Does Homeowners Insurance Cover HVAC Issues?

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Key Takeaways

Home insurance typically helps cover HVAC systems or AC units if they’re damaged by covered situations like hail, wind, lightning, vandalism or fire.
Keep in mind that home insurance doesn’t cover HVAC or AC issues caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or floods or earthquakes. Window AC units are typically covered only under personal property coverage.
In some cases, you can purchase additional coverage to extend your protection, like in the event of a flood. Whether it’s filing a claim or making sure you have the coverage you need, The Hartford can help every step of the way.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover HVAC Systems?

Your home’s HVAC system or air conditioning (AC) units help keep your house comfortable all year long. However, they can be big investments to install and maintain. You may be wondering, “Does homeowners insurance cover AC and HVAC units?”

The answer is — it depends. Typically, your homeowners insurance policy will help cover your HVAC system or AC units if they are damaged by a covered loss.

Damage Caused by Certain Weather Events

Your home insurance’s dwelling coverage can help cover the cost to repair or replace your home’s air conditioner or HVAC system if it’s damaged by weather-related events like:

Hail: If large hail damages any units inside or out, home insurance will help pay for repairs or replacements needed.

Wind: From winter winds to summer storms, damage caused by extreme wind is typically covered under most home insurance policies.

Lightning strikes: If a bolt of lightning takes out your HVAC or AC unit, your homeowners insurance coverage can help get your system running without breaking the bank.

Window AC units aren’t typically included in dwelling coverage since they are not part of your home’s structure. Instead, your personal property coverage would help pay to repair or replace window units.

Important:

Certain weather events, like floods and earthquakes, are usually excluded from standard homeowners insurance. You’ll need to buy a separate flood insurance policy to get protection from flooding or add an earthquake endorsement to your home insurance policy.

Water or Fire Damage

Water damage to your HVAC system is covered through homeowners insurance when it’s caused by a sudden or accidental covered event. For example, if your HVAC system accidentally discharges water, your home insurance can help pay to fix the resulting water damage.

Fire is another example of a covered loss. So, if your AC unit is damaged by smoke, your home insurance can help cover the repair or replacement costs.

Vandalism and Theft

Since AC condenser units are made of metal, they can be a target for vandalism or theft. Rest assured, if your AC unit or HVAC equipment gets vandalized or stolen, your homeowners insurance can help pay to replace it.

Available Coverages for Your HVAC System

AARP^® Home Insurance from The Hartford¹ offers customizable coverage options to help cover any repair or replacement costs for your heating or cooling systems. Three of these include:

Dwelling Insurance Coverage

Dwelling coverage to help protect your home and its attached structures. With this type of coverage, your walls, electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning are all protected.

Personal Property Insurance Coverage

Personal property coverage to help pay to repair or replace your belongings after a covered loss occurs. Household appliances, like window AC units, are typically covered under this part of your policy.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Equipment breakdown coverage to help cover your home’s HVAC system and other appliances in the event of a mechanical or electrical breakdown. This optional coverage also helps if you want to make “green” upgrades. It pays up to 125% of your cost to replace any covered equipment with items that are similar, but more energy efficient or environmentally friendly. This does not include normal wear and tear.

With these coverages, you’ll be protected when a covered loss damages your AC unit or HVAC system.

Will Insurance Pay for a Full HVAC Replacement?

Whether your insurance will help pay for a completely new HVAC system depends on multiple factors. If your system can’t be replaced and was damaged by a covered event, insurance will help pay for a replacement, up to your policy coverage limits. You’ll have to pay your deductible first before insurance will kick in to cover the rest.

Tip:

The “$5,000 rule for HVAC” is the belief that replacement may make more sense than a repair if the cost to repair is more than $5,000. This isn’t an insurance rule and depends on each situation, but keeping this in mind may help you understand next steps and estimate costs after a covered loss.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Your AC Unit?

Are you wondering, “What does homeowners insurance not cover?” Your home insurance policy won’t cover your air conditioning unit or HVAC system if they’re damaged by:

General wear and tear: HVAC systems degrade over time. Routine deterioration and use isn’t a covered loss under a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Poor maintenance: If damage occurs from negligence or a lack of maintenance, home insurance won’t help pay to repair or replace your system.
Floods: Most home insurance policies don’t provide coverage for flood damage, but you can purchase a separate policy if needed.
Earthquakes: Similar to floods, earthquake damage isn’t usually included in home insurance policies, but you can purchase additional coverage to extend your protection.

Is a Home Warranty a Better Option for HVAC?

For certain events and damages, you may consider looking into the differences between a home warranty vs. homeowners insurance. For example, if your AC or HVAC system is damaged by aging or general wear and tear, a home warranty may help cover the costs, whereas a standard homeowners insurance policy wouldn’t in this case.

How To File an HVAC Homeowners Insurance Claim

The Hartford’s specialists are available 24/7 to help you through the insurance claims process. To file a claim for a damaged HVAC system or AC unit, be sure to follow these steps:

Document the damage: Before making any repairs, take photos or videos of the damaged HVAC equipment and any related damage to your home. Keep records of any repair estimate you receive.
Review your policy: Check your homeowners insurance policy to confirm the cause of damage is a covered loss and review your deductible amount.
Contact The Hartford: Our claims specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the process. You can submit your claim online or by calling The Hartford at 877-805-9918.
Work with an adjuster: A claims adjuster will assess the damage and help determine the amount your policy will cover, minus your deductible.
Receive your payment: Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive payment to help cover the cost to repair or replace your HVAC system.

male homeowner protected by knowing does home insurance cover HVAC?

Get a Fast and Free Quote for Homeowners Insurance From The Hartford

For over 200 years, The Hartford has protected individuals and their homes from unexpected events. With our high ratings for customer and claims service, you can count on us to be there when you need us most. To learn more about the coverages and savings available to you with AARP Home Insurance from The Hartford, get a quote online or call The Hartford at 877-422-2345.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeowners Insurance and HVAC Coverage

What Is Equipment Breakdown Coverage for HVAC?

Equipment breakdown coverage is an optional coverage that you can add to your policy for extra protection to help cover your home’s HVAC system and other appliances in the event of a mechanical or electrical breakdown, not wear and tear. It even provides coverage if you want to make “green” upgrades. It’ll pay up to 125% of your cost to replace any covered equipment with items that are similar but more energy efficient or environmentally friendly.

Does Home Insurance Cover HVAC Failure?

Home insurance helps cover HVAC failures if they are due to a covered loss, like a fire or vandalism, but not if they are from wear and tear. The best way to know for sure what is and isn’t covered is to review your policy or speak with your insurer.

How Do I Get Insurance To Cover an AC Unit?

To get insurance that covers damage to your AC units, get a quote online or call The Hartford at 877-422-2345. You’ll be able to tailor your coverages and deductibles to ensure you have the right policy for your needs.