Best home warranties in Houston, TX

Choosing the right home warranty in Houston starts with knowing what parts of your home need the most protection. After deciding on your level of coverage, you can compare costs, coverage limits and read reviews to narrow down your options. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Decide on coverage

If your appliances are older but your HVAC system is newer, an appliance-only plan may be a better fit. If you’re worried about AC or plumbing failures during Houston’s hot, wet summers, focus on a systems plan. Homeowners often lean toward combination plans to maximize coverage and increase payout limits.

HVAC coverage for humidity-related wear and tear is a top priority. Given the city's heavy rainfall, ensuring your plan covers systems susceptible to water damage, like electrical panels or water heaters, is also smart.

In neighborhoods like Katy or Sugar Land, where homes often have attic-based HVAC systems, high humidity can lead to mold or condensation issues if systems aren't regularly maintained.

2. Review total costs

When comparing costs, don’t just look at premiums. You also need to factor in service fees, which typically range from $75 to $125 per visit, and can add up if you file multiple claims.

You should also pay attention to coverage caps for services. In Houston, consider paying for a plan with a higher coverage cap on HVAC systems because the cost to replace a unit overworked by constant humidity can be substantial, so a plan that covers more of that potential expense offers better long-term value.

3. Request a sample contract

Before you sign, ask for and review a sample contract for exclusions and limits. Watch for limitations on flooding, hurricanes or “Acts of God.” While flood damage won’t be covered, the warranty should cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear. Pay special attention to AC maintenance clauses, as these can affect claim approval.

Houston’s proximity to the Gulf means warranties may exclude damage from tropical storms. Make sure your plan still covers issues caused by long-term wear due to humidity or corrosion, which are common even without direct storm damage.

4. Read local reviews

Read local customer reviews to get a realistic sense of what to expect, and look for mentions of service speed after storms or during peak summer heat. Local customer Jaqueline said of her warranty experience: “My A/C went out in Texas during a particularly warm week in early May. Old Republic sent out a work order to a local contractor and they had it fixed in record time!”

Positive reviews will mention quick turnaround when appliances fail, while negative reviews may warn about delays when demand is high. Also, look for reviews from customers who’ve had the same policy for many years to get a long-term sense of the level of service a company provides.

Houston resident Karla has had an American Home Shield policy for a decade and said, “It’s definitely been worth having them.” She appreciates the professionalism of the company and its vendors, saying, “I’ve always been impressed by the level of courtesy and efficiency I encounter. Whether through automated systems or direct calls, I consistently receive the support I need.”

» MORE: Key questions to ask a home warranty company

The average annual cost of a home warranty is $684 as of June 2025. Houston home warranty plans typically range from $360 to $1,080 per year, depending on the provider and coverage you choose. Remember, your final cost will depend on the plan, service fee and any add-ons you select.

Cost range by home warranty provider

Monthly or annual premiums

Most companies offer both monthly and annual payment options. Monthly payments spread the cost out, while annual payments often come with discounts. Your price depends on the coverage tier and any extras you select.

Service call fees

Every time you file a claim, you’ll pay a service call fee — similar to a deductible — for the technician visit. Houston residents can expect these to be in the $75 to $150 range per service call.

Add-on coverage

Optional add-ons like pool, roof leak or septic system coverage are available from most companies. Costs run from $2 to $25 per month for each add-on.

Other home warranty cost factors

Several factors influence your home warranty price:

• Home size and type: Larger homes or multiple systems increase premium costs. Smaller condos usually pay less.
• Level of coverage: The more items and systems covered, the higher your premium. Lean plans are cheaper but offer less protection.
• Location: Houston's subtropical climate means AC units and dehumidifiers run constantly, leading to more frequent claims. The risk of storm-related service call surges can also influence local plan pricing and technician availability.
• Discounts: Look for savings if you pay for multiple years upfront or bundle several properties.

Example: total annual home warranty costs

• Comprehensive coverage ($60 per month): $720 per year
• Add-on for roof leak repair ($10 per month): $120 per year
• Three claims ($100 service fee): $300
• Total: $1,140 per year

Home warranty plans in Houston generally fall into three categories: appliance-only plans, systems-only plans and combo plans that cover both.

• Appliance-only coverage is for items like refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines.
• Systems-only plans focus on HVAC, electrical, plumbing and water heaters.
• Combination plans offer the broadest protection, which is especially valuable in Houston’s climate.

Most companies let you customize your coverage with add-ons. In Houston, roof leak coverage is one of the most valuable add-ons due to frequent, heavy rains. Sump pump and septic system coverage are also wise investments for many properties to prevent water damage and system failures.

» MORE: How to maximize your home warranty

The amount you save depends on which repairs or replacements you actually need. One major breakdown covered by your warranty can justify the annual cost.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests saving 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance. That’s often much more than the $700 to $1,200 you’d pay for a home warranty and a few service fees. Avoiding even one AC or plumbing system replacement could save you thousands.

Average repair/replacement costs for covered items

In a city like Houston, where hot and humid conditions strain HVAC systems, expansive clay soils threaten plumbing lines and heavy rainfall leads to roof leaks, the potential for costly repairs is high. Here's what you'll pay for the most common repairs and replacements in Houston without a home warranty: