Homeowners who have experienced flood damage are advised to take important safety precautions with regard to their home's heating and cooling systems, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. The association has compiled a list of heating and cooling equipment for homeowners to consider replacing if flood-damaged, including:

• Gas boilers: If there is any question whether flood water has reached a gas boiler, it should be checked by a qualified contractor. This equipment has gas valves and controls that are especially vulnerable to water damage from floods - damage that might not be visible.


• Radiant floor heat: With this type of heating system, if the floor becomes wet from a flood, it can weaken and perhaps crack and may need replacement. Both electrical cables and tubing can be damaged due to a wet floor.


• Water-heating systems: Whether a water heater uses gas, oil or electricity, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. A new water heater is a relatively small investment, and replacing it is fairly easy to do. If the water heater was more than five years old, the chances are good that a new unit will be more efficient, which will save the homeowner money in the long run.

Click here for the full list.