Now that Hurricane Irma has passed many businesses have been able to reopen and get back to regular schedules while still dealing with the cleanup from the storm. As we all know here in Florida, hurricane damage to homes and commercial property needs to be assessed by a professional so you can file a damage claim. It’s important that your property assessment includes a proper evaluation of your HVAC unit.
Bryant Heating and Cooling reminds HVAC owners that that hurricane damage such as flooding is not always covered by manufacturers’ warranties. “Because manufacturers’ warranties do not cover failure or damage due to floods, winds, fires, lightning, accidents, corrosive environments (rust, etc.) or other conditions beyond the control of the company, we recommend that you contact any of the offices set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as government aid may be available to help flood victims finance the replacement of flood-damaged HVAC equipment. Please visit www.fema.gov for information.”
Waste flying around the area is unavoidable with hurricane winds. A visual survey of the HVAC unit can give you a clearer picture of what debris damage has occurred. There may be physical damage to the unit such as dents or missing parts. Hoses or electrical lines connecting to the unit may be cracked or detached from the unit. You may even see debris wedged into parts of the HVAC unit.
Flood waters are a frequent result of a hurricane. Depending on the final amount of the water in your area, your HVAC unit may have internal damage from flooding. Flooding can damage your unit immediately and issues can also develop after the water recedes.
After a hurricane, humid weather can further the water damage by creating an environment where mold and mildew can multiply.
Whether the damaged equipment supports a private residence or is part of a commercially owned building, the inspection process is the same. A professional should be able to inspect any of the following equipment that is present.
It is important that you take pictures of your HVAC unit, but an onsite inspection is also necessary. Property Casualty 360 explains “HVAC equipment is simply too expensive to indiscriminately write replacement estimates, and accurate pricing and availability is also difficult for adjusters to access.” Contact Ball Building Services for an inspection and/or a free written estimate of what your repair will cost. Documentation is going to be vital to working with insurance companies and FEMA.
Ball Building Services is fully licensed and insured, and we’re certified by the EPA. We service all makes and models of air conditioning units. We service the Greater Tampa Bay and Central Floria area. Contact us to schedule your repairs today. Don’t let hurricane damage cause any more financial stress than necessary.