Does my homeowners insurance cover my AC unit?

Author: Prof. Payton Schuppe  |  Last update: Monday, August 25, 2025

A standard homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems if they're damaged by a fire, for example. But if your AC unit stops working due to an accident or normal wear and tear, your insurance company probably won't pay your claim.

What is usually not covered by homeowners insurance?

Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded. When an insurer writes your homeowners coverage, the insurer is legally obligated to offer you earthquake coverage for an additional premium.

Does full coverage cover air conditioning?

Home insurance does cover AC units if they are damaged by covered policy perils like theft, fire and some weather-related incidents.

Is an AC unit covered by a home warranty?

Most home warranties cover the components of a central air conditioning system and a heating system, like forced air (gas, electric or oil), wall heaters and more. This is excellent news because having a home warranty plan can save yourself a lot of stress and aggravation while saving money.

Can an AC unit be covered?

CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.

Does my Homeowners Insurance cover AC leaks

Is AC unit covered by home insurance?

A standard homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems if they're damaged by a fire, for example. But if your AC unit stops working due to an accident or normal wear and tear, your insurance company probably won't pay your claim.

Why aren t AC units covered?

Covering the outdoor unit has some natural consequences that can be harmful to the air conditioner or heat pump. Covers trap moisture inside and restrict airflow – these issues can lead to rust, corrosion, mold growth, and other damage to your unit.

How can I tell if my AC is under warranty?

Some air conditioner manufacturers have warranty lookup resources on their websites or if you call their customer support line. When you call or lookup online, be sure to have your installation and information paperwork as you will likely need information, including the serial number from your AC unit.

How much does a new HVAC system cost?

According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.

How long do AC units last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

Does homeowners insurance cover an AC leak?

In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover water damage from AC leaks. However, every policy is different and you'll need to check with your insurance agent to be sure you understand what exactly is covered.

What is not covered by full coverage insurance?

What's not covered with "full coverage"? Your medical expenses and your passengers' medical expenses are not covered by liability, collision, or comprehensive coverages. Medical bills can be covered by purchasing medical payments coverage or personal injury protection coverage.

What not to say to home insurance?

Avoid Misleading Phrases: Be cautious with your words. Phrases like “I think” or “It might have been” can introduce doubt and ambiguity into your claim. Instead, stick to clear, confident statements that are supported by your evidence and records.

What 3 things does homeowners insurance cover?

Standard HO-3 home insurance policies cover damage to your home's structure, other structures on your property and your personal belongings, as well your liability as a homeowner and the cost for things like food and a hotel if you are displaced after a covered loss.

What voids homeowners insurance?

Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...

Does homeowners insurance cover HVAC replacement?

A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure.

Should I replace my 20 year old air conditioner?

On average, you can only expect about 15 years of reliable service from a central AC system. And that's only if you maintain your system well. So, if your home has an AC that's 20 years old or older, it's likely living on borrowed time. Here are all the reasons to replace your home's 20-year-old air conditioner.

Is AC usually covered under warranty?

Typically, air conditioning units are covered under warranty for between 12 and 15 years. This means the manufacturer will pay to fix your AC if it stops working during that time.

What voids AC unit warranty?

Damaging the Unit

Warranties are in place to cover repairs when your HVAC unit malfunctions prematurely. If you cause any type of damage to the system, whether it's accidental negligence or on purpose, you may void the warranty.

How long is the AC warranty on a new house?

For example, most warranties on new construction cover siding and stucco, doors and trim, and drywall and paint during the first year. Two years: Coverage for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems is generally two years.

Can AC units be covered?

Your air conditioner's coils are also designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Since A/C units are made with first-rate materials and have a solid finish, it's usually not necessary to cover them when they're not in use. In fact, most manufacturers do not recommend covering your air conditioner.

Should I shade my AC unit in the summer?

According to researcher Danny Parker from the Florida Solar Energy Center, who performed a two-year energy study, shading the unit provides “minuscule results at best” with efficiency being increased less than half a percent. While you may wish to cover your condenser since let's face it – they aren't very stylish!

Do AC units get clogged?

Build-up of this debris can be carried off as condensate drains from the coil. Over time, it can become trapped in your condensate drain line, causing blockage. As a preventative measure, many HVAC technicians will inspect and clear debris from the AC condensate drain during your annual maintenance tune-up.

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