When you’re getting customers back to pre-loss condition after damage to their HVAC systems, you have to ensure that any repairs or replacements are compliant with Department of Energy (DOE) standards for efficiency. When the insured’s contractor comes back with an estimate beyond what you expected, claiming it’s due to efficiency standards, you want to be able to confidently confirm that they are providing compliant restoration that is like in kind and quality. But DOE regulations are extensive and full of legalese, so they can be a bit tedious and challenging to read through, and you want to get your claims processed as quickly as possible.
We at HVACi have made it much easier to understand DOE minimum efficiency standards for newly installed HVAC equipment. In our guide, we give you an overview of:
The different measurements the DOE uses for these efficiency standards;
The residential HVAC efficiency requirements based on region and HVAC unit type (i.e. air conditioning, heat pump, etc.);
The basics of the two-phase regulation for commercial units; and
The commercial HVAC efficiency requirements based on cooling capacity and type of system.
With this guide, you’ll be better equipped to understand what is truly required of any replacement systems (or even if systems need replacement, as these regulations only apply to newly installed systems) so that you can be confident that you are returning your customer’s system to pre-loss condition in like kind and quality.
Get your easy reference DOE Regulation Overview today by filling out the form provided.
There are several different types of HVAC systems, and, as an insurance adjuster, you need to be prepared for whatever kind of claim comes across your desk. The most common type of HVAC system you’re likely to see is the traditional split system, so you really want to be familiar with these so that you can handle these claims quickly and effectively.
HVACi is all about equipping adjusters with the information they need, which is why we have created a short, easy-to-follow video explaining how traditional split systems work to cool a conditioned space, and it’s specifically designed for insurance adjusters like you.
Be in the know! Fill out the form now to watch the Split Systems Video for yourself.
As an adjuster, insurance is your area of expertise. If you’re not also an expert on the inner workings of gas furnaces, you may find yourself a little stumped when an estimate hits your desk. That’s okay! After all, such claims may not come to you every day. But when a gas furnace claim does cross your desk, you want to know how to evaluate estimates and make the right call, and you need the right tools to help you do that.
If you don’t know how gas furnaces work already, you don’t need to spend hours poring over a textbook to get the information you need as an insurance adjuster. We’ve already done that for you and created a video that explains it in a little over 90 seconds.
It couldn’t be much easier! Get your free gas furnace instructional video now by filling out the form provided.
Here and There: The components of split system HVAC units
The most common type of residential HVAC unit in the United States is the split system, where one section of the HVAC is outside and another is within the home (usually in an attic, basement, or crawlspace). This style of HVAC system is also quite common among commercial buildings, as well. As a result, thousands of split system HVAC claims flood insurance companies every year.
If you have a policyholder that comes to you with a claim on their split system, you want to be ready to assess and process the claim as quickly as possible, and that’s hard to do when you aren’t an HVAC technician and don’t have a thorough understanding of split systems. Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert to read an estimate or report from a contractor; we’ve taken care of that for you with our split system components glossary and schematic. It’s easy to read, clearly labeled, and concise.
Be more efficient and knowledgeable in your claims. Download our split system glossary by filling out the form provided.
All-in-One Package: The parts and functions of a package unit
While package units may not be the most popular residential HVAC systems (though they are still found in many homes), they’re quite common in the commercial space. If you have a policyholder come to you with a claim on their package unit, you want to make sure you are in the know when talking to the insured and the contractor. You don’t want to waste time sifting through document after document trying to figure out what each part mentioned in the estimate does. You want to get the claim processed as quickly and accurately as possible.
To this end, we’ve created an HVAC package unit schematic and glossary that describes each component in plain terms. This way, you can look through it as you read a damage report or estimate and quickly know exactly what the contractor is talking about, allowing you to review it much more efficiently.
Don’t let yourself get slowed down by a package unit claim! Download your package unit glossary by filling out the form provided.
Heat pumps, like traditional split systems, remove heat from homes or businesses, but unlike straight cooling units, they also can bring heat into the building rather than requiring a separate furnace or boiler. This makes heat pumps a common choice for those living in more moderate climates, such as Georgia or North Carolina. But what makes up a heat pump system?
Not everyone has this information at the ready, but as an insurance adjuster, you need to be able to quickly access this material, especially once you get the contractor’s assessment and estimate. That’s why having a heat pump schematic with a glossary of parts is so handy. At HVACi, we’ve crafted a quick reference guide to the components of heat pumps and explained the functions of each part in straightforward terms. It’s great to have on hand to look at when those heat pump claims come in.
Get an edge when dealing with heat pump claims now. Download our heat pump glossary by filling out the form provided.
Boilers are a relatively common way of heating a home or business, but the complexities of these sophisticated machines aren’t common knowledge. When they break, it’s not always immediately clear what damaged them, if the loss can be covered, or whether they can be repaired.
If you’re an insurance adjuster dealing with a boiler damage claim, you want to understand what parts are actually damaged in the assessment and estimate, as well as how they are critical to the boiler’s function. That’s exactly why we at HVACi have put together an easy-to-use schematic with a glossary of parts. Our simple guide not only shows you what the names of the parts are but also concisely explains the function of each one in straightforward terms. It’s a great tool to keep on hand for when those boiler claims roll in and you need to be on your A-game.
Get your Boiler Schematic and Glossary by filling out the form provided.
Many HVAC claims require some attention to ductwork. After all, the ductwork carries the heated or cooled air from the HVAC system to the rest of the building, whether it’s a home or business. As an adjuster, you don’t have to be an expert to be confident when handling claims that include ductwork. Here are a few basics about frequent perils that affect ductwork and what to consider to ensure accurate evaluations for a fair resolution.
What Perils Are Most Likely to Impact Ductwork?
Just about anything could impact ductwork, given the right circumstances (lightning can strike into an attic and hit a duct, for example, but that’s uncommon), and the cause of loss can drastically affect your customer’s claim. A number of problems can affect ductwork, but the four most common perils we see are water, microbial growth, smoke and fire, and infestation.
Water
Water damage to ductwork can come in a variety of different forms. Water can inundate an area from a flash flood, roof leak, or damaged appliances (i.e. water heater, bathtub, dishwasher, etc.). If this happens and the ductwork is in the basement/crawlspace or if the returns are in the floors, water can easily get into the ducts. Another way water damage occurs is due to condensation (also called “sweating) in the ductwork. Depending what the ducts are made from, the water can be absorbed or cause cracks or tears, compromising the structural integrity or causing leakage and potentially even leading to other losses.
The clear water line and buildup in this ductwork are evidence of water damage.
Microbial Growth
Microbial growth thrives in places with high humidity. If moisture is introduced, ductwork becomes an ideal breeding ground for growth and bacteria. Of course, the ducts carry air throughout the house, not only spreading the spores or bacteria for people to breathe in but also potentially carrying it to other areas, allowing it to spread and cause more damage elsewhere.
Microbial growth is common in and around ductwork that is exposed to moisture.
Smoke and Fire
If a fire breaks out in an insured location, damage to the ductwork is likely. Even if the flames themselves never touch the ductwork, smoke travels very quickly and easily, meaning that the ducts are likely to have at least some smoke damage. If the HVAC system is running during the fire, the smoke can spread to the entire system, causing damage throughout. Ducts move the air we breathe in air-conditioned environments, so if there’s smoke and soot in the ducts, the occupants are likely to smell it. Moreover, if the flames did impact the ductwork directly, the structural integrity of the ducts themselves could be compromised.
Soot and ash can build up in ductwork even if it was not directly affected by the flames.
Infestation
Plenty of critters like to find dark places for shelter, and unfortunately, ductwork fits the bill. Sometimes a claim might come in that is caused by mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, or even an armadillo (yes, it has happened; we’ve seen some weird things). These little creatures can wreak all kinds of havoc on an insured’s ductwork – feces can create odors and cause sickness, urine can cause metal ductwork to rust, scratches can compromise the structure of the ductwork – all of which needs to be addressed in order to maintain the health and safety of the insured location.
A raccoon has made a mess of this ductwork.
Things to Consider When Making Ductwork Claims Decisions
Ductwork isn’t as straightforward as some other components of HVAC can be. There are several factors to take into consideration when you’re making a decision on a claim that involves ductwork. You want to think about:
The Type of Ductwork: The type of ductwork used on the property will not only determine the cost of returning it to pre-loss condition but also how to achieve this restoration.
The Extent of Damage/Amount of Ductwork Damaged: This is probably the most straightforward aspect of ductwork evaluation – if more linear feet of ductwork is damaged or if the damage is too great, it may not be worth it or even possible to clean or repair it.
HERS Testing in California: Any time certain alterations or replacements are made to an HVAC system in California, testing is required using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). This testing may require the ductwork to be replaced (depending on how much ductwork is in question), and you need to take this into account when trying to restore insured equipment to pre-loss condition. For more on this, check out our HVAC Regulations Guide for Adjusters.
Whether You Can Clean, Repair, or Replace: You need to figure out which course of action will most efficiently and effectively bring the insured’s ductwork back to pre-loss condition. Replacement is sometimes necessary, but don’t assume it’s best for all claims. Ductwork may only need a good cleaning or repair, and applying one solution to all situations can lead to inaccurate settlements.
Make the Right Decisions in Your Ductwork Claims
As an adjuster, it’s not always easy to determine the best course of action for a ductwork loss or how to restore the insured’s equipment to pre-loss condition. Even if you’re not an expert, you can ensure you’re making the right call by arming yourself with fundamental knowledge and obtaining an unbiased expert assessment.
HVACi’s nationwide network of vetted and trained technicians perform industry-leading assessments on HVAC and refrigeration systems, including a variety of ductwork. Submit an assignment to learn how an inspection based in just the facts can lead to accurate claim resolution.
Ductwork moves air through a conditioned space, so when they’re damaged, an HVAC system needs to work harder and the air being pumped into the space is compromised. Dust, mold, soot, rips, holes, cracks, and other damages can cause a number of problems in the ductwork, and the solutions aren’t always immediately clear. Many times, contractors will suggest replacing ducts, but what if that isn’t always necessary? What if you can save your company and your customer money by knowing more about ductwork?
We want insurance adjusters like yourself to have the information they need to make an accurate claim settlement, so we’ve put together a straightforward guide to the types of ductwork and how these different types can affect the settlements to these claims. We even include claim statistics, pricing considerations, and regulations that you should take into account whenever handling ductwork claims. This way, you have a better idea of the options available to you and the customer when settling them.
Be prepared for ductwork claims! Get your free Guide to Common Types of Ductwork and How They Impact Claims today by filling out the short form provided.
HVAC claims are often complex, but a leak in the refrigerant circuit can create a whole new level of difficulty. Most HVAC systems provide air conditioning through the use of refrigerant. This chemical compound produces cooling when expanding or vaporizing. The refrigerant is pumped through copper tubing by a compressor and moves through a condenser coil, a metering device and an evaporator coil. If refrigerant leaks from any of these components, the cooling capacity will suffer and eventually cease to function altogether.
Because these leaks can prevent your insured’s HVAC system from cooling, understanding why this happens, how to test for leaks, and how they can be repaired is important for handling claims during warmer months.
