If you live in the Maryland/Washington D.C./ Northern Virginia area, you have an HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) system. You may also be wondering if your homeowner's insurance policy covers it. 

Your HVAC is essential to the comfort of your home and your quality of life. It’s vitally important to keep the unit maintained with yearly tune-ups or repairs or replace it, eventually, with a new unit. HVAC systems work 24 hours a day. In our Western Maryland climate, you may run your HVAC year-round. Most HVAC systems, which run into the thousands depending on the unit type, can last 15-25 years. *** 

All units will have to be replaced, eventually. However, the HVAC unit is not necessarily covered in a homeowners insurance policy. The homeowner's policy excludes the following:

1. 
   repairs
2. replacement
3. maintenance
4. wear and tear of the system (unless damage was caused by a covered peril in your policy)

Your homeowner's insurance will cover the HVAC unit from the usual risks: 

1. 
   lightning
2. fire
3. wind
4. hail/water damage 
5. theft

Your homeowner's insurance does not cover HVAC units. However, Erie Insurance does offer the “Equipment Breakdown Coverage” endorsement to your homeowner's insurance. (This coverage is not available on the standard homeowner's policy. Please consult your homeowner’s insurance agent for any coverage questions. This endorsement may not be available at all insurance agencies.)This endorsement covers the following: 

1. up to $5,000 for a reasonable extra cost to make repairs. 
2. permanent repairs
3. permanent replacement 
4. cleanup of pollutants or contaminants
5. If the HVAC unit is temporarily at other premises that are not resident premises

So, if you add that endorsement to your homeowner's insurance policy, your HVAC would be covered up to $5,000 for extra costs and repairs. That amount may not pay for an entirely new HVAC unit, but it will undoubtedly defray some costs. Your homeowner's insurance agent can explain the details during the consultation.

Your HVAC unit is not the only equipment that may be covered under that endorsement. It may also cover water heating units and other home equipment items. Ask your homeowner's insurance agent for more information.   

If a repair or replacement is needed, and the loss is not covered under your homeowner's policy, then you will have to pay the full cost of repairs or replacement of the HVAC unit. However, the addition of the Equipment Breakdown Coverage endorsement to your homeowner's policy can help you pay or reduce the amount needed to make the repair or replacement. Check with your homeowner's insurance agent for the coverage that suits your situation. 

For more information on HVAC coverage and how it can be covered under your homeowner's policy, contact our licensed and experienced insurance consultants at Lindquist Insurance. We can review your coverage with you and make sure your home is fully covered. Call (301) 694-0008 for an appointment. 

We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas. 

*** For more information on the durability of HVAC systems, visit the BobVila website.