⚠️ When the Power Comes Back On… and the AC Doesn’t: What Homeowners Need to Know Real story. Real struggle. Real lesson. One of my clients recently found herself in a situation that many homeowners could face—especially during storm season. Her air conditioner stopped working after a power outage during a storm. When the electricity came back on, the unit didn’t. No cool air. No fan. No condenser. Just silence—and heat. She did what many would do: ✅ Filed a claim with her home warranty company ✅ Filed a claim with her homeowners insurance ✅ Hoped one of them would help But here’s what happened instead: 🧾 The Warranty: Partial Coverage, Big Out-of-Pocket Costs Her home warranty company diagnosed the issue but said she’d need to pay $800 out of pocket for refrigerant recharge—something not fully covered under her plan. She couldn’t afford that, so she accepted a $1,000 buyout instead. Unfortunately, the cost to repair or replace the damaged components was much higher. The parts alone were over $1,000—not including labor. 🏠 The Homeowners Insurance Claim: Denied She then filed a homeowners claim, thinking the damage might’ve been caused by lightning. But after an inspection and a lightning strike report, the insurer determined: No lightning strikes occurred near the property during the reported time. The damage was due to wear and tear and resistive heating—not a covered peril. The unit was 15 years old and showed signs of long-term overheating and corrosion. ⚡ What Likely Happened: Inrush Current As her agent, I explained a possible cause: When the power went out, her AC unit was still in “on” mode. When electricity was restored, the system experienced a sudden surge of electrical current—known as inrush current. Inrush current is the initial surge of electricity that flows into a device when it’s first powered on. If the system is older or already weakened, this surge can cause internal damage—especially to motors, capacitors, and compressors. But here’s the catch: Most homeowners policies do not cover power surges unless they’re caused by a covered peril like lightning. And home warranties often exclude refrigerant, older systems, or electrical damage not tied to a mechanical failure. 🔍 What You Can Learn from This If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your AC failed after a storm, here’s what you should know: ✅ Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover everything. Power surges, wear and tear, and electrical imbalances are often excluded. ✅ Home warranties have limits. They may not cover refrigerant, older systems, or full replacement costs. ✅ Whole-home surge protection is worth considering. It can help prevent damage from power restoration surges. ✅ Talk to your agent before filing a claim. I’ll help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary denials. 💬 Final Thoughts This story isn’t about blame—it’s about being prepared. It’s about knowing what your policy covers, what it doesn’t, and what steps you can take to protect your home and your wallet. If you’ve ever been in a similar situation—or want to make sure you’re better prepared—let’s talk. I’m here to help you understand your coverage, your risks, and your options. Because insurance isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. And I care deeply about mine. — Written by Katherine Allen-Maynard Independent Insurance Agent Thanks for reading! Want to explore more helpful tips and updates? 👉 Click here to view our latest blog posts. Your Connection with Protection starts here. 📝 Start Your Free Quote    📞 Contact Us Today