Does a home warranty cover air conditioning units?
Check air conditioning units coverage to avoid costly surprises later
No matter where you live, air conditioning units can provide comfort and an escape from the heat in the hotter seasons. Unfortunately, thousands of people deal with unit breakdowns every year.
A home warranty can cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, saving you hundreds of dollars. Read on to find some helpful tips on getting the best home warranty plan for your air conditioning unit.
Most home warranties cover air conditioning units.
Jump to insightA manufacturer's warranty may cover your air conditioning unit.
Jump to insightSome plans do have coverage caps for parts and repairs on the unit.
Jump to insightWhat air conditioning unit services does a home warranty cover?
Home warranty companies offer plans that cover a variety of systems and appliances, including air conditioning units. Most companies include this coverage in their systems plan or a higher-tier package.
Here are some things that have coverage under the air conditioning umbrella:
- Condensers
- Defrost heating elements
- Standard thermostats
- Electronic circuits
- Motors
- Pulleys
- Fan controls
- Fluid pumps
- Bearings
- Switches
- Fuses
- Relays
Potential exclusions to air conditioning unit home warranty coverage
Many home warranty companies cover air conditioning units but have limitations and exclusions on what is covered. These exclusions may cause your claim to be denied. Here are some reasons for home warranty coverage denial:
- Preexisting conditions
- Improperly installed parts
- Cosmetic damage
- Drain line stoppages
- Underground piping
- Wiring
- Circuit breakers
- Dryers
- Wall units
- Chilled water systems
Coverage caps
Additionally, air conditioning units usually have coverage caps. A cap means that the home warranty company will only pay up to a specific amount for parts and repairs, and then you are responsible for the rest. Most companies have a limit of around $2,000 to $3,500 per air conditioning unit.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover air conditioning units
If you find out your home warranty plan doesn't include air conditioning coverage, there are some things you can do. You can usually switch to a package that does. Plus, most air conditioning units come with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty that covers many problems. A builders warranty also typically covers these units if your home is new.
FAQ
Is my air conditioner covered under warranty?
Many manufacturers have a 10-year warranty on air conditioning units and a separate AC compressor warranty.
Does a home warranty cover Freon leaks?
Most home warranties cover Freon leaks, but some companies only offer coverage with limited or labor warranties.
Do home warranties cover AC systems?
Many home warranties cover normal wear and tear on AC systems. If your contract doesn’t cover air conditioning, you can usually switch to a plan that does or see if add-on coverage is available.
Bottom line
A modern central air conditioner replacement can cost around $3,500 to $8,000, but with proper maintenance and a home warranty, your unit could last upward of 15 years. If your home warranty plan doesn’t cover your air conditioning unit, you may still have coverage through a builders warranty or a manufacturer's warranty.
Article sources
- Cinch Home Services, “Is Freon covered under a home warranty?” Accessed March 26, 2024.
- Cinch Home Services, “Do home warranties cover A/C systems?” Accessed March 26, 2024.
