Are HVAC Repairs Covered by Repairs?
With only a few short months before the desert heat of summer descends on the Tri-Cities, you want to be sure your HVAC system is in prime condition. You also would rather not sacrifice comfort this summer because you cannot afford to pay for necessary HVAC repairs.
But there is hope when it comes to paying for what sometimes can be expensive HVAC repairs. Your home insurance may cover these fixes to your energy system. Although you won’t get financial assistance from your home insurance company for all types of HVAC mechanical issues, there are certain circumstances when you will enjoy coverage.
When Homeowners Insurance Covers HVAC Repairs
In essence, homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of HVAC repairs when the damage is due to a covered peril or disaster. Examples of this are fallen trees, high winds, theft, hail, or a fire. When it comes to weather being the cause of your HVAC system damage, you are more than likely going to be able to rely on your homeowner’s insurance to cover the HVAC repair expense. This would also include lightning strikes, for example.
When it comes looking to your home insurance for coverage for your HVAC repairs, it depends on the type of unit that sustains damage. You can be assured that HVAC systems installed inside your home will likely be covered under your homeowner’s insurance.
In contrast, a stand-alone or window AC unit is considered personal belongings and would be covered under personal property insurance.
If your HVAC unit is damaged due to vandalism or falling trees, homeowner’s insurance will cover repairs to your HVAC system. Your homeowner’s insurance would also cover the cost of a replacement under the aforementioned circumstances. Damages from a hailstorm are the most common damages to an HVAC unit. Your home insurance will also pay for a repair or replacement of your HVAC unit for hail related damage.
When Homeowner’s Insurance Will Not Cover HVAC Repairs
A standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover the cost of HVAC repairs as a result of general wear and tear. That holds true for owner neglect or old age, as well. So, for instance, if your AC unit experiences a mechanical problem this summer such as a broken fan or an evaporator coil that freezes, you will have to pay for the repair or replacement out of pocket.
You similarly won’t be able to tap into your home insurance to cover HVAC repairs due to accidents. You will incur the cost of repairing your HVAC unit if the damage happened as a result of a careless accident, for example.
If you drop your HVAC unit on your garage floor, or if you seldom swap out your air filter for a new one – and damage occurred as a result of either scenario – that is considered owner neglect. Thus, it would not be covered through your home insurance policy.
This is why it is important to regularly schedule a maintenance service with your local HVAC provider. You will likely experience fewer HVAC mechanical issues if you stay current on your HVAC maintenance.
There are also exceptions in your homeowner’s policy when it comes to HVAC repairs. For example, some exclusions with your homeowner’s insurance would include the following scenarios:
- Damage that happens from an earthquake
- Damage occurring from flooding
These types of circumstances surrounding your HVAC unit sustaining damage will not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. What’s more, cosmetic damage, where hailstorms take place, might not be covered through your homeowner’s insurance, as well.
Home Warrantees & Equipment Breakdown Coverage
As a homeowner, you may have some recourse when it comes to obtaining more coverage on appliances and HVAC equipment. There are some insurance companies that will offer home maintenance services for a discounted rate when you sign up with them. You might also have to try a different homeowner’s insurance company for this supplemental coverage.
Also, some home warranty programs will provide a flat fee for HVAC repairs regardless of the cause of the damage. Additionally, other insurance riders like equipment breakdown coverage might assist in paying for the expense of HVAC repairs.
Filing for HVAC Insurance Claim
If you have an HVAC unit that has sustained damage and is covered by your home insurance coverage, you will need to estimate the repair cost. Balance the amount of money it will cost to repair your HVAC system against your policy deductible. So, if the repair cost is more than your deductible, you should file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.
You will also need to take pictures of the damaged HVAC unit, write down the serial number, and include the cause of the damage. Then you call your home insurance company. You will get a visit from a claims adjuster who will assess the damage to your HVAC unit, and then he will provide you with a cost estimate for repair or replacement.
For cases that involve an HVAC replacement, your homeowner’s insurance will reimburse you for the replacement cost. If your policy covers actual cash value, your insurance company will reimburse for the unit’s market value at the time of the loss.
Let Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning Take Care of Your HVAC Insurance Claims
If you believe damage to your HVAC unit is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, then let Apollo provide a seamless connection as we work directly with your insurance company to fulfill the claim.
We can save you the time and hassle of working through the details of the claims process by assisting you with the steps involved to have your HVAC claim paid in full.
You can rely on the HVAC experts at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning to make the HVAC claims process as simple and straightforward as possible so you can get maximum enjoyment from your home energy system this summer.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you will be cool and comfortable this upcoming summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
