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5 Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems (2024)

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Mike Qiu Updated 04/23/2024

It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: an unseasonably warm or cold spell hits and your HVAC system sputters to a halt just when it’s needed most. Having HVAC coverage through a home warranty plan can make this situation less of a headache and give you peace of mind by helping to reduce repair costs and quickly connect you with a certified technician.

We researched 57 top home warranty companies with HVAC coverage and recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for its additional coverage of multiple heating or cooling units and its 60-day workmanship guarantee. We also like American Home Shield (AHS) for its comprehensive coverage limits for heating and cooling systems plan and flexible service fees.

We reviewed plans for essential HVAC coverage factors, consulted industry experts, and secret-shopped providers to make our recommendations. We then rated each company based on 31 factors. Keep reading to learn which of our top companies may be a fit for your needs.

Key Takeaways

The best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of nearly 60 home warranty providers.
A home warranty for HVAC costs $60 per month on average but can range from $34–$99, depending on your provider and coverage.
Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


What are the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC?

Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage

We selected the top five companies above after evaluating 57 HVAC home warranty providers across 31 key factors. Our top pick for the best home warranty for HVAC is Liberty Home Guard since it offers coverage for multiple heating or cooling units.


Compare Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems

The following table compares our top five picks using some of our key scoring factors, which included monthly cost, coverage caps, and service call fees. 

Company Star Rating Monthly Cost for HVAC* Service Fee HVAC Coverage Caps Visit Site
4.5
$49–$59 $65–$125 $2,000 VISIT SITE
4.4
$39–$99 $100–$125 $1,500–$5,000 VISIT SITE
4.3
$44–$47 $60–$75 $3,000 VISIT SITE
4.6
$47–$87 $75–$125 $1,500–unlimited VISIT SITE
4.6
$34–$92 $75–$125 Unlimited ($80 for thermostats) VISIT SITE
No results were found.

*We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,156-square-foot, single-family home in Tampa, Florida. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.


How We Rated HVAC Home Warranty Companies

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Homeowners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most for home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

We reviewed 57 providers and compared coverage plans to choose the best HVAC home warranty companies. We read through sample contracts to verify coverage details, including covered HVAC systems, repair and replacement inclusions, coverage caps, additional HVAC add-ons, and workmanship guarantee length. We contacted several industry professionals to learn more about HVAC protection. Finally, we assessed customer experience by testing the claims process and through secret shopping.

We developed a detailed methodology to score each company based on our research. We scored based on four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating scale.

Our Home Warranty Experts

We consulted the following two experts for insights on this article and to gain a better perspective on HVAC home warranties.
Angel Conlin: Conlin serves as the Chief Insurance and Compliance Officer at Kin Insurance.
Tim David: David is the CEO of Airlucent.com and owner of David HVAC Services, which is based in Alabama.

Best HVAC Home Warranty Providers Reviewed

Below is a detailed overview of our top home warranty providers for HVAC coverage.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5

Monthly cost: $49–$59

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple heating and cooling units and unique home protections. The company includes two HVAC units under its standard coverage and offers over 40 add-on options.

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We scored LHG 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how LHG rated in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): LHG scored well for its extensive HVAC coverage, which includes multiple units in its base coverage.
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its inconsistent service fee policy, which varies in cost by location and plan selection.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG received a high score for its excellent brand reputation, which includes a 4.51 out of 5-star rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).*
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): LHG lost points for its limited service contractor policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes protection for two cooling or heating units under its standard coverage Offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard. Provides a $2,000 limit for HVAC coverage, which exceeds the $1,500 industry standard Cons Doesn’t cover air conditioning leaks of any kind Doesn’t offer flexible service call fees, which most providers typically offer Excludes geothermal and solar units from its coverage

Plans and Cost

LHG provides three plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Two of its plans, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard, include HVAC coverage. Reading through the LHG sample contract told us that the company offers a $2,000 cap for up to two heating or central air conditioning systems. Other providers offer extra unit coverage as an add-on.

LHG’s air conditioning coverage applies to ducted central and wall units up to a 5-ton capacity. However, window and wall units without ducts aren’t covered. LHG also covers traditional heating systems, excluding solar and geothermal units, and leaks or breaks in the ductwork. In addition, if your current equipment falls below 13 SEER, all repairs and replacements will include 13 SEER equipment or higher.

We’ll explain LHG’s coverage plans below:

  • Appliance Guard: The appliance-only plan protects nine appliances, including dishwashers and clothes dryers. You receive $2,000 for appliance coverage.
  • Systems Guard: The next plan offers system-only protections, covering essential built-in systems, including air conditioning, heating, and ductwork. Most systems receive $2,000, while plumbing and electrical max at only $500.
  • Total Home Guard: This comprehensive plan includes Appliance Guard and Systems Guard coverage. All coverage caps remain the same.

LHG offers monthly and annual plans at midrange pricing. Service call fees fall between $65 and $125. We spoke with a representative who said the company assigns your service call fee based on your plan, add-ons, and location. Other providers typically offer a choice of service call fees, which help raise or lower your monthly premium rates.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

The company offers 42 add-on options, the most options of any company in this review. It doesn’t offer any additional HVAC protections, but it does provide other home protections, including roof leaks, pest control, and professional appliance protections. Pricing ranges from $3.00 to $35.99 monthly, making them very affordable. Some popular coverage options include the following add-ons:

  • Pool and spa
  • Second refrigerator
  • Septic system pumping 
  • Window washing/cleaning

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

We read through online reviews and noticed several customers complimented LHG for its prompt customer support lines. We tested the process by calling customer support and using its live chat feature. We reached a live representative in under 30 seconds, demonstrating its quick phone support. However, the online chat starts with an automated bot that requires asking twice to speak to a live agent.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4

Monthly cost: $39–$99

We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older HVAC units. The company offers a $5,000 HVAC cap and covers rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. Many providers exclude these coverage types from their plans.

How We Scored American Home Shield

We scored AHS 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS scored high for its comprehensive coverage, damage protection, and generous coverage cap. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): AHS lost points for its higher bundled pricing, making it more expensive than other reviewed providers. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its lower customer review scores, which fell below three stars on several sites.
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS earned a high score efficient claims process, which took less than 24 hours during our testing. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers items with unknown preexisting conditions and damaged items Includes a free annual HVAC tune-up service and unlimited AC refrigerant with its highest plan Provides a $5,000 HVAC cap for most systems, higher than other reviewed providers Cons Charges slightly higher monthly premiums for its bundled plans Excludes window or portable air conditioning units from its coverage Limits certain heating and cooling systems to a $1,500 cap

Plans and Cost

AHS offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We reviewed the AHS sample contract and learned that the company offers a $5,000 coverage cap with all three coverage plans. Its system-only plan, ShieldSilver, offers the most affordable protection if you only want system and HVAC coverage. ShieldSilver and ShieldGold include a $100 discount for heating and cooling tune-ups, plus air filter discounts starting at $5.25 each.

AHS doesn’t have a dollar limit on the covered components of air conditioners, other than geothermal units, which have a $1,500 limit. It covers several heating and cooling options, including ducted central air conditioners, wall units, geothermal units, mini-splits, heat pumps, and floor furnaces. AHS excludes nonpermanent installations such as window and portable heating and cooling units. Plans include an industry-standard 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Here’s an overview of AHS’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only plan includes major home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical. You receive $5,000 for most built-in systems, but geothermal units receive a $1,500 coverage cap.
  • ShieldGold: The next plan tier offers comprehensive appliance and system coverage and includes plumbing, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers. Appliances receive a $2,000 cap, while systems retain the same coverage limit.
  • ShieldPlatinum: This plan includes ShieldGold protections and adds additional perks, such as one free annual HVAC tune-up and $1,5000 in roof-leak coverage. Appliance coverage doubles to $4,000, and system limits remain unchanged.

AHS charges slightly higher for its comprehensive coverage compared to other providers. Unlike Select, AHS offers flexible service call fees that impact your premium costs. Our sample quote included options for a $100 or $125 service call fee. Our monthly premium lowered when we selected the higher service call fee.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

ShieldSilver

$39.99–$49.99

$100–$125

ShieldGold

$59.99–$69.99

$100–$125

ShieldPlatinum

$89.99–$99.99

$100–$125

AHS provides six add-on options, the smallest catalog in this review. Other providers offer at least eight or more. The company does offer options for additional HVAC protections, such as secondary unit coverage. Pricing ranges from $5 to $$18 per month.

Some add-on options include the following items:

  • Guest units
  • Pools and built-in spa equipment  
  • Roof leak repair 
  • Septic pumps

Our Experience With American Home Shield

Our team member filed an online claim with AHS and received text and email confirmations almost immediately. AHS connected him with a technician within five minutes to schedule a next-day repair appointment. The repairs took two hours, and he only paid the standard service call fee. AHS had the most efficient claims process out of the home warranty companies we tested.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3

Monthly cost: $44–$47

We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need excellent HVAC coverage at an affordable rate. The company provides coverage plans priced below $50, some of the lowest rates in this review.

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

We scored Select 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): Select lost points for its overall coverage caps, which fall well below the industry standard. 
  • Value (5 out of 5): Select received a perfect score for its affordable premium pricing.     
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): It lost points for its low review scores across several third-party review sites. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): Select scored low for its limited service technician flexibility.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides a $3,000 HVAC system coverage cap Offers coverage plans under $50 per month Provides a $5,000 HVAC cap for most systems, higher than other reviewed providers Cons Has more HVAC exclusions than other providers Doesn’t offer flexible service call fees Offers some of the lowest coverage caps in this review

Plans and Cost

Select offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Analyzing Select’s sample contract shed light on the fact that the company offers a $3,000 cap for HVAC systems, double the industry standard. However, all other appliances and systems receive $500 limits.

Select covers central air conditioners with a capacity under 5 tons, including ductwork. However, the company excludes wall, window, and portable AC units from coverage. It also excludes solar or geothermal heating system coverage, refrigerant recapture, and disposal.

We’ve provided full details on Select’s plans below:

  • Bronze Care: This appliance-only plan includes major appliances only, such as clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, and cooktops. You receive a $500 cap per each system.
  • Gold Care: The next plan covers six home systems, including air conditioning, heating, and ductwork. Coverage includes $3,000 for HVAC and $500 for all other systems.
  • Platinum Care: Its highest plan combines the Bronze and Gold Care plans and adds garage door openers and ceiling fans. All coverage caps remain the same.

Select offers affordable pricing for its annual and monthly plans. The company will assign a service call fee of $60–$75. You can’t choose your service call fee. Speaking to a Select representative told us the fees are based on your chosen coverage plan, add-on items, and location.

Here’s a breakdown of Select’s pricing and service fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Select offers nine add-on options with pricing below $9, which is lower than that of other reviewed providers. However, add-on coverage caps don’t exceed $400 of protection, some of the lowest in this review. The company doesn’t offer additional HVAC coverage. Still, it does provide coverage for the following:

  • Central vacuums
  • Pools
  • Roof leaks
  • Stand-alone freezers

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

We learned during secret shopping that Select prefers processing claims and resolving account issues over the phone. We also discovered that the company uses its own network of technicians for its service repairs. Select lets you choose your own technician if there are no options in your area. However, the company must approve your contractor before repairs begin.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6

Monthly cost: $47–$87

We recommend First American Home Warranty if you need unlimited coverage caps for heating and cooling systems. The company offers up to $7,000 for appliance coverage and its First American Upgrade package, which covers physical damage and preexisting conditions.

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

We scored First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): The company received a high score for its unlimited HVAC coverage for most systems and generous appliance limits. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): It lost points for its service call fees, which are slightly higher than other providers. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): First American Home Warranty scored well for its higher average customer review scores. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): It lost points for its limited service technician policy. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes preexisting conditions under its First American Advantage upgrade Offers up to $7,000 limit for appliances on its highest plan Provides unlimited coverage caps for HVAC systems Cons Charges monthly premiums that are slightly higher compared to other providers. Excludes some essential home system coverage from its lowest plan Requires an add-on for air conditioning coverage for the Starter Plan

Plans and Cost

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. Our team read through the First American’s sample contract and learned that the company offers coverage for heating systems in every plan. It excludes air conditioning protection in its Starter Plan but offers an add-on option. Other providers include air conditioning and heating system coverage within basic plans.

The company includes air conditioning protection in its Essential and Premium plans. Most HVAC systems receive unlimited coverage, but certain system types, such as geothermal and water source heat pumps, only receive $1,500 caps.

We’ll review First American’s coverage plans below:

  • Starter Plan: This plan offers selective appliance and system coverage for built-in microwaves, heating systems, refrigerators, and more. You receive a $3,500 cap for appliances and no coverage cap for built-in systems.
  • Essential Plan: The next tier extends the Starter Plan coverage to include more essential items, including air conditioning and clothes washers and dryers. Most coverage caps remain the same. Water heaters only receive a $1,000 limit. 
  • Premium Plan: The most comprehensive plan includes the Essential Plan coverage and adds luxury appliances, roof leaks, and window air conditioning units. Systems caps remain the same, but appliance coverage doubles to $7,000.

First American Home Warranty offers annual and monthly premiums priced slightly higher than other providers. Using First American Home Warranty’s online quote tool showed us that the company allows you to choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. Our sample quote included the lowest service fee, which increased our premium costs.

We’ll detail First American Home Warranty’s premiums and fees below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Starter Plan

$47.00–$62.00

$75–$125

Essential Plan

$57.00–$72.00

$75–$125

Premium Plan

$72.00–$87.00

$75–$125

The company offers 12 add-on options, with pricing ranging from $2.08–$20.83. Additional HVAC coverage includes HVAC tune-ups for $2.08 monthly and central air conditioning for $8.33. You can also add the First American upgrade to the Essential and Premium Plan at no charge.

First American offers other add-on protections, including the following items:

  • Limited roof leak coverage 
  • Septic tank pumping/systems
  • Up to three additional refrigerators

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

Our team member used First American Home Warranty to fix a garage door opener. He submitted an online claim on a Friday and received the technician’s information in 30 minutes. The technician scheduled a repair appointment for the following Monday, which took less than 30 minutes to complete. He paid only the service call fee.

AFC Home Warranty

Best for Customization
4.6

Monthly cost: $34–$92

We recommend America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for homeowners who need unrestricted HVAC coverage and extended repair protections. The company provides an excellent plan variety with four coverage plans, three service fees, 13 add-ons, plus an unlimited workmanship guarantee with every repair.

How We Scored AFC Home Warranty

We scored AFC Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty received a lower score for its depreciation policy for items five years or older. 
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): The company scored high for its flexible service fees and plan variety. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): It received a high score thanks to its unlimited workmanship guarantee. 
  • Availability and Service (5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty earned a perfect score for its flexible service technician policy. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a plan-length workmanship guarantee Provides unique perks, including free credit monitoring Offers unlimited coverage for HVAC units Cons Doesn’t cover portable or window AC units Excludes geothermal and solar units from its plans Reduces caps for items five years and older

Plans and Cost

AFC Home Warranty provides four plan options: a Silver Plan, a Gold Plan, a Platinum Plan, and a Diamond Plan. We read through the AFC Home Warranty’s sample contract directory and learned the company covers two air conditioning and heating units up to a 5-ton capacity. Covered items include compressors, condenser coils, defrost heating elements, electronic circuits, and thermostat controls. Most HVAC items receive unlimited coverage, but thermostats are limited to $80. Ductwork is covered up to $150 per plan term.

We also found a clause in the sample contract stating that AFC Home Warranty will cover up to its prorated value if your system is over five years old. AFC Home Warranty prorated systems based on compatible HVAC units of the same age.

We’ve listed AFC Home Warranty’s coverage plans below:

  • Silver Plan: This appliances-only plan covers nine appliances, including clothes washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Coverage ranges between some items, with limits from $150–$3,000 for covered appliances. 
  • Gold Plan: The next plan covers 15 systems and appliances, including air conditioning, heating, and plumbing systems. You receive the same appliance limits and varied system coverage ranging between $150 to unlimited caps. 
  • Platinum Plan: This next plan includes 20 appliances and home systems, adding built-in microwaves, plumbing stoppages, and faucets. All caps remain the same. 
  • Diamond Plan: The most comprehensive plan includes the Platinum Plan protection, plus coverage for electronics and interior and exterior sewer lines. Electronics and sewer lines receive $5,000 caps, while all other caps remain the same. (Note: The Diamond Plan is unavailable in AK, CA, HI, MT, MS, NC, NJ, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WI.)

AFC Home Warranty lets you customize your service call fee pricing, offering a choice of a $75, $100, or $125 fee. The higher service call fee lowers your monthly premium and vice versa. You can choose monthly or annual premiums. AFC Home Warranty is one of the few companies to offer a multiyear deal, with an annual option for three years. One-year plans include a $1,000 discount, while three-year options include $250 off.

We’ve listed AFC Home Warranty’s pricing in the following table:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Silver Plan

$34.33–$39.08

$75–$125

Gold Plan

$48.50–$53.17

$75–$125

Platinum Plan

$53.17–$57.92

$75–$125

Diamond Plan

$87.75–$92.50

$75–$125

AFC Home Warranty offers 13 different add-ons that are charged at an annual rate. The lowest coverage begins at $25 per year and runs as high as $150. The company doesn’t offer additional HVAC protections with its add-ons.

Some of AFC Home Warranty’s add-ons include the following items:

  • Double ovens
  • Hot water dispensers
  • Septic systems

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

Reviewing our sample contract showed that AFC Home Warranty allows you to select your preferred contractor. This is a rare benefit, as most providers prefer to use their own preapproved contractor network. We also learned that the company offers unique membership perks, including free credit monitoring, emergency alert services, identity monitoring, dental, vision, and pet insurance.


How Much Does a Home Warranty for HVAC Cost?

You can use the chart below to compare the monthly cost of the best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage:


Do I Need HVAC Home Warranty Coverage?

Are you wondering if an HVAC home warranty is the right fit for your home? We’ve answered some common questions about HVAC protections and provided tips on the best way to shop for coverage.

What Are the Benefits of an HVAC Home Warranty?

What’s Covered Under an HVAC Home Warranty?

What Are Average HVAC Costs Without Home Warranty Coverage?

What To Look For in HVAC Home Warranties

Home warranties don’t cover every type of breakdown, but they cover simple wear and tear that builds up over an HVAC system’s lifetime. According to an InterNACHI report, air conditioning systems generally last between seven and 15 years. Furnaces have a slightly longer life span, ranging from 15–25 years. HVAC coverage helps reduce the financial burden of maintaining older systems.
Pretend you own a 13-year-old furnace. The system is near its average life expectancy, meaning you may experience frequent breakdowns. Since the cost to replace a furnace can be as much as $9,200, a home warranty can save you thousands. Most home warranty providers don’t put age limits on items they cover, so as long as you’ve done regular maintenance on your older system, it will still be eligible for coverage.
A home warranty covers other systems and appliances around your home, giving you more than just HVAC protection. However, a home warranty may be less valuable if you just purchased a new HVAC system or if it is a few years old.
Most HVAC home warranties cover various styles of cooling and heating systems, which may include the following types:
Boilers
Central air conditioning
Ducted air conditioning
Ductwork
Furnaces
Geothermal systems
Heat pumps
Thermostats
Wall air conditioners
These protections include HVAC repair and replacement of key components and parts. If needed, the provider will replace the entire unit.
Common exclusions include damage caused by natural disasters, physical damage, poor maintenance, or preexisting conditions. 
Based on our research, the average cost of an air conditioner repair is between $100 and $650*. The final price depends on your specific problem and your local cost of living. The cost will likely be lower if the solution is as simple as replacing a capacitor or unclogging a drain line. However, replacing a compressor or condenser coil can cost thousands of dollars. Other common issues may include refrigerant leaks, thermostat issues, or a faulty fan motor.
Furnace repairs cost $150–$500, depending on the repairs. Electric furnace repairs will be on the lower end of the scale, but gas furnaces are more complex and cost more to fix. Typical furnace repairs include a damaged motor belt, broken thermostat, or cracked heat exchanger.
Additionally, HVAC technicians often charge between $50 and $150 per hour for labor. If you need a new system, costs will rise to about $4,000 for a new furnace and $4,575 for a new central air conditioner before adding HVAC installation cost.
*Data sourced from InterNACHI and The Home Depot
Review each company’s fine print in their sample home warranty contract to ensure you get the coverage you need as you shop for home warranty plans. David says, “I suggest looking for a plan that has clear terms and coverage details which include the extent of coverage for repairs and replacements, deductibles and service fees, and the credibility of the service providers affiliated with the warranty.”
We recommend checking for the following coverage terms before making a final selection:
Coverage caps: Ensure the plan clearly outlines the coverage cap for your heating and cooling systems. The industry standard falls around $1,500, so look for coverage that meets or exceeds those limits.
Maintenance requirements: Some companies’ terms require ongoing maintenance. Performing ongoing maintenance keeps your system running properly and reduces your chances of costly breakdowns.
SEER rating: Check the coverage terms for Seasonal Effective Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating requirements. The SEER rating determines if your HVAC system is energy-efficient. The typical HVAC SEER rating for older systems is between eight and 10. Newer systems fall between 13 and 23. Some home warranty companies won’t cover systems with a SEER rating below 13.
System Type: Ensure your warranty covers your specific HVAC system. Some plans cover central AC and heating systems but offer limited coverage for others. Some companies require a higher coverage plan or add-on option for adequate coverage. In addition, you’ll find more warranties covering central AC versus window units.

How Do I Maintain My HVAC System?

Many home warranty companies require maintenance to qualify for their protection. However, regular maintenance is also a necessity for the system itself. Conlin explains that properly maintaining your home systems can help you extend your useful life. Take the preventative steps below to ensure your HVAC system lasts and reduces the chance of a claim denial.

  • Change your air filters every three months. 
  • Check your outside unit frequently and remove any obstructions and debris.
  • Clean the metal fins of the condenser unit roughly every four months.
  • Clear any debris around your outside and maintain at least a 12-inch clearance at all times. 
  • Schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice a year. Get your air conditioning serviced in the spring and your heating system checked in the fall. Conlin also suggests keeping a maintenance log for your system. 

How Do I Calculate the Cost of a Home Warranty?

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

You can use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:

  1. Enter your monthly premium
  2. Enter your service call fee
  3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost

Dehumidifier

$50–$200

$1,300–$2,800

Microwave

$50–$400

$60–$2,000

Dishwasher

$50–$500

$400–$3,000

Exhaust Fans

$16–$300

$250–$950

Electric Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Gas Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Dryer

$100–$400

$450–$2,300

Oven

$100–$430

$400–$3,000

Washer

$50–$450

$400–$2,300

Freezer

$90–$500

$160–$2,900

Refrigerator

$40–$350

$200–$5,000

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot.


FAQs About Home Warranties for HVAC Systems

What is the typical manufacturer’s warranty on an HVAC system?

The typical HVAC manufacturer’s warranty lasts up to five years. Coverage includes protection for any manufacturing defects or issues but doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. The company may offer an extended warranty, increasing your original warranty for more years.

What is the average compressor warranty on an HVAC unit?

The average compressor warranty of an HVAC system typically ranges from five to 15 years. This warranty only applies if you purchased your HVAC unit new. A home warranty could fill the gap if you didn’t purchase the HVAC system.

Can I choose my own HVAC contractor with a home warranty?

Typically, you can’t choose your own HVAC contractor unless your home warranty provider has no in-network providers near you. Some providers, such as AFC Home Warranty, allow you to use your preferred HVAC provider.

When does HVAC home warranty coverage begin?

HVAC home warranty coverage typically has at least a 30-day waiting period after signing up for your plan. You can't file a claim for any items during that time since the plan isn't officially active. Verify your provider’s waiting period to know when your HVAC protection begins.


How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state below.


We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.

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