Do home warranties cover ceiling fans?

Home warranty ceiling fan coverage

While most home warranties offer extensive coverage on systems and appliances, they don’t often cover ceiling fans. Some do, but typically, most plans only cover key components, such as motors and controls. A few home warranty companies even provide a full ceiling fan replacement if they can’t repair it.

Ceiling fans are sometimes a point of confusion in home warranty coverage. Companies may classify them differently — as part of the electrical system, as fixtures, or as standalone appliances. This affects whether repairs or replacements are covered.

• Electrical system inclusion: Some warranties group ceiling fans with the home’s electrical system, so coverage applies if the failure is due to wiring or electrical issues.
• Fixture or appliance: Other companies may treat ceiling fans as household fixtures or minor appliances, which might not be included in standard coverage. An enhanced or add-on option may be needed.

Always check your contract to see how ceiling fans are classified, as this affects whether they’re eligible for service requests.

Here are a few other things usually covered by home warranties:

• Ceiling fan motors
• Controls
• Noisy operation
• Loose connections
• Blade brackets
• Speed issues
• Capacitors
• Failure to start or operate

What does a home warranty typically cover?

Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.

Ceiling fan warranty coverage exclusions

Most home contracts list many limitations and exclusions regarding what the warranty will cover. For example, some companies only cover damage to the main components of a ceiling fan due to normal wear and tear and exclude things such as accidental damage. The age and condition of your ceiling fan can also affect coverage.

Home warranty coverage for ceiling fans can be denied for several reasons:

• Normal wear and tear: If the fan is very old or past its expected lifespan, coverage may be denied.
• Lack of maintenance: If there are no records of maintenance or the fan wasn't serviced as recommended, claims can be denied.
• Improper installation: If the fan wasn’t installed by a qualified professional or if installation errors led to problems, repairs may not be covered.
• Misuse: Using the fan in ways not intended by the manufacturer may void coverage.

Here are some other items not covered by a home warranty:

• Remote transmitter units
• Light fixtures on ceiling fans
• Wall fans
• Removable attachments
• Cosmetic damage
• Accidental damage
• Acts of god

Coverage caps

Most home warranty plans have coverage caps in their contracts, too. This means the company will only spend up to a certain amount on parts and repairs, and then you are responsible for the rest. For example, if it costs $300 to repair your ceiling fan but the coverage cap is $250, you would be responsible for paying the extra $50.

Home warranty claim process for washer and dryer repairs

If your ceiling fan stops working and you think it’s covered, follow your provider’s claim process:

1. File a claim online or call your provider’s customer service.
2. Be ready with your contract info, a description of the problem, and any helpful documents like your warranty agreement or photos.
3. After submitting, the company will confirm if your ceiling fan is covered and schedule a service visit. This can take a few hours to a couple of days.
4. Once a technician checks your fan, the company will tell you if the repair or replacement is covered and what happens next.

Some companies require you to file a claim as soon as you notice a problem, so check your contract for time limits.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover ceiling fans

If your home warranty doesn’t cover ceiling fans, you have some other options. Some companies offer coverage as an add-on or in higher-tier plans. This will add to your home warranty cost, but it may save you money in the long run.

You can also try replacing your ceiling fan yourself. On average, a standard ceiling fan costs around $35 to $300 and even if you aren’t an electrician, they are very simple to repair and replace. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, screw tightening and balancing the blades can also extend the life span of your fan.

Choosing a home warranty for ceiling fan coverage

When selecting a home warranty plan that includes ceiling fan coverage, it’s important to look closely at what each company offers. This helps ensure you get the best value and avoid surprise expenses later. Consider the following when making your decision:

• Coverage scope: Check whether the plan covers ceiling fan parts like motors, controls and wiring.
• Classification: Verify how the warranty company categorizes ceiling fans — as part of the electrical system, a fixture or a separate appliance.
• Add-on options: Look for plans that offer ceiling fan coverage as an upgrade if it isn’t part of the standard plan.
• Exclusions and limitations: Carefully read the fine print to understand what is not covered, such as remote transmitters or accidental damage.
• Coverage caps: Find out the maximum payout the warranty company will make for repairs or replacements.
• Service fees: Consider the cost of service call fees and how they affect overall savings.
• Reputation and reviews: Research customer feedback to see how the company handles claims and repairs.

Bottom line

With occasional cleaning and the right maintenance, your ceiling fan can last for up to ten years. A home warranty that covers repairs on motors and controls can save you some time and help it last even longer.