The answer to that question is ‘sometimes’. In this article, we’ll take a look at what’s covered by homeowner’s insurance, and some options for when the repairs aren’t covered. Pro Duct Solutions is here to help you figure out what all your financing options are.

HVAC repairs can definitely be expensive. It would be amazing if all the repairs could be covered by insurance. The good news is that insurance does cover some repairs, and other repairs are actually covered by manufacturer’s warranties. 

In what instances will homeowner’s insurance cover HVAC repairs or replacement? 

Homeowner’s insurance is limited in coverage, but will definitely help out in case of an emergency. One thing to note is that this is general advice, the following instances are likely to be covered but you will have to discuss the issue with your insurance company to be absolutely sure.

Always check with your insurance company if you require repairs due to damage that was outside your control.

• Fire. If your HVAC system has been damaged during a house fire, there is a good chance that the repairs will be covered by your insurance company. This can include both appliance repairs and vent cleaning, so be sure to inspect for any possible damage caused by the fire. 
• Floods, hail, and falling trees. Most people keep their HVAC appliances in the basement, which is unfortunately the first part of your home to be affected when it comes to flooding. If your homeowner’s insurance has flood coverage, that will likely extend to your HVAC system. Other weather events like hail and fallen trees can damage the outside parts of your HVAC system. If a tree falls on your outdoor AC unit, call your insurance company as they could cover the repair cost.
• Break-ins and vandalism. Any damage done to your HVAC system during break-ins or other illegal activity could possibly be covered by insurance. 

What’s not covered by homeowner’s insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance generally covers accidents and damage that’s out of the owner’s control. Repairs related to regular usage or avoidable accidents are going to have to be covered by the owner of the unit.

• Old age. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life, insurance companies won’t cover repairs. An older furnace needed service is simply something that is to be expected. 
• Neglect. It’s important to have your furnace serviced once a year to prevent any damage or repairs. Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover repairs due to neglect as the damage was most likely preventable. 
• Owner caused accidents. An HVAC appliance can be accidentally damaged by anything from a rowdy game of indoor soccer, or an unsteady shelf. Unfortunately, any accidents of this type will have to paid out of pocket. 

How to make a claim for HVAC repairs to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

We all know that insurance companies can sometimes be fickle and difficult. We’ve added some tips below that will help you out when you’re making a claim.

• Take pictures before anything gets fixed. As soon as the damage happens, take pictures and videos. Make sure you document absolutely everything before moving anything or cleaning up. Get as many angles on the situation that you possibly can make sure the images are clear. 
• Get a written report from the HVAC technician. When you have the technician in to do the repairs, make sure you let them know that you intend to submit a claim to your insurance. They can then provide you with a written report of the damage they’ve found and what was done to fix it. It’s important to let them know before they start their work so they can make sure the report is in line with what insurance companies want. 
• Keep all receipts and paperwork. Keep everything related to the damage and repairs. A good idea would be to make scans of the originals so that you always have a back-up of important paperwork. Keep everything in the same place and have it handy whenever you call the insurance company.

Is there a way to insure your HVAC appliances?

While homeowner’s insurance is limited, there is no way to insure your HVAC appliances specifically. That doesn’t mean you’re on your own though, most HVAC appliances have warranties that will help when it comes to repair costs.

Something important to keep in mind is that these warranties can be voided. If you decide to install the unit yourself or perform any maintenance, this will almost always void the warranty. If you’re a registered HVAC technician, it’s perfectly fine to service your own HVAC systems and it won’t void the warranty. 

• Manufacturer’s warranty. When you buy a new HVAC unit, it will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This will cover all repairs due to manufacturing. The appliance will come with its warranty information attached, it’s always good to familiarize yourself with the warranty information ASAP so you don’t end up paying for things that would have been covered.
• Labour warranty. Check with your technicians about a labour warranty. Any damage or issues caused during the installation or repair process will usually be covered under warranty. Make sure you ask about this when you call the technicians.

Who pays for repairs on a rented HVAC appliance?

When you rent your furnace, or other HVAC appliance, it’s usually the company which owns the furnace who pays for the repairs. 

What is the best way to keep repair costs low?

The number one best way to keep costs low is to schedule regular HVAV maintenance. It keeps your appliances in the best possible condition and the technicians can catch any issues before they become expensive. 

No matter the issue, calling Pro Duct Solutions is always a good move. We’re a local company with a massive amount of HVAC experience. We can help you with any repairs you might need. We’re also here to help with regular maintenance, our technicians are well-versed in all methods of HVAC cleaning and repair. 

Call us today or book via our online booking system.