Keys to identifying hail damage to HVAC condenser coils

Now that we’ve made it through another winter, it’s time to turn our focus to spring weather patterns and the claims that often result from this change of season. One of the most prevalent causes of loss this time of year is damage due to hailstorms. Hail causes billions of dollars of damage each year, and can have a significant impact on HVAC systems. Whether on the roof or on the ground, portions of both residential and commercial HVAC systems are located outside, and are therefore in the direct “line of fire” during a hailstorm event.

Hail can be especially troublesome when it comes to large commercial properties, which often include dozens (if not hundreds) of rooftop units. According to HVACi’s 2017 Annual Claims Report, 84 percent of large loss claims (those with claimed HVAC damage totaling over $100,000) were submitted for hail damage and resulted in an average claimed amount of $343,243 per claim. The financial significance of these claims (whether commercial or residential) underscores the importance of knowing what to look for when handling hail claims.