Preparing Your HVAC / Cooling Systems for the Warm Weather Season

Applause roared from inside of the Colden Auditorium at Queens College during Richmond Hill High School graduation 2017.

Jay Sobhraj, Executive Vice-President of Zara Realty, just announced the names of two RHHS graduates who will be receiving a scholarship to study computer science at the college of their dreams.

Estrella Perez will be studying at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Malik Assad will be studying at the New York Institute of Technology.

"We are so grateful to Zara for this opportunity," said Perez, who is passionate about computer science. "I will not let you down Mr. Sobhraj," Assad proclaimed, as photos were being taken of the two.

The relationship between Richmond Hill High School and Zara Realty began last year when Zara Realty donated a $125,000 computer lab to the school. The computer lab has been used by a plethora of students for everything from curriculum to extracurriculars.

“This is a model for building real community between the school and the private community,” Principal Neil Ganesh said. “We have future leaders in our program and we’re really excited about this new resource for us.”

Recently, Sobhraj and information technology specialist Naresh Singh returned to the school recently to see how the “seed turned into a plant with burgeoning fruit.” Not only have students been able to focus on their passion of computer science, but there has been a trickle down effect into the school’s robotics program.

They found that the computer lab helped Perez, Assad, and the rest of the robotics team focus on enhancing their computer science knowledge, engineering skills, and form a serious direction for their robotics team, Qubit. In just one year, the team has been able to achieve incredible success which includes building their own robot.

Sobhraj and Singh were so impressed with the focus and determination of the these RHHS students, that they decided to announce the plan to award two computer science college scholarships right then and there.

“I really want to give back,” said Jay Sobhraj. “Never forget where you come from and always give back to the community... that's what Zara is focused on.”

Richmond Hill High School offers several pathways, which include computer science and IT, art, criminology and forensics, business and engineering. As a supporter of computer science and IT, Zara Realty plans to grant one or two students with this opportunity each year.

"We are grateful to Mr. Sobhraj and Zara Realty for being an active community partner with their vision set on making a long term change," said RHHS Assistant Principal, Paul Wilbur.

Zara Luxury Homes, the innovative real estate holding company, provides quality homes in both Queens and Long Island. They have been serving the rental community for 36 years. Visit theirwebsite or call them at 718-291-3331 to inquire about their rental properties in Jamaica, Queens and Long Island.

Preparing for the warmer months isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home, your business operations, and your bottom line. As temperatures rise across the New York Tri-State area, a reliable HVAC system becomes essential. Modern climate control has evolved into a cornerstone of livable and productive spaces, making air conditioning no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Whether you manage a commercial property, retail space, or your own residence, now is the time to ensure your HVAC system is ready to perform. Proactive maintenance can help you avoid costly breakdowns and, in many cases, prevent the need for a HVAC damage insurance claim.

How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Warm Weather

Before peak temperatures hit, home and business owners should take the following steps:

Schedule a Professional Inspection: Hire a licensed HVAC technician to perform a full system checkup, including refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall system performance.
Replace or Clean Air Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and strain your system. Replace them regularly—especially before heavy seasonal use.
Inspect and Clean Coils: Evaporator and condenser coils accumulate dirt over time, reducing the system’s ability to absorb and release heat effectively.
Check Thermostat Functionality: Ensure your thermostat is calibrated correctly and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management.
Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units: Remove leaves, dirt, and obstructions from around condenser units to allow proper airflow.
Inspect Ductwork: Leaks, blockages, or poor insulation in ducts can significantly reduce efficiency and increase cooling costs.
Test System Performance Early: Turn on your system before the first heatwave to identify any unusual noises, odors, or performance issues.

When Routine Maintenance Uncovers Bigger Problems

All too often, however, your annual HVAC system checkup reveals underlying damage. HVAC systems can be compromised in several ways, including:

Storm or Water Damage: Flooding, heavy rain, or roof leaks can damage internal components or electrical systems.
Fire or Smoke Exposure: Even minor fires can impact wiring, motors, and air quality components.
Wear and Tear or Mechanical Failure: Aging systems may suffer from compressor failure, motor burnout, or refrigerant leaks.
Power Surges: Electrical spikes can damage circuit boards and critical system controls.
Vandalism or Accidental Damage: External units are particularly vulnerable to impact or tampering.

When damage like this occurs, property owners are often faced with the need to file a HVAC damage insurance claim. Unfortunately, navigating the claims process can be complex, time-consuming, and frustrating—especially when insurers dispute the cause or extent of damage.

Why Do You Need United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ Expert Help with Your HVAC Damage Insurance Claim?

Filing a HVAC damage insurance claim requires detailed documentation, technical understanding, and strategic negotiation. Insurance companies may undervalue claims, delay processing, or deny coverage altogether based on policy language or insufficient evidence.

Instead, contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. We’re public insurance adjusters, which means we act in your best interests, not your insurance company’s. When faced with preparing and submitting a HVAC damage insurance claim, we’ll guide you through every step—from documentation, to claim preparation and submission—then negotiate to make certain the settlement is the highest your policy allows. And, if you’ve already submitted a claim that has been denied, your insurer is taking a long time to process your claim, or your settlement is inadequate, it is not too late.

With extensive experience handling HVAC damage insurance claim cases across residential and commercial properties, our team understands how to properly assess damage, compile compelling evidence, and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Get the Support You Deserve

Don’t let HVAC issues disrupt your comfort, operations, or finances this summer. Whether you’re preparing your system for the season or dealing with unexpected damage, having the right professionals on your side makes all the difference.

Remember, if your industrial property or residence does sustain sufficient property damage or asset losses that require a HVAC damage insurance claim, to contact the United Public Adjusters & Appraisers immediately for assistance. Or, plan ahead and get United Public Adjusters & Appraisers on your side now! Learn more by contacting our team today to discuss your HVAC concerns or to get expert assistance with your claim.

We’ll take charge of your claim and negotiate with your carrier to bring about a just settlement for you in as short a timeframe as possible. Speak with our professionals now to learn more.

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About United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc.

United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. is a nationally licensed public adjusting firm with a focus on complex, high-value property insurance claims.

With established offices in New York City and Long Island, our deep bench of adjusters, estimators, engineers, and advocates is built to support large-loss commercial, multifamily, and institutional clients.

To date we have successfully negotiated millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. We work exclusively on behalf of policyholders -never the insurance companies- to secure proper documentation, defend coverage, and recover what’s rightfully owed to you after disaster strikes.

Offices in Queens, NYC & Long Island | Serving Policyholders in Over 25 States

Call: 800-718-5677

Visit: www.unitedpublicadjusters.com