Reported Cause of Loss: Water
Observations: The condenser coil contained flattened fins, and the condensing unit had been shifted from its original location into a dirt hole beside the unit.
Claimed Amount: $6,050
Though water was involved in this loss, the flattened fins and shifted condensing unit were the result of firefighting efforts nearby.* The water struck the unit with enough force to move it. Since no other components showed signs of water damage, this loss was the result of a foreign object impact.
*The standard working pressure of a firehose is between 116 and 290 pounds per square inch of pressure.
Recommendation: If coverage is afforded, the split system could be repaired by replacing the condensing unit and the evaporator coil. A full system replacement was not required.
The HVACi Recommended Settlement: $4,458
Reported Cause of Loss: Unknown
Observations: Though the HVAC system itself worked, ductwork was heavily damaged, and low levels of refrigerant were found in the system.
Claimed Amount: $19,612
In the case, the foreign "object" was an animal, such as a raccoon. The animal tore the insulation from the flexible and metal ductwork. The investigation also found dirty HVAC components due to lack of maintenance and low refrigerant levels.
Recommendation: If coverage is afforded, the HVAC system could be restored to its pre-loss condition via replacing the flexible ductwork and re-insulating the main duct line. A full system replacement was not required.
The HVACi Recommended Settlement: $8,271
Reported​ Cause of Loss: Water
Observations: The onsite assessment revealed that refrigerant piping on both systems was missing and had been cut.
Claimed Amount: $19,190
The copper lineset was stolen from the system. The refrigerant lines were cut, allowing refrigerant to escape the systems. The refrigerant circuits were contaminated, and one system was also contaminated by water.
Recommendation: If coverage is afforded, one HVAC system should be replaced in full, while the other could be repaired with a replacement of the condensing unit, lineset, and evaporator coil.
The HVACi Recommended Settlement: $17,068
Reported​ Cause of Loss: High Voltage Surge
Observations: The control board in the furnace had failed. The wiring was in poor condition and showed signs of fraying, and organic matter was clumped in the condensing unit. All other components measured in an optimal range.
Claimed Amount: $21,109
The organic matter inside the condensing unit was a rodent nest, and the fraying was the result of its inhabitants chewing through the wiring in the electrical compartment.
Recommendation: If coverage is afforded, the system could be sufficiently repaired by replacing the control board and capacitor, repairing the wiring, and cleaning the condensing unit.
The HVACi Recommended Settlement: $1,482
These are just a few examples of assignments where HVACi has determined an actual cause of loss that differs from the reported cause of loss. All the HVAC inspections we complete help adjusters resolve claims quickly and accurately. Avoid settling for an unnecessary repair or replacement and lower the risk of recurring losses by using HVACi to provide just the facts.