AC Hail Damage Inspection in the East Valley — Photo-Documented for Your Insurance Claim

Golf-ball hail hit parts of the Valley this week. Your outdoor AC unit sits out there with no roof over it, and it took the hit. Some damage is obvious. Some isn't, and it shows up next July as a system that won't keep up or a compressor that quits.

We inspect it, photograph everything, and hand you a written report you can give your insurance adjuster.

What hail does to an AC unit

• Flattened coil fins. The thin aluminum fins fold over and block airflow. The unit runs longer and hotter, and your SRP or APS bill climbs.
• Dented or punctured coil tubing. A pinhole leak drains refrigerant slowly. You won't notice until the house won't cool.
• Cracked fan blade or fan guard. Throws the fan out of balance and wears out the motor.
• Damaged top panel, disconnect box or wiring whip. That's an electrical problem, not a cosmetic one.

Signs to check before you call

• Fins look smashed or shiny-flat when you look down at the unit
• New rattling, scraping or humming from the outdoor unit
• Ice on the copper lines
• Weak or warm air from the vents
• A higher bill with the same thermostat settings

If you hear scraping or see ice, turn the system off at the thermostat and call.

What the inspection covers

1. Condenser coil and fins: how much damage, photographed
2. Refrigerant circuit: leak check and pressures
3. Fan blade, motor and guard
4. Electrical disconnect, whip and controls
5. Heat pumps: reversing valve and defrost operation
6. Dated photos and a written findings report: repair, comb out, or replace

Insurance: what to know

Many homeowners policies cover hail damage to an outdoor AC unit. Coverage and deductibles depend on your policy, so call your insurer to confirm. Three things help every claim:

• File soon after the storm and note the date
• Get photos before anything is repaired
• Get a licensed contractor's written assessment, not a guess

We give you all three. We don't decide your claim. Your insurer does.

Repair or replace

Light fin damage can often be combed straight. A punctured coil or a failing compressor on an older unit usually means replacement. We give you both numbers and tell you which one we'd pick. Want a second opinion on a quote someone else gave you? That's free.

Why Patriot Air

• Owner-operated since 2008. Eric Lipp answers for every job.
• ROC #243332 (R-39R) and ROC #316835 (C-39). Licensed, bonded, insured.
• Master Heat Pump Technician. APS and SRP qualified contractor.
• American Standard authorized dealer. BBB A+. 4.7 on Google, 149 reviews.

Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley.