East Rockaway Homeowners Are Fighting Back Against Rising Seas with Elevated Central AC Systems

As sea levels continue to rise along Long Island’s South Shore, East Rockaway residents are taking proactive steps to protect their homes’ essential systems from increasingly frequent flooding. In New York City’s coastal areas like the Rockaway peninsula, sea level has risen on average 0.27 cm/year over the last hundred years, with projections showing levels could rise 0.3885 cm/year by the 2050s. This reality has prompted forward-thinking homeowners to invest in flood-resistant central AC installations that elevate equipment above potential flood zones.

The Growing Threat to HVAC Systems

Coastal flooding, as well as river and stream flooding, are all becoming more common across the country due to climate change and extreme precipitation events, with experts predicting heavy precipitation and flooding events will only increase and be more intense with increased global warming. When outdoor AC units are flooded and submerged even for a short time, the electrical components are likely damaged, the equipment could short circuit, and the condenser may fill with water, sand, or sediment, often requiring total replacement.

Parts of several low-lying New York City neighborhoods surrounding Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Peninsula already experience frequent flooding not associated with storms, making preventive measures essential for homeowners who want to protect their HVAC investments.

Elevation Solutions Gaining Popularity

Outdoor HVAC units can be elevated on a base of masonry, concrete, pressure-treated lumber decking attached to the house, or an existing balcony or porch landing, as long as the HVAC equipment sits at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation (BFE) and the structure it sits on can withstand flood, wind, and earthquake forces, with the equipment properly secured to resist movement.

Durable platforms are one of the most popular and effective ways to elevate AC systems, designed to lift units above flood levels while providing a sturdy base that can withstand water pressure and debris. Platform materials typically include concrete, pressure-treated wood, metal, or aluminum wall-mount options, with proper construction requiring professional installation crews.

Since most HVAC components are not water resistant and can be damaged or destroyed when exposed to floodwater, elevation is the most effective overall solution for mitigating both primary and secondary components. In coastal flood zones, HVAC equipment should be anchored to platforms attached to the main structure using corrosion-resistant connectors and fasteners to protect from storm surge and wave action, with platforms and pedestals well anchored to withstand being dislodged by flood forces.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

Local HVAC professionals like Cool Bros Corp understand the unique challenges facing Nassau County homeowners. At Cool Bros Corp, they are committed to delivering reliable AC services in Nassau County, using only the best materials and high-efficiency systems to ensure comfort while delivering reliable, trustworthy AC solutions with every service call. Their technicians are fully trained, licensed, and committed to top-notch service.

For homeowners considering central ac installation east rockaway, professional assessment is crucial. Cool Bros Corp expertly assesses each home’s unique cooling demands, factoring in dimensions, insulation, and solar exposure, with unwavering focus on precise load calculations and optimal system sizing to guarantee AC system performance.

Additional Benefits Beyond Flood Protection

Another benefit of elevating AC units is avoiding the collection of lawn debris and preventing rodents from using the unit as shelter, both of which can potentially lead to inefficient operation, with rodents and insects causing damage to wiring and components that results in costly repairs.

Many counties now require homeowners in high-risk flood zones to raise their HVAC units above base flood elevation (BFE), with these regulations meant to protect homes and keep systems safe. Flood insurance often requires raised systems for claims to be approved, and without compliance, homeowners could be stuck paying for repairs out of pocket.

Planning for the Future

Few American cities are more vulnerable to sea level rise than New York City, with more than 500 miles of waterfront and about 1.3 million residents living within or directly adjacent to a floodplain, with recent reports estimating more than 80,000 homes could be lost to flooding in the next 15 years and at least 800,000 residents living in high-risk floodplains by 2050.

Any HVAC equipment located in the basement or crawlspace should be relocated to an upper floor or attic within the home, or a first-floor location at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. The best time to relocate HVAC systems is during system replacement, making now an ideal time for East Rockaway homeowners to consider flood-resistant installations.

As climate change continues to impact coastal communities, investing in elevated central AC systems represents both a practical necessity and a smart financial decision. With professional installation and proper planning, homeowners can protect their comfort systems while potentially saving thousands in future flood damage costs.