch or warning area, we recommend that you turn off the HVAC power at the breaker level. If your unit did sustain water, the unit will need a deep cleaning at the very least. However, if moisture caused damage to the components, you are most likely looking at a replacement unit. The good news is that it may just be the outside unit. Again, this depends on if the floodwater got into your home and/or ductwork. If so, this could easily turn into a mold issue so it too will need to be replaced. Now, there have been many cases where claims were denied based on the fact that the water levels did not reach the indoor air handling units. So, this portion was denied in some cases, but not all. Again, it depends on where the water level is and how much damage. You can read this appeal decision here: https://www.floodsmart.gov/memo/no-direct-physical-loss-hvac-decision-upheld. As a homeowner, you will most likely want both of your units to match in make, model, etc. So, get a professional to look at it. You may be able to make these units work okay if they are the same brand. Mini-splits are similar in that the outside unit could be damaged if water got into the unit. However, if floodwater did not reach the indoor unit, then you may be able to have the lines cleaned. While there are some variables to all of this, it’s best to have your HVAC professional like ALL WAYS Heating & Air come and inspect what needs to happen for your safety and health.
Getting Your System Replaced by FEMA or Insurance:
To get FEMA help, the Governor must declare a state of emergency. Once that happens, a few things go into place. First, it enables government officials to take extra measures to protect the public. Second, the President of the United States must declare the area a major disaster area. The President will also activate an array of Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.
In the case of Hurricane Debby, Helene, and Milton, all three prompted state of emergency orders in multiple states. Hurricane Helene in particular proved to be extremely disastrous for our area here in Western North Carolina. The affected counties are:
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Ashe
- Avery
- Buncombe
- Burke
- Caldwell
- Catawba
- Clay
- Cleveland
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Gaston
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Jackson
- Lincoln
- Macon
- Madison
- McDowell
- Mecklenburg
- Mitchell
- Polk
- Rutherford
- Swain
- Transylvania
- Watauga
- Wilkes
If you are wondering if FEMA will help recover some of your cost to replace your HVAC system, it depends. You must file a claim first, and you can do that here:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene
or, you can call 800-621-3362 to apply as well or download the mobile app, which can also be found at the link above.
Locations for NC Disaster Recovery Sites:
You can also stop by the Disaster Recovery Center in Asheville, Lenoir, or Marion for assistance:
Asheville:
A.C. Reynolds High School
1 Rocket Dr.
Asheville, NC 28803
Sunday through Saturday from 8am to 7pm
Lenoir:
Caldwell County Health and Human Services Center
2345 Morganton Blvd. Southwest
Lenior, NC 28645
Sunday through Saturday from 7am to 7pm
Marion:
McDowell County Senior Center
100 Spaulding Road
Marion, NC 28752
Sunday through Saturday from 8am to 7pm
When you apply, you will need several documents:
Address
Email
Phone
Social Security Information
Banking Information
Insurance Information
FEMA will assign an ID to your case. You can login to check the status of your application at any time. If you qualify, FEMA will deposit a check into your bank account or send it via mail.
Given that FEMA will not cover what insurance covers, you should file a claim with your insurance first. Please note that most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. Typically, that type of coverage is covered by flood insurance by the National Flood Insurance Program. Although, check first just to make sure. If your insurance won’t cover your HVAC unit, then FEMA may cover your cost or at least a percentage of your replacement. FEMA will require an inspection of your property.
To file a claim, you must do so before the application deadlines, which is November 27th for North Carolina and December 2nd for Tennessee.
Get Started and Call ALL WAYS Heating & Air for an Inspection
If you have experienced damage to your HVAC unit, give ALL WAYS Heating & Air a call, text, or email us. At the very least a technician can come and inspect your unit and let you know what type of damage you have and what next steps should be to get it repaired or replaced. Also, we can give you the paperwork that you need to follow-up on your claim if necessary.
