Does a Home Warranty Cover Furnaces?

Home warranty furnace coverage

Furnaces last around 13 to 15 years, so chances are, you’ll need to replace at least one while owning your home. Some home warranties cover furnace repair and replacement, but not all of them. It’s important to look over your contract to ensure it includes furnaces in your plan.

When a home warranty company covers furnaces, it often includes baseboard heaters, ductwork, and other components of the furnace system. Most standard plans cover gas, electric and oil furnaces if they are the main heating source. Here’s what you should know:

• Gas furnaces: Usually covered, including burners, igniters and heat exchangers. External fuel lines or venting may not be covered.
• Electric furnaces: Typically included. Coverage often includes heating elements, blower motors and control boards.
• Oil furnaces: Commonly covered, but oil tanks, lines or delivery systems are often excluded. Some providers require proof of regular maintenance.
• Other types (propane, dual-fuel, etc.): Coverage may vary and could require optional add-ons.

A home warranty usually covers many essential furnace parts, but not every item. Always check your plan for specifics.

Commonly covered furnace components include:

• Blower motor
• Thermostat
• Heat exchanger
• Ignition system
• Burners and controls

Items often excluded from coverage are:

• Humidifiers or dehumidifiers attached to the furnace
• Fuel storage tanks
• Air filters and vents

Most home warranty companies do cover HVAC, but HVACs and furnaces are two different types of heating systems. Just because a home warranty plan covers HVAC, don’t assume it covers furnaces.

What does a home warranty typically cover?

A home warranty is designed to protect homeowners from unexpected costs associated with repairing or replacing household systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. It provides peace of mind by helping to cover expenses when essential home items break down.

Home warranty plans often cover:

• Major home appliances, like refrigerators and ovens
• Heating and cooling systems, such as HVAC units
• Water heaters
• Plumbing systems
• Electrical systems
• Ductwork
• Built-in microwaves

These inclusions can vary depending on the plan, so always review your contract to understand exactly what is covered.

Furnace warranty coverage exclusions

Even if your home warranty plan covers furnaces, some limitations and exclusions may get your claim denied. Be sure to look for these stipulations in your contract.

Some things that may not be covered include:

• Pellet or wood furnaces
• Repairs not caused by normal wear and tear
• Repairing or replacing fuel tanks
• Repairing or replacing pipes that are not inside your home
• Cosmetic repairs
• Repairs made by an unauthorized technician
• Furnaces that are still under a manufacturer’s warranty

Your contract may also include coverage caps. This means the home warranty company will repair or replace your furnace up to a certain amount. After reaching that cap, you’ll be responsible for additional costs.

Home warranty claim process for furnaces

If your furnace breaks down and you think it’s covered by your home warranty, follow these steps:

1. Contact your home warranty provider: Find your provider’s customer service number or online portal. Many accept claims by phone or online, 24/7.
2. Provide required documentation: Be ready with your contract number, details about the furnace issue and any maintenance records if asked. Clear information can speed up your claim.
3. Wait for claim approval: The provider reviews your claim to decide if the furnace issue is covered.
4. Schedule a technician visit: If approved, the company will send a licensed technician to assess and repair your furnace. You may need to pay a service call fee.

After you submit your claim, the provider will tell you the next steps. A technician is usually sent within a few days, and most companies try to resolve issues quickly.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover furnaces

If your home warranty plan doesn’t cover furnaces, you may be able to add it as an a la carte option. If not, check to see if any higher-tier plans cover them.

Another option is to check your furnace’s manufacturer’s warranty. You may be able to get repairs or a replacement without filing a home warranty claim.

Choosing a home warranty for furnace coverage

When selecting a home warranty plan, it’s essential to focus on your specific heating needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Coverage details: Look closely at the plan to confirm that furnace repair and replacement are included.
• Exclusions and limitations: Pay attention to what’s not covered, such as certain types of furnaces or pre-existing conditions.
• Coverage caps: Understand how much the warranty provider will pay for furnace repairs or replacements before you are responsible for additional costs.
• Service network: Check whether the company uses qualified technicians and if you can choose your own contractor.
• Cost of plan: Compare the annual fees and service call charges to ensure the plan fits your budget.

Taking the time to evaluate these factors can help you choose a plan that provides reliable coverage and peace of mind.

Bottom line

While not all home warranties cover furnaces, it’s not hard to find a good company that does. Just be sure to look for limitations and caps in your home warranty plan’s contract to be sure you’re fully covered.