Does a Home Warranty Cover Air Conditioning Units?

Home warranty air conditioning unit coverage

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.

Home warranties usually cover some types of air conditioning units, but not all. Here’s how most plans handle different AC types:

• Central air conditioning systems: Most standard plans cover central AC systems, like split or packaged units. Some high-efficiency models might be excluded or require extra fees.
• Ductless mini-split systems: Many home warranties offer add-on coverage for ductless mini-split units, but this is often only in premium plans.
• Window air conditioners: These are usually excluded. Most providers consider them temporary appliances, not permanent home systems.
• Wall air conditioning units: Built-in wall units may be covered if permanently installed, but coverage varies by provider and often requires proof of professional installation.

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

What does a home warranty typically cover?

The purpose of a home warranty is to protect homeowners from unexpected expenses related to the repair or replacement of essential home systems and appliances. When a covered item breaks down due to normal wear and tear, the warranty company steps in to handle the cost of repairs or provide a replacement, depending on the terms of the contract.

Typical home warranty coverage includes major systems such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical systems and water heaters. It also often covers common household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and washers and dryers. By having a home warranty, you can avoid paying out of pocket for costly repairs and keep your home functioning smoothly year-round.

Air conditioning unit warranty coverage exclusions

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.

Home warranty claim process for air conditioning unit repairs

If you need to file a home warranty claim for your AC unit, follow these steps:

1. Review your policy to confirm your air conditioning unit and the issue are covered.
2. Contact your provider (by phone or online) and have your contract number ready.
3. Provide details about the problem, model and serial number, purchase date and any maintenance records if requested.
4. The warranty company will send a licensed technician to inspect your unit and decide if the problem is covered.
5. After the inspection, you’ll be notified if your claim is approved or denied. This can take a few days.
6. If approved, the technician will repair or replace your unit as outlined in your contract. Service fees may apply.

The whole process — from filing the claim to completing repairs — usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on technician availability and claim details.

If your claim is denied, review the written explanation from your provider. You may be able to appeal by submitting more information, like detailed maintenance records. Contact customer service for instructions on how to dispute a denial.

To help your claim go smoothly, keep all maintenance records and receipts, report problems quickly and be familiar with your warranty’s coverage, exclusions and limits.

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.

Choosing a home warranty for air conditioning unit coverage

When selecting a home warranty plan that includes air conditioning unit coverage, it's important to focus on the details to ensure you get the best value and protection. Not all plans are the same, and understanding what to look for can help you avoid costly surprises later.

Here are some key factors to consider:

• Coverage limits: Look at the dollar limit for air conditioning repairs and replacements to ensure it’s enough to cover potential costs.
• Included components: Confirm that essential parts like compressors, motors, thermostats and coils are covered under the plan.
• Exclusions and limitations: Review what is not covered, such as preexisting conditions, improper installation or certain types of damage.
• Service call fees: Consider the cost of each service call as these fees can add up over time.
• Company reputation: Research the warranty company’s reviews and ratings to ensure they are reliable and responsive.
• Availability of add-ons: Check if you can customize your plan with additional coverage for specific needs, such as leaks or specialized equipment.

By carefully reviewing these aspects, you can select a home warranty plan that provides comprehensive protection for your air conditioning unit and peace of mind during the hottest months of the year.

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.