Does a home warranty cover exhaust fans?
Check exhaust fan coverage to avoid costly surprises later
Out of all the appliances and systems in your home, the exhaust fan is probably the most overlooked. From the one in your bathroom to the one in your stove hood, these little appliances don’t last forever. You can avoid expensive repairs by making a claim with your home warranty company, but there are some things you should know first.
Some home warranty companies cover exhaust fans.
Jump to insightYour home warranty may have limitations and exclusions that could get your claim denied.
Jump to insightIf you don’t have coverage, you may be able to add it on.
Jump to insightWhat exhaust fan services does a home warranty cover?
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.
Potential exclusions to exhaust fan home warranty coverage
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
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.
Is my exhaust covered under warranty?
Your exhaust fans may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or, if your home is new, a builder’s warranty. If you have a home warranty, your exhaust fans are likely covered in the contract.
What kind of maintenance does my exhaust fan need?
Exhaust fans need regular cleaning and filter changes. Some may also need oiling occasionally.
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.
Article sources
- Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bathroom Fan?” Accessed March 26, 2024.
