Does a home warranty cover HVAC repair?

Home warranty HVAC coverage

Home warranties usually cover various appliances and systems, including HVAC. In these plans, home warranty companies cover the most common causes of breakdowns, such as leaks or worn-out parts.

Here are some other things covered by a home warranty:

• Plenums
• Leaks
• Breaks
• Registers
• Grills
• Thermostats
• Wiring
• Combustion chambers
• Heat exchangers
• Cooling or heat pump systems

Home warranty coverage for HVAC repair changes depending on the type of system you have. Standard home warranty plans usually cover central heating and air conditioning systems, but other types may be included or excluded.

• Central HVAC systems (forced air, split systems): Most plans cover main mechanical parts, like compressors, motors, thermostats and fans.
• Ductless mini-split systems: Some plans cover these, but often only specific parts like blowers or compressors. Check your contract for details.
• Geothermal systems: Many home warranty providers exclude geothermal systems or may only cover certain parts, like thermostats or above-ground components.
• Packaged HVAC units: These are often covered in the same way as central systems.
• Window units and portable air conditioners: These are usually not covered by standard home warranty plans.

Always read your home warranty contract to know which HVAC systems and parts are covered or excluded.

What does a home typically warranty cover?

Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.

HVAC warranty coverage exclusions

Many home warranty plans have limitations and exclusions in their contracts, meaning the company won’t cover certain things. Most companies only cover damage due to normal wear and tear and exclude things like acts of God and cosmetic damage.

Here are some other items not usually covered by a home warranty:

• Inaccessible ductwork
• Dampers
• Filters
• Acts of God
• Energy management systems
• Geothermal piping
• Preexisting conditions
• Commercial units
• Chillers and chiller components
• Well pumps
• Water lines
• Cosmetic damage
• Interconnecting refrigerant lines
• Flues
• Liners
• Gas feed lines
• Pressure regulators
• Solar heating devices

Coverage caps

Usually, home warranties have coverage caps on HVAC systems, meaning the company will only cover parts and repairs up to a certain amount. If the costs of repairs exceed the limit, then you are responsible for the rest.

HVAC systems typically have a limit of $5,000 per claim. For example, if your system's repair cost was $5,350, you would have to pay the remaining $350.

Home warranty claim process for HVAC repairs

If your HVAC system breaks down and you have a home warranty, you can usually file a claim to get it fixed. The process typically involves these steps:

1. File a claim: Contact your home warranty provider by phone or online to report the HVAC problem. Be ready to give details about the issue and your contract.
2. Assignment of a contractor: The company will assign a licensed technician from their network. You usually cannot pick your own unless the company allows it.
3. Pay the service fee: You pay a service call fee (like a deductible) each time a technician visits, as outlined in your contract.
4. Waiting period: After filing, you usually wait 24 to 48 hours for the technician to arrive, though emergencies may be faster.
5. Repair vs. replacement: The technician diagnoses the problem. The warranty company then decides if the system should be repaired or replaced, based on your plan and the unit’s age or condition.
6. Out-of-pocket costs: You may pay for anything not covered, such as certain parts, upgrades or code-required modifications.

Knowing these steps can help you understand what to expect and what costs may come up during the process.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover HVAC repair

If your home warranty doesn’t cover your HVAC system, you can usually switch to a plan that does. Homeowners and builders insurance also usually cover HVAC systems. However, homeowners insurance will only cover your HVAC system if the damage is from a disaster.

Your system may even have a five or ten-year manufacturer warranty. Many HVAC systems come with a warranty on parts and equipment, so it might be worth double-checking your policy.

Choosing a home warranty for HVAC coverage

Selecting the right home warranty plan for HVAC coverage can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure your system is well-protected. When comparing plans, focus on the following factors:

• Coverage details: Make sure the plan includes essential HVAC components like ductwork, thermostats and heat exchangers.
• Coverage caps: Look at the maximum payout limit per claim to ensure it’s high enough to cover major repairs or replacements.
• Exclusions: Carefully read the list of exclusions to understand what won’t be covered, such as preexisting conditions or cosmetic damage.
• Service fees: Consider the cost of service call fees, as these can add up over time.
• Reputation of the provider: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge reliability and service quality.
• Response time: Choose a company known for fast and efficient service to reduce downtime if your system fails.
• Optional add-ons: Check for add-on options if you have special equipment like geothermal systems or advanced energy management systems.

Bottom line

Unexpected breakdowns in your HVAC system can leave you with an uncomfortable home and costly expenses. Replacing an HVAC system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $34,000, and repairing it can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200. However, having the best coverage with a home warranty plan can keep your system humming along for 15 to 25 years.