If your evaporative air conditioner motor has failed, you may be wondering whether home insurance can help cover the cost of replacement.
In some cases, the answer may be yes.
Many home insurance policies include cover for electrical fusion, motor burnout or fusion damage. This can sometimes apply when an electric motor suddenly fails due to an internal electrical fault.
However, cover depends entirely on your insurer, your policy wording and the cause of the failure.
What Is Electrical Fusion?
Electrical fusion generally refers to damage caused when an electric motor or electrical component burns out due to an internal electrical fault.
In an evaporative air conditioner, this may involve the fan motor winding failing internally.
The motor may:
• Stop running completely
• Trip the circuit
• Overheat
• Cut in and out
• Produce a burning smell
• Fail electrical testing
If the motor has failed due to an internal electrical fault rather than general wear and tear, your insurer may consider it under electrical fusion or motor burnout cover.
Why Evaporative Cooler Motors Fail
Evaporative cooler motors work hard during Perth summers.
Over time, motors can be affected by:
• Heat
• Dust
• Moisture
• Vibration
• Age
• Electrical stress
One common failure is when one of the internal windings becomes open circuit.
When this happens, the motor may no longer operate correctly and replacement is usually required.
A technician can test the motor and determine whether the fault appears to be electrical.
What Insurance May Not Cover
Home insurance generally does not cover every type of failure.
Insurers may decline a claim if the issue is considered:
• Normal wear and tear
• Poor maintenance
• Age-related deterioration
• Pre-existing damage
• Corrosion or neglect
• Mechanical failure not related to electrical fusion
This is why a proper fault report is important.
The report helps separate a sudden electrical failure from a general maintenance issue.
Why A Technician Report Helps
If you are making an insurance claim, your insurer may ask for written evidence from a qualified technician.
An evaporative air conditioner motor report may include:
• Unit brand and model
• Motor condition
• Electrical test results
• Fault diagnosis
• Whether the motor has failed internally
• Recommended repair or replacement
• Photos where required
This gives the insurer information to assess whether the failure may fall under your policy.
Should You Contact Your Insurer First?
If your motor has failed, it is worth checking your policy or calling your insurer before approving repairs.
Ask whether your policy includes:
• Electrical fusion cover
• Motor burnout cover
• Fusion damage
• Accidental electrical damage
You can also ask what documentation they require before proceeding.
Some insurers may want a quote, report or invoice before assessing the claim.
Can Air Legends Provide A Report?
Yes.
Air Legends can inspect your evaporative air conditioner, diagnose the motor fault and provide a written report if required.
This report can be used to assist your insurance claim.
While we cannot guarantee your insurer will approve the claim, we can provide clear technical information about the failure and the recommended repair.
What If Insurance Does Not Cover It?
If your insurer declines the claim, the motor may still need to be replaced for the system to operate correctly.
In many cases, motor replacement is still more cost-effective than replacing the entire evaporative air conditioner, particularly if the unit is otherwise in reasonable condition.
During the inspection, Air Legends can advise whether repair or replacement is the better option.
Signs Your Motor May Have Failed
You may have a failed evaporative cooler motor if:
• The fan will not run
• The unit hums but does not move air
• The cooler trips the circuit
• Airflow has stopped
• The motor smells burnt
• The fan starts then cuts out
• The unit runs water but produces no airflow
These symptoms should be checked by a qualified technician.
Book An Evaporative Cooler Motor Report In Perth
If your evaporative air conditioner motor has failed, Air Legends can inspect the unit, diagnose the fault and provide a report to assist with your insurance claim.
We service and repair evaporative cooling systems throughout Perth and can help determine whether your motor fault may be suitable for an electrical fusion or motor burnout claim.
Contact Air Legends today to arrange an inspection.