With so much catastrophic weather occurring around the country, it's important to have your homeowner's insurance policies up to date. But what about your HVAC system? It's an expensive piece of equipment and you want to make sure it's covered if anything -- weather related or otherwise -- happens to it. Read on for more about HVAC insurance.
WHAT'S COVERED UNDER HOMEOWNER INSURANCE
In most cases, your HVAC system -- unlike a window air conditioner -- is considered part of your home's structure so will be covered under your homeowner's policy if damage occurs. This includes weather-related damage, like hail, a falling tree or wind. Damage from vandalism and theft will also most likely be covered. The one instance it most likely will not cover is flooding. Generally, you will need to have separate flood insurance to cover any damage from flooding or other high water in or around your home.
Damage to the HVAC system that occurs as a result of leaking or bursting pipes or even an overflowing condensate drain or other plumbing in your home, will be covered, however. Another commonly covered peril is damaged wiring from an electrical surge, which could require replacement of a furnace or air conditioner.
Your HVAC system will not be covered for ordinary wear and tear. However, equipment insurance policies are available that cover breakdown and replacement of parts of furnaces and air conditioners from wear and tear.
MAKING A CLAIM
Sometimes, you may find that when your HVAC system is damaged under one of the circumstances described above, that the deductible you must pay to make a claim is greater than the cost of repair or replacement. In that case, it may be wiser just to shoulder the cost. You also have to figure in the fact that your insurance rates may rise if you make a claim.
Visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical website for more in-depth information about HVAC insurance and other HVAC topics, or just give us a call at (408) 868-5500. We've served South Bay and Silicon Valley since 1962.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).