Does a home warranty cover ductwork?

What ductwork services does a home warranty cover?

Your home warranty will likely cover repairing or replacing your damaged ductwork, including parts and labor. Home warranties typically cover ductwork as an HVAC repair, which makes sense since ductwork is the largest part of an HVAC system. It carries the warm or cool air from the system to the rest of the house.

Here are some signs that your air ducts might need attention:

• You hear unusual noises when air flows through the ducts.
• Your electricity bill has spiked.
• Your house isn't heating or cooling as efficiently as before.
• You've noticed a decline in the air quality at home.
• You smell a strange odor coming from the air ducts.
• There's an increase in dust settling on your furniture.

If you're experiencing any of these, it might be time to clean your ducts or file a claim with your home warranty company.

Potential exclusions to ductwork home warranty coverage

Take a peek at your home warranty contract to understand your ductwork coverage. Most home warranty companies have rules that could lead to your ductwork claim getting denied. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Damage from acts of nature, like a crazy storm, might not be covered.
• Your claim may get denied if the damage isn't from regular wear and tear.
• Unauthorized do-it-yourself repairs could prevent your ductwork from getting coverage.
• If your ductwork is still under warranty from the manufacturer or installer, you might need to go through it for repairs.
• Your plan might not cover improper installation or cosmetic damage.
• Existing issues are usually not eligible for coverage.

Also, your plan could have a coverage cap for ductwork. That means the home warranty company will cover repairs up to a certain amount, and then you'll need to cover the rest.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover ductwork

If your home warranty doesn't cover ductwork, all is not lost. There are some steps you can take to tackle any duct-related issues.

First, check the manufacturer's warranty to see if your ductwork is still covered. If it is, contact the manufacturer to explore repair or replacement options.

Second, check your homeowners insurance policy to see if it covers ductwork for certain types of damage, like fire or vandalism. You might be able to file a claim and get some help from your insurance provider.

Third, explore additional coverage. Take a look at other home warranty providers, or consider adding extra coverage to your existing plan. Just make sure to compare costs, coverage limits and reviews before making any decisions.

Bottom line

Home warranties often include coverage for ductwork as part of HVAC coverage to keep your home’s heating and cooling running smoothly. However, coverage can vary depending on the terms of your contract and the provider you choose. Just be sure to check your agreement for all the details, and if you have any questions, contact your home warranty company.