Are furnace malfunctions generally covered under standard policies?

Furnace malfunctions are typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. This is because such policies generally focus on damages caused by specific perils, like fire, theft, or vandalism, rather than equipment failure or general wear and tear. Insurance companies categorize maintenance issues and mechanical failures, like those of a furnace, as the homeowner's responsibility.

In many cases, a standard policy might cover the resultant damage if a furnace malfunction leads to a covered peril—such as if a furnace malfunction caused a fire—but not the malfunction itself. Policies are designed to protect against sudden and accidental events rather than ongoing maintenance issues, which is why this kind of failure is usually explicitly excluded.

Understanding the limitations and the intention behind standard policy coverage is crucial for homeowners in managing risks associated with their property. Maintaining appliances like furnaces regularly is essential for preventing these types of issues, as insurers expect that homeowners will uphold basic maintenance for their systems to function properly.