Rain down furnace vent

thebigsee

Hi,

Had a torrential rainstorm here in So. Cal. yesterday with heavy sideways-blowing rain. Heater (a Payne high efficiency, probably from early 90's) was working great, then we went out for a few hours and so we turned it off.

Came home to find it will not fire up. Upon inspection I found that some water made it down the furnace vent (moisture on inside, some drips coming off the vent stack, etc.) There isn't a puddle of water so I think no more than 6 oz. got in.

I unplugged the unit (it has electronic ignition, no pilot) -- any suggestions? Is there a drain on these things anywhere, or should I turn an electric heater on it to dry it out? Do they have an internal circuit breaker? I have a call out to an HVAC outfit but they can't come until tomorrow and the house is chilly, I'd like to see if there's anything I can do . . .

Thanks!

thebigsee

No one responded, but for posterity I'll post a follow-up -- a tech came out, it's water damage to the board, no big surprise there!