It's hot; it's cold! Virginia’s spring weather can be fickle! But one thing that's for sure is the summers here are notoriously hot and humid and work our home's HVAC systems on overtime. They can also turn into expensive problems for Virginians. Taking proactive steps to ensure your home's A/C is ready for a steamy summer can avoid costly damage and avoidable repairs.
Reasons to get your HVAC system checked
We see damage from poorly maintained A/C systems every summer. Water damage may not come to mind when you think of what can go wrong with your air conditioning, but we see it each season. We recommend annually servicing your air conditioning unit that costs about $85 by a good professional. That’s a whole lot better than our average home insurance claim of $1,500 and paying your deductible. Here are three reasons how it can save you money and trouble.
1. Prevent more expensive repairs.
A professional will make sure your system runs at optimal efficiency and catch more minor problems before they become big expensive ones.
2. Putting off an imminent repair will likely come back to haunt you in the heat of the summer.
When sizzling temperatures are peaking and everyone's HVAC system is straining to keep up, you may be competing with other homeowners with breakdowns desperate for service. Emergency and after-hour repair services are super expensive. Even worse- you could be away on vacation when your HVAC system fails and come home to a big mess and costly home insurance claims.
3. A professional will clean out the ever-important condensation or drain line.
Clogged condensate drain lines result in drainage backups and overflow, causing costly water damage in and around your A/C unit. Technicians have specialized equipment that forces air through the tube, blowing out all that nasty buildup. One hour and less than $100 bucks are worth avoiding messy damage from a simple clog!
Once you've had your cooling system checked, be sure to keep up with maintenance all summer long and carefully monitor your home's air quality. Changing air filters monthly and reducing humidity with a home dehumidifier can keep your system running efficiently and prevent home mold growth.
Does home insurance cover damage from HVAC failures?
Home insurance can cover damage from HVAC failures depending on the circumstances and your home insurance coverage. There are add-ons, called endorsements, to standard home insurance that offer equipment breakdown coverage. Talk with your local independent agent to have your home insurance questions answered.
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
