What Are My Responsibilities When I Receive My HVAC Shipment?

Why the receiving inspection matters

HVAC equipment ships on a pallet by freight carrier, and the delivery receipt you sign is an official record. Once you sign a clean receipt, it confirms that you received everything in good condition, which makes a later damage claim much harder to win. A two-minute inspection at the moment of delivery is the single best thing you can do to protect your purchase.

What to do at delivery

To protect yourself against the small risk of damage or a shortage, complete all of the following before the driver leaves:

• Count the cartons and pieces against the delivery receipt or packing list, and confirm the count matches
• Inspect each item and its packaging for dents, crushed corners, holes, or other visible damage
• If anything is damaged or missing, write a clear, specific note on the delivery receipt before you sign it
• Keep your copy of the receipt, and take photos of any damage and the packaging

Noting a problem on the receipt at the time of delivery is what preserves your ability to resolve it later.

If you find damage

If you see damage during the inspection, describe it on the delivery receipt, photograph it, and contact AC Direct support promptly. Our team can help you start the claim process with the carrier and arrange the right resolution. AC Direct support helps you coordinate the claim; the carrier handles the freight, and your detailed notes and photos are what move the claim forward.

Concealed damage you find later

Sometimes damage is hidden inside the packaging and only turns up after you unpack. If that happens, report it to AC Direct as soon as possible, because carriers allow only a limited window for concealed-damage claims. Keep all of the original packaging and take photos, since both are needed to support the claim.