Top 5 Best Home Warranties For HVAC (2021 Review)
Looking for the best home warranty for HVAC coverage?
Perfect you’re in the right spot!
In this ReviewHomeWarranties.com guide you’ll learn:
- Do you even need a home warranty for your HVAC system?
- What do home warranties for air conditioning and heating actually cover?
- Will a home warranty cover you for any pre-existing conditions your HVAC system might have?
- Which are the best home warranty service providers with HVAC coverage?
- And Much More!
We’ve reviewed 68 different home warranty companies, and below are our top picks for HVAC coverage specific to your state. Want to learn more about each? Continue reading!
An HVAC system is one of the most expensive things in your home. But, like all home systems, air conditioners, heating systems, and even ductwork can break without notice.
In these situations, your homeowners insurance policy or an appliance manufacturer’s warranty might not cover the repair costs. When this happens, you end up with a massive bill that you have to pay out of pocket.
Thankfully, there’s a way to avoid hefty repair bills should something malfunction in your house. The answer? A home warranty.
Plus, we’ll even give you some information on the best home warranty companies out there, so you can get the right coverage for your house’s heating and cooling systems.
Our Top Home Warranty for HVAC Picks
- $50 Off + 1 month free
- Won't deny coverage if systems/appliances are old
- Free cancellation within 30 days
- Emergency service available
- Reservice for failed repairs
- Get $50 off
- Lower chance of claim denial
- 24/7 service calls and online service
- Large and established firm
- Choose your own service fee!
- Market veteran
- $150 off + 2 months free
- FREE Roof Leak Coverage
- Good selection of plans
- High contractor professionalism
- $0 transfer fee
- First 30 days: Free cancellation
- $200 off + 2 Month Free + Free Roof Coverage!
- BBB's Only A+ Accredited Home Warranty Company!
- Newly designed customer claim portal
- Smaller company
- Newer on the market
- $200 OFF + 2 Months Free
- Free Roof Coverage
- Comprehensive coverage plans
- 1 day to submit claim
- Limited availability (6 states)
Top 3 Home Warranty Companies For HVAC (2021)
| Company Name | Choice Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty |
| Number of Plan Options | 2 Plans | 3 Plans | 2 Plans |
| Monthly Plan Cost | $45 – $55 | $35 – $65 | $36 – $45 |
| BBB Rating | B | B | B |
| Reviews | Read Choice Home Warranty Reviews | Read American Home Shield Reviews |
Choice Home Warranty (Best Home Warranty for HVAC)
Choice Home Warranty is the best home warranty for your HVAC. Having an HVAC system is a great luxury; however, when there are issues and the unit needs repair or replacement, an HVAC system is a significant headache. With the high pricing of the HVAC system, it is essential to get a policy with high policy limits. Choice Home Warranty has a $3000 policy limit on the HVAC. This is one of the highest on the market. American Home Shield has an HVAC limit of around $1500, and Select Home Warranty has a $2000 limit.
In addition to policy limits, it is also essential to consider the plan structure when looking for HVAC coverage. The HVAC in your home is viewed as a system. With many home warranty companies, this means you would have to invest in a systems-only plan. However, with Choice Home Warranty, the Total Plan covers your HVAC as well as other systems and appliances. As homeowners, it is impossible to tell what will break next. Having a home warranty plan covering appliances and systems gives you the best value for your money.
Aside from the fact that Choice Home Warranty offers one of the most affordable plans on the market, the deductible they charge is also in line or below the industry standard. If you need a repair on your HVAC, it will cost you an $85 service fee. If Choice can’t fix it the first time, they won’t charge you another service fee to come back out. American Home Shield has service fees that are typically around $100 or more. It helps to consider benefits like low cancellation fees, emergency service, and a broad network of repair technicians when comparing Choice to other home warranty companies.
Repairing and replacing an HVAC unit is very expensive; get the help you need from Choice today by taking advantage of their new customer bonus. You can get $50 off your policy, one month free, and free cancellation for the first 30 days for a limited time.
American Home Shield (Most Customizable)
American Home Shield is the editor’s choice for the best home warranty for HVAC. The HVAC is included under the American Home Shield systems plan and the comprehensive plan that they offer. American Home Shield has been in the home warranty business for more than 50 years. As you can imagine, one of the trades that they have to work most closely with are the HVAC contractors. Regardless of where you live, HVAC is essential to have in the home. The network of professionals that AHS has been able to create in the last 50 years is incredibly impressive.
Although American Home Shield offers more premium coverage for the home, the plans allow you to find something specifically built for your needs as a homeowner. If you want to ensure that your HVAC is covered, but you also want your pool and your oven on the plan, you can do this with American Home Shield. Although Select Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty allow some add ons, the customization of the plan from American Home Shield is considerably better. With quick response times, professional customer service, and flexibility in plan options American Home Shield certainly stands out among the best choices on the market.
The American Home Shield plan very rarely has a sale or an incentive. Currently, you can get $50 off your policy, now is an excellent time to sign up and take advantage of this savings.
Select Home Warranty (Most Affordable)
Select Home Warranty is the most affordable home warranty coverage for HVAC. The HVAC is an expensive system in a home, and there are several components that could be intertwined with the HVAC unit. The Select Home Warranty systems plan and combo plan are both going to cover the HVAC in your home. With Select Home Warranty being more of a value plan, some of their policy limits tend to be lower. However, with the HVAC coverage on the select plan the limit is still $2000. Surprisingly the air conditioner coverage limit on the AHS plan is only $1500. This is a time where the cheaper plan may actually give you a bit more coverage.
With Select Home Warrant, you are not only going to get coverage for your HVAC. There are other systems and appliances covered under both plans to give you even more value from your policy. One of the best things about Select is that you will get free roof coverage with your plan. The free roof leak coverage applies to the central part of the home, and it will be subject to the same deductible as the rest of your covered appliances and systems. Roof leak coverage is typically an add-on for most companies, so take advantage of all the free coverage you can get.
Select Home Warranty’s joining incentive makes it hard to say no to this plan. Currently, you can get $150 off, two months free, and 30 days to cancel with no obligation at all. This kind of deal is almost unheard of and a great way to ease you into the home warranty industry.
Do Home Warranties Cover HVAC Replacement?
Many people get a warranty plan to cover their home appliances, like dishwashers, water heaters, and ice makers. However, most of the top home warranty providers, like Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield, also include HVAC repairs and replacement as part of their covered systems.
That being said, every home warranty contract offers different plan options that include and exclude specific covered items. Some providers will include heating and air conditioning systems repair and replacement as part of their basic plan. Meanwhile, others will require you to pay an extra monthly payment for add-ons that include this additional coverage.
Top 5 Best Home Warranties For HVAC Coverage
Is A Home Warranty Worth It for HVAC?
HVAC systems are surprisingly complex. They have so many different parts, from air conditioners to ductwork, that can break with little notice.
In fact, HVAC systems, like plumbing systems, are some of the most expensive things in your home. Installing new heating and air conditioning systems in a home can cost upwards of $12,000. Ductwork replacements alone can cost up to $20 per foot and can easily rack up a bill worth thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your house. When it comes to home repairs, you will find that the HVAC system ranks among the highest cost.
Additionally, regular HVAC system maintenance can cost you a few hundreds of dollars every time a service contractor comes to your home. When you combine this with the cost of maintaining other parts of your house, like your electrical system, owning a home can get expensive quickly.
But, with the right home warranty contract, you can protect yourself against these unforeseen expenses. Most home warranty providers will offer coverage for heating and air conditioning in your home, so you won’t be liable to pay the full price of a costly repair. This is comprehensive coverage that can cover many other appliances and systems as well.
Instead, when you are protected by a warranty, you’ll generally just have to pay a small service call fee whenever a repair professional comes to your home. Plus, warranty companies will arrange for a service provider to come directly to your home.
Read Also: Do Deductibles Matter for Home Warranties?
With a home warranty, you won’t have to frantically search around for a plumber or electrician when your air conditioning stops working in the middle of the summer. This is particularly advantageous for first-time homebuyers who may not have enough experience to properly vet a contractor’s abilities in an emergency situation.
Ultimately, unless you have the cash on hand to pay for repairs that can cost thousands of dollars, a home warranty for HVAC is certainly worth it. These companies also offer plenty of support throughout the repair and replacement process, which offers homeowners great peace of mind during a potentially stressful time.
If you live in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, or North Dakota a home warranty that includes HVAC coverage is essential. Check out our state pages for more recommendations based on your location.
Would A Home Warranty For HVAC Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Even if you’ve just purchased a new home, at some point, you’ll have to deal with malfunctioning home systems and major appliances. Older air conditioning units and heating systems will naturally need repairs as they age, but will your home warranty cover these costs if they’re caused by pre-existing conditions?
Unfortunately, most home warranties won’t cover a pre-existing condition if it could’ve been detected by a professional conducting routine maintenance. So, if your air conditioner has been leaking freon for a while and you’ve waited until you had a home warranty to fix it, you’ll probably be liable for the costs.
This is why it’s generally best to arrange an inspection of your home before you purchase a warranty plan. While this is usually part of the real estate purchasing process, even if you’re not a new home buyer, it’s worth knowing what pre-existing your house’s systems have, if any. This will help prevent you from being surprised by any repair costs down the line.
These inspections also sometimes give you information about the normal wear that the systems and appliances have encountered and any impending replacement costs for the items in question.
How Soon Can You Use A Home Warranty For HVAC After Purchase?
The vast majority of home warranty companies will have a waiting period after enrollment before you can make your first service call, whether you’re having a problem with your sprinkler system, central vacuum, or your garbage disposal.
This might seem a bit unfair, but warranty companies have waiting periods to prevent people from taking advantage of their services. If there were no waiting periods, a homeowner that knows they need a new hot water heater could simply sign up for a warranty plan and then get a replacement the next day.
Read Also: What Do The Top Home Warranty Companies Offer?
Every home warranty company is different, so you’ll need to read the specifics in your service contract to see how long you have to wait after you enroll before making your first claim.
Just exactly how long is your average waiting period? Well, here are some examples:
- Choice Home Warranty: 30 days
- American Home Shield: 30 days
- Select Home Warranty: 30 days
- Service Plus: 30 days
- First American Home Warranty: 30 days
As you can see, pretty much all of the best home warranty companies in the industry have a 30 day waiting period before coverage kicks in.
However, most of the top service providers will waive this waiting period if you’re simply switching plans from one company to another. In these situations, if you can prove that you haven’t had any gaps in your warranty coverage, then you can make your first claim as soon as you enroll.
What To Look For When Picking the Best Home Warranty For HVAC?
There are dozens of different home warranty companies out there, so finding the best one for your HVAC system can be tricky. Here are some of the most important things to look for when shopping around:
Premium Cost
Whenever you buy a home warranty, you’ll have to pay a premium. Your premium is the amount you owe each year in exchange for your coverage.
Premium costs vary quite widely from company to company. But, they’re also very dependent on the size of your home and what you choose to add to your coverage plan. In addition, some companies will change the price of their plan if you are living in Alaska or Hawaii. This is done because of the different issues that can impact a home as you move from one area to another.
Customer Service
A home warranty company that doesn’t have great customer service isn’t much use to you as a homeowner when you’re dealing with a malfunctioning heating system in the middle of the winter.
So, when deciding on your next warranty policy, be sure to do some research into their customer service. Read up on their call center hours to see if they offer 24/7 support. Plus, don’t forget to read through their BBB page and social media profiles to read honest reviews of their customer service.
Service Fee
When you file a claim with a home warranty company, you generally need to pay a service fee if a repair technician is sent to your home – sort of like a co-payment on your health insurance plan. This fee varies from company to company and generally isn’t a huge sum of money.
But, you usually need to pay this every time a service provider comes to your home. So, a lower service fee is generally better for your wallet in the long run.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Before you sign a contract for a home warranty, it’s essential that you know what is and isn’t included in your policy. This is where reading the fine print is of the utmost importance.
For HVAC systems, you’ll need to know if your home’s heating method is covered by a specific plan. Some providers won’t provide coverage for non-traditional heating sources or for certain types of heat pumps.
Additionally, many companies won’t include air conditioning in their basic plans. So, you’ll have to get an add-on or a combo plan to ensure you have coverage for either your central A/C or wall-mounted units.
Read Also: What Are The Top Home Warranties For Appliances?
Finally, an HVAC system is useless without its ductwork. So, read through the fine print to ensure that your home’s ducts are covered under your warranty. Many companies will have limits on precisely how much they will pay for ductwork, which can be potentially problematic if you have a large home.
Plus, if you do need repairs on your ductwork, you’ll have to open up some walls to get the job done. Some warranty companies will not pay to return your walls to their original finished state, which means you’ll be left with sizable out-of-pocket costs.
Warranty Cost Coverage Limits
Warranty companies won’t necessarily cover all of your expenses if you need to make a claim. In fact, they’ll have coverage maximums clearly outlined in their terms of service.
When trying to decipher how much a company will actually pay, you’ll need to look at two things: the maximum cost and the per-item coverage.
Some providers will offer higher coverage maximums if you have their premium plans, while others have a single limit across all of their contracts. Additionally, companies will have a limit on how much they’ll pay to repair or replace a single item.
This can make a big difference when it comes to your out-of-pocket costs, especially for an expensive appliance like a heat pump. So, higher per-item and maximum coverage limits are ideal when it comes to home warranties.
Read Also: What Are The Best Home Warranties For A Heat Pump?
Basic Plan vs. Add-Ons
As you start shopping for warranties for your HVAC system, you’ll notice that you can often choose between a basic plan and various add-ons. While some companies allow you to build your own warranty, others give you pre-set options that you can choose from.
The majority of companies will include heating and ductwork as part of a basic home warranty plan. However, coverage for air conditioning units often costs extra since not all homes have A/C installed.
What’s important is that you get enough coverage to adequately protect yourself in case your HVAC system malfunctions. If you’re going to pay a premium for a home warranty, it should fully cover your most expensive home systems. So, be sure to read the fine print and choose the plan that’s right for you.
Read Also: What Are The Best Home Warranty Plans For A Furnace?
Home Warranties for HVAC – Coverage
Choice Home Warranty
- Floor Furnace
- Hot Water Heat
- Wall Mounted Units
- Heat Pumps
- Ducted Central Electric Split and Package Units
- Forced Air (gas, electric, oil)
- Mini-splits
- Duct
- Geothermal
- Electric Baseboard
- Collapsed ductwork
- Piping repairs related to the water source in case you are using a steam circulated heater
- Fuel storage tanks in case you are using gas, oil
- Chillers and or any form of insulation
- Source of heating for instance wood stoves
- Portable units
- Any extra equipment or components that are necessary for the repair or replacement of the HVAC and components. For instance, when replacing condensers, you might require new air handlers, and the warranty provider is not liable.
- Refrigerant line sets
American Home Shield
- Whirlpool Tub Motor & Components
- Air Conditioners
- Garage Door Openers
- Interior Plumbing Lines
- Built-in Exhaust, Attic Fans, and Vent
- Heating Units
- Water Heaters
- Faucets & Valves
- Doorbell & Chimes
- Ductwork
- Fuse and Main Circuit Breaker Panel Box
- Ceiling Fans
- Electrical Lines
- Toilets
- With the air conditioners, parts covered include; Mini-splits
- Geothermal
- Ducted central electric split and package units
- Wall air conditioners
- Steam circulating heat
- Geothermal
- Electric baseboard
- Room heaters
- Floor furnaces
- Package units
- Cable heat if it serves as the primary or only source of heat to a room or the home.
- Wall-mounted heaters
- Forced air (gas, electric, oil)
- Mini-splits
- Heat pumps
- Dampers
- Ductwork leaks
- Plenums
- Damper-only controls
- Piping repairs related to the water source in case you are using a steam circulated heater
- Fuel storage tanks in case you are using gas or oil
- Refrigerant and plenum line sets
- Source of heating for instance wood stoves
- Portable units
- Water towers
- Window units
Select Home Warranty
- Ductwork
- Heating System
- Electrical System
- Water Heater
- A/C, Cooling
- Plumbing system
- Condenser Fan Motors
- Relays
- Cut in Switches
- Start Assist
- Condensers
- Thermostats
- Thermistor
- Defrost Boards
- Compressors
- Transformers
- Capacitors
- Pressure Switch
- Blower Motors
- Contactors
- Flues
- Humidifiers
- Pumps
- Air Cleaners
- Heat Exchanger
- Geothermal Heating/Cooling Units
- Coils
Home Warranties for HVAC – Expense
| Cost vs. Coverage Limits | Choice Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty |
| Cost | 609 for the Total plan plus $40 coverage for central vacuum. Total per year $649 | $549.84 for the ShieldSiver plan based on a $75 service fee plus $75 AC tune-up per year. Total per year $624.84 | $482.04 for the Gold Care plan plus $39.96 for the central vacuum. Total per year $522 |
| Coverage Limits | $3,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Cancellation Fee | $50 after the 30-day free cancellation period | Equivalent to one month’s payment after the 30-day free cancellation period | $75 after the 30-day free cancellation period |
| Service Fees | $60- $85 | $75 or $100 or $125 | $60 |
Home Warranties for HVAC – Reliability
Our Top Pick For A Home Warranty On HVAC
There are a lot of great home warranties for HVAC systems out there. But, if we had to choose just one, Choice Home Warranty would be our top pick. Here’s why:
- Great Customer Support. Choice’s call center is available 24/7, every single day of the year to help you with any issues that arise in your home.
- Good Coverage. The company’s total plan offers good coverage of heating systems, air conditioning, and ductwork in your home.
- Reasonable Service Fee. When you make a claim with Choice Home Warranty, your service fee is just $85.
- Minimum Wait Period. With a waiting period of 30 days after enrollment before you can make your first claim, Choice Home Warranty is on-par with other leaders in the industry.
- Free Second Opinions. If you’d like a second opinion on any service done on your home, Choice will provide it for free.
- Free Reservice. Should there be an issue with any repairs completed on your house, Choice Home Warranty offers a 30 day free reservice period for labor and 90 days for parts.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this HVAC review, we encourage you to pick a company that covers this system in your hometown. We’ve reviewed several cities around the country that cover HVAC and other items, like Colorado Springs, San Antonio, Waco, Madison WI and Tulsa.
Want to learn more about home warranties for different systems? Check out our review on a home warranty for a well pump.
Our Top Picks Recap
- $50 Off + 1 month free
- Won't deny coverage if systems/appliances are old
- Free cancellation within 30 days
- Emergency service available
- Reservice for failed repairs
- Get $50 off
- Lower chance of claim denial
- 24/7 service calls and online service
- Large and established firm
- Choose your own service fee!
- Market veteran
- $150 off + 2 months free
- FREE Roof Leak Coverage
- Good selection of plans
- High contractor professionalism
- $0 transfer fee
- First 30 days: Free cancellation
- $200 off + 2 Month Free + Free Roof Coverage!
- BBB's Only A+ Accredited Home Warranty Company!
- Newly designed customer claim portal
- Smaller company
- Newer on the market
- $200 OFF + 2 Months Free
- Free Roof Coverage
- Comprehensive coverage plans
- 1 day to submit claim
- Limited availability (6 states)