Does a home warranty cover exhaust fans?

Home warranty exhaust fan coverage

It’s important to go over your contract to see exactly what your coverage entails. While many home warranties cover exhaust fan repairs and replacements, coverage varies from company to company.

Some may only cover kitchen exhaust fans, while others may only cover attic exhaust fans. Also, a home warranty company may cover only newer fans or certain repairs. If you decided to put a professional-grade exhaust fan in your kitchen, that may not be covered by your plan.

Home warranty coverage for exhaust fans varies depending on the type of fan and your provider’s plan options. Here’s how coverage usually breaks down by fan type:

• Attic fans: Some home warranties include attic fan coverage under a standard systems plan, while others exclude it or offer it as an add-on. Always check your policy details.
• Bathroom exhaust fans: Bathroom fans are usually considered part of the home’s electrical system and may be included in basic coverage. However, coverage may exclude cosmetic parts like light covers or switches.
• Kitchen range hood or extractor fans: These may be covered under kitchen appliance protection, but not all plans include them. Some providers require an optional upgrade for this kind of coverage.
• Whole-house fans: Coverage for whole-house fans is less common and often not included in standard plans. Some providers might offer this protection as an add-on.

Always review your home warranty policy and the provider’s contract to know exactly which fan types are included and under what situations.

Home warranty coverage for exhaust fans usually includes key mechanical parts, but details can vary. Here’s what is often covered:

• Motor
• Fan blades
• Switches and controls
• Bearings and internal wiring

What does a home typically warranty 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.

Exhaust fan warranty coverage exclusions

Your home warranty contract probably has a bunch of limitations and exclusions built in that can get your claim denied. Here are a few common exclusions:

• The exhaust fan wasn’t properly installed.
• The exhaust fan wasn’t properly taken care of.
• The brand or model isn’t covered by the warranty.
• The problem existed before you got your home warranty.
• Your exhaust fan is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• The damage wasn’t caused by normal wear and tear.

Coverage caps

Your policy may also have a cap on the amount a claim will pay out for a repair or replacement. For example, if your policy has a $500 cap on exhaust fan replacements, and your replacement will cost $550, you pay the leftover $50 out of pocket.

Home warranty claim process for exhaust fan repairs

If your home warranty covers exhaust fans and you need a repair or replacement, follow these steps:

1. Review your contract: Make sure exhaust fans are included and check for any limits or exclusions.
2. Contact your provider: Call or log into your provider’s website to start the claim when you notice a problem.
3. Submit required information: Be ready to share details about the issue, the fan’s location and any maintenance or purchase records if needed.
4. Schedule a service visit: Your provider will assign a technician who will contact you to set up an appointment, usually within a few days.
5. Technician assessment: The technician will check the fan and report findings to the warranty company, which will decide if repair or replacement is covered.
6. Resolution and payment: If approved, the repair or replacement will be done. You may need to pay a service fee as outlined in your contract. Keep all records and receipts.

Most claims are processed within a few days to a week, depending on your provider’s response time and technician availability.

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

You may find out that your warranty doesn’t cover exhaust fans. In that case, you can probably upgrade to a package that includes a variety of exhaust fans, or you may be able to include it in your current package as an add-on. Before you make the switch, gauge whether the higher cost of your home warranty will be worth the coverage. For reference, replacing a bathroom fan can cost $240 to $551.

Choosing a home warranty for exhaust fan coverage

When selecting a home warranty plan, it’s important to focus on how exhaust fans are covered. Some plans include basic coverage, while others require upgrades or add-ons. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best plan for your needs:

• Fan types included: Make sure the plan covers the specific fans in your home, whether they’re in the bathroom, kitchen, attic or whole-house systems.
• Replacement and repair details: Understand whether both repairs and full replacements are covered.
• Exclusions: Carefully read the fine print to see what’s not included, like cosmetic damage or certain brands.
• Coverage limits: Look for caps on payout amounts for exhaust fan repairs or replacements.
• Service fees: Compare service call fees between providers since these can add up over time.
• Add-on options: Check if you can add exhaust fan coverage to an existing plan if it’s not already included.

Taking the time to compare plans and read through all terms will help ensure you choose a warranty that protects your exhaust fans and avoids unexpected costs.

Bottom line

Home warranties usually cover exhaust fans. However, coverage can vary depending on the details of your contract and the company you choose. So, be sure to review your contract to understand what's covered, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your warranty company.