Can You Dry Out Wet Wood Floors With Air Conditioning?

Wood Floor Basics

• Wood floors are prized for their aesthetics -- they add warmth and character to a room, and come in a variety of colors and grains. They're also ecologically friendly. Many people prefer wood floors because -- if treated correctly -- they will last a lifetime. Maintenance is easy, as dirt and dust can be wiped away. The biggest threat to hardwood floors, however, is water.

Flood Damage

• Floods leave behind dirty air and ruined wood floors. When wood floors get wet, the wood gets warped and mold spores begin to appear. Depending on the type of flood, your floors may also be covered with mud and sediments that you'll want to wash off before you start drying your floors. A solution of bleach mixed with water can help pick up the mud and prevent mold while you prepare to zap the floors of moisture.

Use of the AC

• According to Ed Weingartner, chief executive of Dynamic Restoration, a West Chester, Pa.-based disaster-recovery company, turning on your air conditioning is essential to the drying process. You want to get the air circulating to prevent mold from growing. However, if your air-conditioning ducts were underwater during the flood, don't turn on the air conditioning, or you will have dirty, contaminated air blowing in your house. Window air conditioners can be especially effective at removing moisture from the air.

Other Tips

• In addition to turning on your air conditioning, you'll also want to turn on some high-powered fans or dehumidifiers for maximum effect. If the flood damage is severe, you'll likely want to call a contractor, who has experience and knowledge remedying damp wood floors and has access to powerful, tested equipment. Turn your air conditioning off once your house gets cold, seal all the windows and doors and crank up the heat to speed the drying.