Quick answer: Normal wear and tear refers to the gradual, expected breakdown of a home's systems and appliances over time from regular, everyday use. Home warranties are designed to cover mechanical and electrical failures caused by normal wear and tear. Coverage depends on the cause of the failure and the specific terms of your service contract.

The phrase "normal wear and tear" shows up in almost every home warranty contract, and it’s an important concept in determining whether a claim may be covered.  Understanding what it actually means can help you recognize these types of failures and know what to expect when you file a claim.

Here's a plain-language breakdown.

What Does Normal Wear and Tear Actually Mean?

Normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that happens to any mechanical or electrical component of your home as you use it in the way it's meant to be used. A washing machine motor that finally gives out after years of loads. A furnace igniter that stops sparking. A dishwasher pump that quits mid-wash after handling hundreds of meals over the years.

None of those failures involve doing anything wrong. They happen because components have a finite life, and eventually they reach it. That's the category of failure a home warranty is designed to cover.

The concept covers what happens through regular use. It doesn't extend to damage, (such as tree root blockages), neglect, or unusual circumstances.

Examples of Failures From Normal Wear and Tear

Here are common failures that may result from normal wear and tear: 

  • A refrigerator compressor that fails after years of continuous operation
  • A water heater heating element that burns out
  • An HVAC blower motor that finally seizes
  • A garbage disposal motor that stops running
  • A dishwasher pump that fails
  • An oven heating element that stops heating
  • A sump pump that gives out
  • A washing machine transmission that quits
  • An electrical breaker that fails to trip properly

The common thread is that each of these components did its job for years, was used the way it was meant to be used, and eventually failed because parts wear out.  Those are the types of failures home warranty coverage is generally designed to address. 

What Else Can Affect Coverage?

Not every system or appliance failure is caused by normal wear and tear. The cause of the failure matters, and coverage can vary by home warranty plan.

That’s why a contractor’s diagnosis and the specific terms of your service agreement are important when a claim is reviewed.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding normal wear and tear can help homeowners recognize the kinds of mechanical and electrical failures a home warranty is designed to address.

When a covered system or appliance stops working, the contractor's diagnosis helps identify what failed and why. APHW then reviews that information against the terms of the service contract to determine coverage.

Because every system, appliance and situation is different, the specific cause of the failure matters. Knowing how normal wear develops over time can also help you better understand what to expect when you file a claim.

How APHW Applies This

APHW's plans cover unexpected mechanical and electrical failures from normal use, subject to the coverage limits, deductible, and exclusions spelled out in your service agreement. The specific covered and not-covered items for each system are listed in your Terms and Conditions, and every claim is reviewed against those terms.

When a claim is filed, an APHW representative gets on the phone with you and your contractor to determine whether the failure fits the coverage. Approval or denial happens during the call, and the reasoning is explained clearly. 

For the exact language on what each plan covers, see our What We Cover page or your service agreement.

Tips to Protect Your Coverage

A few habits can help keep your systems and appliances in good working order:

  • Follow the maintenance schedule. Change HVAC filters, flush the water heater annually, clean the condenser coils on the fridge, and clear the dryer vent. Regular maintenance can also help you spot problems before they become bigger ones.
  • Use appliances the way they were designed to be used. Overloading, misusing, or running equipment outside its normal parameters can cause unnecessary damage.
  • Address small problems before they become big ones. Continuing to operate a system or appliance after a problem becomes apparent can lead to additional damage that may not be covered. 
  • Keep records. Service receipts, maintenance logs, and photos help demonstrate that a system was cared for if a claim ever comes up.
  • Read your Confirmation Page. Every plan has specific covered items, coverage limits, and exclusions. Knowing what's in yours saves surprises later.

Ready to Ask Coverage Questions?

If you have questions about your coverage or how the claims process works, we’re happy to help. 

Call 800.648.5006, visit aphw.com, or reach out to your APHW Area Sales Manager.