Appliances commonly affected
Kitchen
- Refrigerator (compressor, seals, electronics)
- Dishwasher (controls, seals)
- Stove / oven (electronics, finishes)
- Microwave (electronics)
- Small appliances (toasters, coffeemakers)
Laundry
- Washer (controls, motor)
- Dryer (heating elements, lint contamination)
HVAC
- Air handler (blower, coil, controls)
- Condenser (typically resistant unless very close)
Hot water
- Water heater (element, thermostat, sediment from heat stress)
Electronics
- TVs, computers, smart devices
- Typically need replacement due to smoke in circuitry
Heat damage indicators
- Warped plastics
- Discolored finishes
- Seal deformation
- Electronic malfunctions post-fire
- Functional but unreliable operation
Smoke contamination indicators
- Visible residue on external surfaces
- Odor persisting in operation
- Contaminated filters (return air, water)
- Control-board residue
Claim documentation
- Appliance age and original purchase cost
- Current replacement cost (with same features)
- Technician inspection report when contested
- Photo documentation of affected units
- Brand/model specifications
Depreciation considerations
- RCV policies pay current replacement cost
- Depreciation based on appliance age
- 10-15 year typical appliance life
- RCV holdback released on replacement