Homeowners insurance offers you financial protection from different kinds of property damage, including theft, accidents, and natural disasters. While this kind of insurance covers many facets of residential life, the specific policy applications in regard to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems get complicated. Whether homeowners insurance covers HVAC repairs depends on a variety of factors, such as the particular circumstances surrounding a claim, policy coverage, and the source of the damage. Coverage varies from one policy to the next, but we’ve provided provide a useful overview.
What Homeowners Insurance Usually Covers
Homeowners insurance policies typically fall into three primary categories. Dwelling coverage protects your home’s structure, such as the walls, roof, and in-built fixtures and appliances. Personal property coverage is for individual belongings, such as clothing, electronics, and furniture. Liability coverage gives you protection from financial liability in the event someone gets injured while on your property.
Dwelling coverage is what would cover your HVAC system. The other two kinds of coverage would rarely apply. However, this does not mean that the dwelling coverage of your homeowners insurance would reimburse you for all repairs or replacements.
HVAC Repairs That Are Covered
Unexpected or accidental damage beyond the control of the homeowner tends to be the kind of HVAC repair that insurance will cover. Natural disasters include lightning strikes, fire, hail, windstorms, and falling objects. Non-flood water damage might happen from pipe bursts or internal plumbing systems overflowing and causing structural damage. Electrical damage is sometimes covered by wiring malfunctions and power surges, but the damage has to stem from external events and not routine wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. Theft and vandalism are often covered perils, provided the owner isn’t neglectful about security. Copper theft out of HVAC units is a common issue in some urban areas.
How to Handle HVAC Damage
If your home suffers HVAC damage that you think your homeowners insurance should cover, follow the proper steps. First, document the damage with photos and videos. Second, review your policy to see if the particular cause of damage is one of the covered perils listed; check for applicable exclusions, too. Third, contact your insurance provider to report the damage and receive guidance through the claims process. Obtain an estimate from a licensed HVAC contractor for repairs, and then work with your insurance adjuster for the final steps toward restoring your home.
What Isn’t Usually Covered?
There are numerous circumstances where most homeowners insurance policies won’t cover HVAC repairs. Routine wear and tear comes with regular system use and normal aging of a system that has a finite mechanical lifespan. Mechanical failures inevitably happen even with a well-maintained system. Flood damage usually requires a separate flood insurance policy, and earthquake damage is similar. Pest damage, including that done by insects and rodents, is often not covered since it’s deemed preventable with proper pest control measures and maintenance.
Do You Need HVAC Repairs?
Homeowners insurance might cover HVAC repairs in cases of accidental water damage, vandalism, and natural disasters, but it probably won’t cover situations stemming from poor maintenance, routine wear and tear, and designated exclusions, such as earthquakes or floods. The only way to know for sure what your homeowners insurance covers is to review your policy and contact your account representative if you need clarificaton. Additional coverage might be available for specific situations you worry about.
The best way to reduce the risk of damage and keep expensive repairs under control is to schedule regular maintenance of your HVAC system. Professional technicians should handle this twice a year for most homes to identify potential issues and make minor fixes before small issues become big problems. If you live in Gilbert, Tuscon, or surrounding areas of Arizona, we’re here to provide HVAC repair, installation, maintenance, and air quality services.
Contact our team at Hicken Air for all your home’s HVAC needs!
971 N Gilbert Rd, Suite #203