March 23, 2012 @ 12:34 am
admin
Most homeowners know that hail can cause damage to their roofs, siding, gutters, and cars, but what most homeowners don’t realize is that a hailstorm can also cause serious damage to your air conditioner or heat pump. One of the most common types of central air conditioning systems and air source heat pump systems is the split system in which the condenser is installed outside the home.
The condenser is usually installed on a concrete pad on the ground, but in some parts of the country like Phoenix, Arizona the condenser is installed on the roof. The condenser coil has soft metal fins that help dissipate the heat from the coolant that flows through the coil.
If a hailstorm strikes your area, these fins can be easily bent by the impact of hailstones especially if there is much wind associated with the storm. The amount of damage varies greatly depending on the size of the hail and the wind speed and direction, but even a modest amount of damage can significantly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Extensive damage will eventually cause the system to stop cooling completely.
In some cases, mild HVAC hail damage can be repaired by your HVAC technician using a “fin comb” to straighten the fins. Most of the time you will either need a new condenser coil or an entirely new system. Replacement of the condenser coil is usually only cost effective on relatively new systems. On older systems it’s normally best to replace the entire system.
Air conditioner hail damage is usually covered under your homeowner’s policy so be sure to inspect your air conditioner carefully after any hailstorms strike your area. If you wait too long to file your claim your claim may be denied.
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