It’s a gas

The inclusion of insurance for water heating systems such as geysers is common – and expected – under every available building insurance policy. Over the last few years new types of heating systems have become increasingly popular and there is a growing trend to install alternative heating systems such as solar geysers, heat pumps and gas-powered heating systems.
Like solar geysers, gas heating systems should also be approached differently with regards to insurance. Additional insurance perils such as fire and explosion need to be considered and accommodated. The issues relating to compliant installation are more complex compared to electrical or solar geysers and may have a significant effect on insurance if not completed correctly.
Heat pumps are designed to provide hot water instantly and will not have the usual water reservoir found in a traditional geyser installation. They may also have an alternative form of power supply, such as gas. Heat pumps are unlikely to be included under the geyser cover of an insurance policy. The insured must therefore ensure that their heat pump installation is noted on the insurance policy and that the correct cover is provided. Cover for heat pumps is usually best issued under the Machinery Breakdown section of a policy.