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Best Home Warranties for HVAC

The protection you need for your heating and cooling systems

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    By: Sarah Maier
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    Edited by: Cassidy McCants

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      repair technician fixing an air conditioning unit

      If your HVAC isn’t blowing air at the right temperature or starts making a noise you’ve never heard before, it could need a repair or a replacement, which can be expensive. A home warranty can cover the cost — as long as you find a plan with the protection you need.

      Our picks for home warranties with HVAC coverage

      Learn more about home warranties

      Our top 5 home warranty picks for HVAC

      To select our top picks, we started with all 24 companies on our home warranties guide, then eliminated all companies with a star rating below 3.5, leaving 16 companies. To narrow it down further, we analyzed 5-star reviews submitted by verified customers that mention “HVAC,” “heater,” “air conditioner” and similar phrases.

      We used this review data to ultimately select the top home warranty companies for HVAC systems. To make our final rankings, we scored companies based on their percentage of 5-star reviews and the difference between the number of 5-star and 1-star reviews.

      » LOOKING FOR OTHER COVERAGE? Best home warranty for plumbing

      Our pick overall for HVAC coverage

      American Home Shield

      American Home Shield
      3.7
      109,649 reviews
      Plans available
      3
      Average monthly cost
      $29.99 to $89.99
      Service fee
      $100 or $125
      Get a Quote Read Reviews
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      American Home Shield covers 1.8 million members and has been in business over 50 years. It has a network of more than 16,000 licensed contractors, covering homeowners in all states except Alaska. Plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee and cover undetectable preexisting conditions and duplicates of the same item, like an extra air conditioning unit.

      Unlike many home warranty companies, AHS also covers items that break down from lack of maintenance, improper installations and repairs, and malfunctions due to rust. Most customers who have reviewed AHS on ConsumerAffairs have had a satisfying experience with their home warranty service.

      American Home Shield has three plans available: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. All three plans cover air conditioning and heating units with up to a 5-ton capacity. According to a sample contract, AHS will pay up to $1,500 per contract term for access, diagnosis, and repair or replacement on certain systems. Each plan includes air filter discounts, and the ShieldPlatinum plan covers unlimited air conditioning refrigerant (otherwise $10/pound) and a free HVAC tuneup.

      The monthly cost of your plan depends on the plan and the service call fee amount. You can opt for a $75, $100 or $125 service fee. As of publishing, you can expect to pay anywhere from $29.99 a month to $89.99 a month, or about $360 to $840 annually, for a plan with American Home Shield, based on a quote for a house of less than 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas.

      Reviewers on our site appreciate AHS’ easy process and the ability to work with select contractors.

      “Having American Home Shield has been worth every penny. I love that I can just go on the website, request service. It's assigned to a vendor within minutes. And I can see who it went to. We have our favorite HVAC person. So, we've been able to just call them and say, ‘We just put in an order,’ and they would pull the contract over to themselves.”
      Julie Reno, NV
      3x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Overall Value and Best Overall Process
      Our pick for quick response time

      Choice Home Warranty

      Choice Home Warranty
      4.0
      73,769 reviews
      Plans available
      2
      Average monthly cost
      $46.83 to $54.75
      Service fee
      $100
      Get a Quote Read Reviews

      Choice Home Warranty has been in business for over a decade, providing home warranties in all states except California and Washington. It has covered over a million homes and has a network of over 15,000 contractors.

      The company pledges to start a service request within four hours after you make a claim. As of publishing, CHW is offering a month of free coverage with the purchase of a single-payment plan. Most reviewers on ConsumerAffairs say Choice Home Warranty’s service team is responsive and that wait times for technicians are generally short.

      Choice Home Warranty offers two coverage plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. The Basic Plan includes coverage for your heating system, while the Total Plan adds protection for the air conditioning system. Both plans cover ductwork and multiple units. In a sample contract, CHW states it has a $3,000 maximum liability for access, diagnosis, and repair or replacement.

      As of publishing, based on a quote for a house of less than 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas, you can expect to pay from $46.83 per month to $54.75 per month, or $532 to $627 annually, for a Choice Home Warranty contract. The service call fee is $100.

      Choice customers on our site mention the company’s prompt service and skilled techs.

      “I submitted an online ticket for my heater system and the HVAC crew responded, came to see what was wrong and scheduled to come and fix the problem, all within a great time frame.”
      Anthony Macon, GA
      Our pick for an HVAC-specific plan

      ARW Home

      ARW Home
      4.4
      2,792 reviews
      Plans available
      3
      Average monthly cost
      $49.99 to $89.99
      Service fee
      $125
      Get a Quote Read Reviews

      ARW Home offers home warranty coverage across all 50 states. It doesn’t require any long-term commitment, allowing you to choose a month-to-month, quarterly or annual payment plan.

      ARW lets customers choose their own contractor if they want. Customers who’ve reviewed the company on ConsumerAffairs seem to appreciate ARW’s customer service and promptness.

      ARW Home offers four coverage plans: Water & Sewer Line Combo, Kitchen Plus, Platinum Premier and 4-in-1 Bundle. Only Platinum Premier and the bundle cover central air conditioning, central home heating and ductwork.

      According to a sample contract, ARW covers heating components such as the main burner, gas valve, regulator, thermostat, fluid pump and heat coil, and air conditioning components such as the condenser, fuse, relay, transformer and motors. If your HVAC system is less than 10 years old, the maximum payout for covered repairs or replacements is $1,000, according to the sample agreement. ARW’s Deluxe Advantage, included with the bundle and available as an add-on with Platinum Premier, covers air conditioning refrigerant and coils.

      As of publishing, you can expect to pay from $39.99 per month to $74.99 per month, or $395 to $1,425 annually, for an ARW Home policy, based on a quote for a house of less than 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas. The average for a combo plan is $60 per month, and the service call fee is $125.

      Happy ARW Home customers on our site mention the company’s helpful customer service and the peace of mind their plans bring.

      “Sharlene was very helpful ensuring my payment had processed. I always get a reminder if I forget my payment because and the ease of everything being online. Knowing that I have American Residential Warranty is a relief knowing my appliances and HVAC are insured.”
      Elizabeth Killeen, TX
      Our pick for individual system coverage

      HomeServe

      HomeServe
      1.5
      2,054 reviews
      Plans available
      17
      Average monthly cost
      -
      Service fee
      Varies
      Read Reviews
      HomeServe has provided its services to more than 4 million homeowners in the U.S. and Canada during more than 15 years in business. Plans focus on water, electrical, sewer, heating and cooling systems. Repairs from technicians come with a one-year guarantee. Many customers who’ve rated the company highly on ConsumerAffairs say HomeServe is reliable and affordable.

      HomeServe offers individual system coverage and combination plans, with the number of options varying by location. The Heating and Cooling Plan, for example, covers blower motors and assembly, internal fuses and breakers, the condenser motor and fan, pressure switches, limit controls, main and pilot burners, pressure switch and regulator valves, and other heating and cooling system components; however, it doesn’t cover air ducts.

      There is a $10,000 maximum benefit amount. A representative can tell you what other plans are available in your area.

      As of publishing, the average HomeServe policy ranges from $7.99 per month to $58.33 per month, or about $96 to $700 annually, for a home under 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas. The service fee varies based on the plan you choose. The Heating and Cooling Plan referred to above has no service call fee. Ask about discounts when you contact HomeServe for a quote.

      People on our site seem happy with HomeServe’s quick service and flexibility.

      “I had a wonderful experience with HomeServe. They've paid two different claims for me. One claim was for the HVAC unit. I called HomeServe and they had a man out here within a couple of hours. ... They had it back up and running in no time at all. Then they sent the check very quickly to the maintenance man. … I am more than pleased with HomeServe. I'm an elderly lady, and they were a godsend for me.”
      Judith Cherryville, NC
      Our pick for affordable plans

      Select Home Warranty

      Select Home Warranty
      3.6
      15,999 reviews
      Plans available
      3
      Average monthly cost
      $60.42 to $63.75
      Service fee
      $75 to $100
      Get a Quote Read Reviews

      Select Home Warranty offers two plans with coverage for heating and cooling. You can pay monthly, and you get two extra months of free coverage and roof protection at the time of publishing. Overall, customers on ConsumerAffairs are satisfied with the company, with many mentioning helpful customer service agents.

      Select Home Warranty offers three home warranty plans, but only two — Gold Care and Platinum Care — cover heating and cooling systems and ductwork. Select Home Warranty covers all parts, modules and components necessary to the operation of a heating system, such as condenser fan motors, compressors, thermostats, capacitors, relays and pressure switches.

      For air conditioning systems, it covers compressors, condensers, blower motors, thermostats and more. According to the terms and conditions on Select Home Warranty’s website, the maximum repair and replacement allowance is $2,000.

      As of publishing, for a house of less than 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas, you can expect to pay from $60.42 to $63.75, or $588 to $660 annually, for a Select Home Warranty policy. The service fee is $75 to $100, depending on your contract. You may qualify for a discount if you sign up for multiple years of coverage.

      Select customers on our site appreciate the company’s customer service and transparency.

      “Barry was very helpful in describing how the service works, as well as the available incentives to extend contract life. I elected for the Platinum plan, as that seems to provide the best match for my needs, and includes coverage for potentially expensive appliances, as well as the HVAC system. I'm looking forward to having Select Home Warranty be my safety net against large unseen expenses!”
      Mark Golden, CO
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Overall Value

      HVAC warranty coverage: a guide

      It's important to find an affordable plan from a reputable company that offers all the HVAC coverage you need. Get quotes from multiple companies, and read through the terms thoroughly so you know what’s covered, when coverage applies and the maximum payout for any repair or replacement.

      Key insights

      Home warranties for HVAC generally cover major components (e.g., central air conditioning, heating systems and ductwork components like condensers, burners and thermostats).

      Jump to insight

      Home warranty costs include both monthly (or yearly) premiums and per-service fees. You can expect to pay approximately $30 to $90 per month for coverage, plus $75 to $150 each time a technician performs a repair.

      Jump to insight

      To choose a warranty plan with HVAC coverage, evaluate your needs, research companies and make sure you understand all contract terms.

      Jump to insight

      What does a home warranty cover for HVAC?

      Comprehensive home warranty plans typically cover most components of HVAC systems, including the air conditioning (whether you have a centrally ducted system, a geothermal system, a water-source system, evaporative coolers or a built-in wall unit).

      Home warranties also cover components of the heating and ventilation system, including centrally ducted gas, electric, oil or gravity heating systems; a steam, hydronic or hot water system; geothermal or water-source systems; and all types of thermostats and ductwork.

      What does a home warranty for HVAC not cover?

      While a home warranty may cover most major home systems and appliances, it still doesn't cover everything. Each plan has its own limits and exclusions. Most home warranty plans will cover HVAC system repairs and replacements; however, there are certain circumstances in which your policy won’t cover the fix. This depends on your plan, but some exclusions you can expect include:

      • Outside and underground piping, window units, portable units or legally mandated testing
      • Problems due to insufficient maintenance
      • Damage due to weather
      • Preexisting issues
      • Modifications made necessary by the repair or replacement of HVAC equipment, like condensers

      How much does a home warranty for HVAC cost?

      The average cost of a home warranty that covers HVAC ranges from $350 to $900 a year or about $30 to $90 per month. On top of the plan cost, you should also expect to pay a service fee every time a technician is sent to your home. Service fees typically range from $75 to $150.

      Carefully read your contract before signing up for a plan to ensure that HVAC coverage is included. Comprehensive warranty plans typically cover HVAC systems, but it’s important to understand your coverage before signing up.

      » MORE: Home warranty costs

      Simplify your search

      Compare plans tailored to your home & budget.

        How to choose the best HVAC warranty plan

        Choosing the right HVAC warranty plan can save you time, money and stress. Here are some tips to help you find the best option:

        1. Evaluate your needs: Assess your current HVAC system’s age, condition and any recurring issues. Older systems might require more comprehensive coverage.
        2. Research home warranty companies: Look into reputable home warranty companies. Read customer reviews, check their ratings and compare coverage options.
        3. Pick a plan: Ensure the plan includes essential HVAC components like air conditioning, heating systems and ductwork. Review exclusions carefully and ask questions if you don’t fully understand something.
        4. Understand costs: Compare plan prices and service fees. Look for a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.
        5. Ask about service networks: Verify if the warranty provider has a reliable network of qualified HVAC technicians in your area.
        6. Check contract terms: Read the fine print for coverage limits, claim processes and cancellation policies. Ensure you understand all terms before committing.

        By following these steps, you can select a warranty plan that’s reliable, aligns with your budget and ensures your HVAC system is protected.

        FAQ

        Will a home warranty pay to replace my AC?

        If your air conditioning unit can’t be repaired and requires a replacement, your home warranty will likely pay for the cost of a replacement. This is subject to your plan’s coverage and the maximum coverage limit, however.

        » LEARN: Cost to replace air conditioner

        Do I need an HVAC warranty?

        HVAC systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If this is still in effect, you probably don’t need a home warranty. However, if the manufacturer’s warranty period has passed, you might consider a home warranty with HVAC protection. The cost to repair or replace HVAC components can make a real dent in your wallet; a home warranty helps cover these costs.

        Does an HVAC home warranty cover preexisting conditions?

        Most home warranties do not cover preexisting conditions. Some companies, such as American Home Shield, do cover undetectable preexisting conditions. Make sure you read the contract for information about preexisting condition coverage, and ask a home warranty company representative any questions you have.

        What do the worst home warranty companies have in common?

        The worst home warranty companies tend to make claims difficult, take a long time to set up repairs, are not transparent with terms and costs and employ aggressive sales strategies.

        Can I purchase an HVAC warranty after an issue arises?

        Most home warranty companies require a waiting period before coverage begins, meaning you typically can’t purchase a warranty to cover an already existing problem with your HVAC system. However, some companies may offer limited coverage for undetectable preexisting conditions. Be sure to ask about these details when signing up for a plan.

        Is a home warranty worth it for HVAC coverage?

        If you’re worried about repair or replacement costs for an HVAC breakdown — and your unit is no longer covered by the manufacturer — then, yes, a home warranty could be worth it.

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