We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
A broken-down heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can be a major headache for homeowners. Repairs can be very expensive to complete and, depending on the time of year, homeowners may not be able to put off scheduling repair work on their HVAC systems. A malfunctioning central heating system in the dead of winter is a situation that seems tailor-made for a home warranty, as the best home warranties for HVAC coverage can help a homeowner quickly schedule an experienced technician to come out and either repair or replace the damaged system—and the only out-of-pocket expense the homeowner will need to pay is a relatively small service fee.
Although there are many good options to choose from, homeowners may find that the best home warranty for HVAC is one that offers the right combination of coverage terms, affordability, guarantees, and membership perks. As such, it’s worth homeowners reviewing some of the best home warranty companies to learn about their HVAC coverage and find the right fit for their needs.
- BEST OVERALL: American Home Shield
- RUNNER-UP: Liberty Home Guard
- BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE: Choice Home Warranty
- BEST REPAIR GUARANTEE: AFC Home Club
- ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
When searching for the best home warranty coverage for HVAC systems, homeowners will need to weigh a variety of factors and considerations that go beyond cost. For instance, homeowners will want to take into account what their home warranty will cover, both in terms of the type of repairs and the cost of labor and materials. Homeowners may want to look at factors such as technician fees and discounts when determining the total cost of coverage. Also, the best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage should provide a pleasant customer experience, including a seamless claims process or a lengthy workmanship guarantee on any covered repairs, to give homeowners added peace of mind.
Service Area
Home warranty companies tend to have pretty large operational footprints, but that doesn’t mean that they will always provide services in every state or ZIP code. When vetting the best HVAC home warranty providers, homeowners will want to double-check each company’s service area. Coverage gaps, no matter how small they may be, are pretty common. Homeowners may also find that those coverage gaps vary from one company to another.
Before diving into the terms and conditions of various policies, prospective customers may want to check that they can buy a home warranty in their particular location. Doing so can save some time and energy that might otherwise be spent researching a company that doesn’t provide home warranties to a prospective customer’s ZIP code.
HVAC Coverage Terms
Many home warranty companies offer HVAC coverage, but it’s important for homeowners to read the terms of the policy closely to understand exactly what that coverage entails. For instance, it’s not unusual for home warranties to exclude geothermal air-conditioning units or heat sources. Homeowners who have specialized HVAC systems will want to check the fine print of any home warranty they are considering to be sure that their home systems will be covered in the event that they break down and require repair. In those scenarios, the best home warranty for air-conditioner repairs may be one that includes coverage for specialized HVAC systems.
HVAC Coverage Amount
Repairing an HVAC system can be expensive, and even with home warranty coverage, it’s possible that homeowners may need to pay some out-of-pocket costs beyond their service fee. If the cost of the repair exceeds the policy’s coverage limit, policyholders may need to make up the difference themselves. In a worst-case scenario, home warranty companies may reject claims on damages that would cost more to repair than what’s included in the policy’s coverage amount.
Coverage limits often vary from company to company, and sometimes policy to policy, so it’s important for homeowners to check what’s included before signing a contract. If a homeowner needs a higher coverage limit, they may want to look for a policy with unlimited coverage amounts for certain types of HVAC systems. Homeowners could decide a home warranty is worth it if it can provide such generous coverage conditions.
Policies and Plans
Home warranty companies that cover HVAC repairs typically provide a few different policy options for customers to purchase. It’s not uncommon for providers to offer a stand-alone policy that only covers home systems. In other cases, they may have a policy that solely covers certain appliances around the house. Then there are all-inclusive policy options that cover both home systems and appliances, as well as additional items.
In addition to checking that a home warranty policy actually includes HVAC coverage, homeowners may also want to consider the full scope of coverage offered by a particular plan. Some individuals could be satisfied with a policy that exclusively covers home systems like heating and air conditioning, while others may need a home warranty policy with more extensive coverage terms.
Average Monthly Rate
Home warranty rates can vary quite a bit depending on the terms the customer selects. The length of the policy, the service fee, and any extra add-ons can all impact the total cost of coverage. With each company offering multiple policy options—each with their own base price point—it can be difficult for homeowners to accurately compare rates across different companies. It may be easier for homeowners who are starting out researching HVAC home warranties to look at the average monthly rate offered by each home warranty provider.
The average monthly rate can provide a sense of how expensive or affordable each company is before a homeowner digs into the specific costs of each policy and coverage options they offer. However, homeowners will want to note that they may be required to pay their premium on an annual rather than a monthly basis, so they’ll want to make sure they can afford to cover this payment.
Service Fee
Regardless of which home warranty company a homeowner chooses, they will need to pay a service fee when the time comes to submit a claim and schedule a repair. While every company charges technician fees, the exact cost of these fees can vary a bit. In some cases, warranty providers will give customers the option to select from a range of service-fee options, with lower fees often increasing the monthly or annual rate while higher fees bring those costs down. Other companies may charge a flat service fee for every policy no matter what terms a customer selects. Because this is an out-of-pocket expense that the customer will need to pay before any repairs are made, it’s worth taking into consideration when comparing the affordability of each policy.
Discounts
Many home warranty companies offer discounts to entice new customers and help policyholders lower the overall cost of their policy. These discounts can include lower rates for switching warranty providers and promo codes for new customers to apply to their purchase. It’s worth homeowners checking for any available discounts when comparing coverage costs of different policies and providers, as some of these offers could significantly reduce their monthly or annual rate.
Companies may also offer discounts on additional services that may not otherwise be covered with a home warranty. For example, policyholders may be able to receive discounted or even free HVAC services such as tune-ups or refrigerant refills. These offers may not necessarily lower the cost of the home warranty itself, but they can increase the value that the policy can provide.
Claims Process
Filing a claim on a home warranty will ideally be a straightforward experience, allowing homeowners to quickly and easily schedule any repair work they need completed. Online claims processes are very common with home warranties and, in some cases, may be the only way to submit a claim. This approach could be extremely convenient for some homeowners, while others may prefer the opportunity to speak to a live agent or representative over the phone so they can explain the issue in detail and ask any questions they have about the process.
If possible, it may be a good idea for a homeowner to check how the claims process works step by step. How are technicians selected, for instance? Does the company pick from a list of local contractors, or will policyholders have the option to choose one themselves? What kind of documentation is required when submitting a claim? These are all good questions for homeowners to think about beforehand so they can decide if a particular home warranty company is right for them.
Workmanship Guarantee
One concern that homeowners may have about a home warranty for HVAC coverage is the quality of work they will receive. That’s especially true if, as is common, their provider chooses a local contractor without the customer’s input. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to select a home warranty that offers a workmanship guarantee, which promises to send out another technician at no additional cost to fix any lingering issues that reappear after a covered repair has been completed.
These workmanship guarantees run for a select period of time, and those time frames can vary quite a bit from one company to another. Some guarantees may only last a month, while others could run the entire length of the home warranty policy. Any follow-up repairs scheduled past that point would require an additional service fee to be paid. Homeowners who want more peace of mind that they won’t be asked to pay out of pocket for extra technician fees may want to consider the length of each company’s workmanship guarantee.
Our Top Picks
Finding the best home warranty for HVAC replacement or repair may seem daunting at first, given all the options available to homeowners. When determining which providers may be best suited to cover HVAC maintenance and repair needs, we looked at home warranty companies that were widely available, relatively affordable, and capable of providing high-quality services.
Best Overall
American Home Shield
Why It Made the Cut: American Home Shield offers standard HVAC coverage with every policy, including coverage for geothermal air-conditioning systems, as well as unlimited coverage for any approved repair work.
American Home Shield may be a great option for many homeowners looking for an HVAC home warranty. Every policy, no matter which tier a customer chooses, comes with standard HVAC coverage. In addition, the company does not set a dollar limit on covered repairs, so policyholders don’t need to worry about a claim being denied because it’s too expensive.
American Home Shield home warranties also include coverage for geothermal air-conditioning systems, which makes it a solid choice for homeowners who have this type of system installed. With many home warranty providers, coverage for these specialized home systems is only available as an add-on, rather than as a standard inclusion as it is with American Home Shield, making it a notable feature.
Homeowners may want to be aware that the company’s workmanship guarantee is somewhat short for a home warranty, running for only 30 days. On the other hand, prospective customers may be pleased to hear that a home warranty with HVAC coverage will cost around $53 a month on average, which is relatively low for this type of policy. In addition, American Home Shield offers extra HVAC-related perks, including unlimited or discounted refrigerant refills for air-conditioning units and free or discounted HVAC tune-ups. Both of these services can help keep HVAC systems running properly so homeowners can avoid more serious problems that could require major repairs.
Specs
- Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Alaska)
- HVAC coverage amount: Unlimited ($1,500 for geothermal AC units)
- Average monthly rate: $53
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- HVAC coverage included with every policy
- Geothermal AC repairs coverage
- No coverage limit for standard HVAC repairs
- Relatively low $53 average monthly rate
- Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups
- Unlimited or discounted AC refrigerant refills
Cons
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Runner-Up
Liberty Home Guard
Why It Made the Cut: Liberty Home Guard could be a good choice for homeowners looking for a home warranty with HVAC coverage thanks to its low service-fee option, numerous add-ons, and user-friendly online quote tool.
Liberty Home Guard may leave a strong first impression with potential customers thanks to its easy-to-use—yet detailed—online quote process. Homeowners can customize their quote by picking from different add-on options and then see in real time how those inclusions will affect their home warranty rate. With this helpful tool, it’s easy for homeowners to put together an accurate quote that includes all the coverage they require. Those service add-ons are quite extensive as well, giving customers plenty of options to choose from as they build out their home warranty policy. Customers will want to be aware that Liberty Home Guard’s $2,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs is somewhat low, but they may be able to reduce any out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim by choosing the $60 minimum service fee. Liberty Home Guard also offers several payment options, including making monthly payments or paying for 1 to 5 years’ worth of coverage up front. With that level of flexibility, customers can choose to budget around monthly payments and lower their up-front costs or pay in full and receive a discount on the total cost of coverage.
Specs
- Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Washington or Wisconsin)
- HVAC coverage amount: $2,000
- Average monthly rate: $58
- Service fee: $60 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Relatively low $60 minimum service fee
- Wide variety of service add-ons
- Transparent and customizable quote process
- Flexible payment options
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 HVAC coverage limit
Best Customer Service
Choice Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut: Choice Home Warranty offers speedy response times on HVAC repair requests, a customer support line that never sleeps, and the option to waive waiting periods in some instances.
Homeowners looking for a home warranty provider with stellar customer support may find the right match with Choice Home Warranty. The company maintains a customer support line that’s open around the clock, no matter what day of the week or day of the year it is—even on holidays. Choice Home Warranty customers can enjoy some peace of mind knowing that they can reach an agent or representative whenever needed. Although the company’s flat $85 service fee means that customers do not have the option to adjust their technician fee at all, policyholders may find other aspects of the claims process to be very customer-friendly. Most notably, Choice Home Warranty notes that it will respond to a claim and start contacting technicians and contractors within 4 hours of submission. This way, repairs can be scheduled as quickly as possible so malfunctioning HVAC systems can be brought back to good working order without delay. New customers may also be able to avoid any coverage gaps by having the standard waiting period waived. This option is available to customers who have an existing home warranty and want to switch their provider to Choice Home Warranty.
Specs
- Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in California)
- HVAC coverage amount: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $55
- Service fee: $85
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor; 90 days parts
Pros
- Quick claim response within 4 hours of service request
- Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty
- 24/7 customer support line
Cons
- No service fee flexibility
Best Repair Guarantee
AFC Home Club
Why It Made the Cut: AFC Home Club may be a terrific option for homeowners who want to feel confident in the quality of their covered HVAC repairs, thanks to the company’s lengthy workmanship guarantee.
A home warranty is only as good as the quality of the repair work provided, which is why some homeowners value policies that offer long workmanship guarantees. To that end, AFC Home Club stands out among the best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage with its generous repair guarantee. All covered repairs are guaranteed for the duration of the customer’s policy, which can run for 1 to 3 years. If a problem persists after a repair is completed, homeowners can schedule additional technician appointments without paying more service fees. Those potential cost-saving opportunities may help offset the company’s somewhat high monthly rates—AFC Home Club customers can expect to pay $64, on average, for coverage. Exact rates will depend on the policy terms customers select, though, so they may wind up paying less in some scenarios.
Homeowners who prefer to handle ongoing HVAC maintenance needs on their own can also take advantage of AFC Home Club’s special discount pricing on parts and materials, saving money on DIY maintenance jobs. When the time comes to submit a repair request, customers may want to keep an eye on their coverage limit, which tops out at $2,000. Coverage limits aside, AFC Home Club gives policyholders the option to choose their own technician rather than use one selected by the company. This feature is somewhat uncommon for home warranties, and it may be appealing to homeowners who have an established relationship with a contractor they trust.
Specs
- Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in Hawaii)
- HVAC coverage amount: $2,000
- Average monthly rate: $64
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: Length of the plan
Pros
- Long 1- to 3-year workmanship guarantee
- Customer-selected contractor option
- Discounted HVAC system parts available
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 HVAC coverage limit
- Relatively high $64 average monthly rate
Also Consider
Select Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut: Select Home Warranty has a nationwide footprint, ever-changing promotional discounts, and free coverage offers, making it an appealing choice for many homeowners looking for HVAC coverage with their home warranty.
Select Home Warranty offers several benefits and perks that may appeal to homeowners looking for HVAC coverage with their home warranty. Most notably, HVAC home warranties from Select are available in every state in the country, as well as Washington, D.C., so homeowners can find this type of coverage no matter where they live. Although the company’s 30-day workmanship guarantee is somewhat short for a home warranty, Select offers plenty of opportunities for customers to reduce the overall cost of their policy. For instance, the company frequently runs promotions offering discounts to new customers, helping them save money on their home warranty policy. In addition, customers who choose to pay for an annual policy up front rather than schedule monthly payments can receive 2 months of free coverage.
Specs
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- HVAC coverage amount: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Claims process: Online, email
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Frequent promotional discounts
Cons
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Our Verdict
Best Overall goes to American Home Shield because it provides standard HVAC coverage with every policy, covers geothermal air-conditioning systems, and offers free or discounted tune-ups and refrigerant refills. We gave Runner-Up to Liberty Home Guard because of its relatively low service-fee options, seamless online quote process, and various service add-ons available.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC System Coverage
When deciding which home warranty companies offer the best HVAC services, we first looked at the availability of services from each provider. For instance, we considered whether or not HVAC coverage was included as part of each policy’s standard terms or if customers would need to purchase specific plans to protect their HVAC systems. We also weighed various cost factors, such as the average monthly rate of each company, technician fee ranges, and any available discounts or promotions that could impact the total cost of coverage.
Our research also covered different aspects of the claims process, including how customers are able to submit claims and schedule repairs. When reviewing how different companies handle claims, we took into consideration the workmanship guarantees attached to each policy and how the length of those guarantees might impact policyholders.
Before You Choose a Home Warranty Company for HVAC System Coverage
When deciding whether or not to purchase a home warranty with HVAC coverage, it’s important for a homeowner to read the fine print to see if there are any notable exclusions. Some companies may exclude older home systems from coverage, for example, and policyholders could have a claim denied for this reason. Another potential exclusion for homeowners to keep an eye out for is damage or performance issues caused by rust, corrosion, or poor maintenance. Such provisions could limit the usefulness of an HVAC home warranty if customers worry that these kinds of problems could occur.
Homeowners who have bought a new construction home or have recently upgraded their HVAC system may want to check if there is a manufacturer’s warranty in effect. Home warranty coverage could overlap with a manufacturer’s warranty in some cases, so it may be more cost-effective for the homeowner to stick with the existing unit warranty unless additional coverage is needed. In addition, HVAC systems may be covered for certain damages under an individual’s homeowners insurance policy (less the homeowner’s deductible). When comparing home warranty vs. homeowners insurance coverage, it’s important for homeowners to remember that insurance covers damage caused by covered events, while home warranties typically cover breakdowns and malfunctioning equipment.
The Cost of Getting a Policy from a Home Warranty Company for HVAC Coverage
Based on our research, the average monthly rate of the best home warranty for AC coverage and other home systems could range anywhere from $54 to $64. That being said, total costs will be determined by factors such as the size of the home, the type of policy selected, and the extra add-ons that are purchased. Homeowners may find that their HVAC warranty is more expensive or less expensive than the average rates that we came across.
Customers may also be able to lower the total cost of a home warranty by selecting a multiyear policy or choosing to pay for the entire plan up front rather than breaking their payments down into monthly installments. Home warranty companies often offer various discounts that can help lower coverage rates as well. Finally, it’s important for homeowners to remember that service fees can impact a customer’s out-of-pocket costs, as these fees will need to be paid when repair requests are submitted.
The Advantages of Getting a Home Warranty Policy for HVAC Coverage
Getting a home warranty to cover HVAC repairs can be a major source of relief for homeowners. The cost to repair heating and air-conditioning systems can be very high and without a home warranty to provide HVAC coverage, homeowners could wind up paying for those repairs entirely on their own. Home warranties can help homeowners shoulder those costs, potentially even footing the entire bill to fix or replace a broken HVAC system—minus the relatively small service fee. The best home warranty companies can offer plenty of benefits to appeal to homeowners across the country:
- High coverage limits—even no limits at all, in some cases—allowing homeowners to use their home warranty to pay for more expensive repair jobs;
- Standard coverage for specialized HVAC systems, such as geothermal air-conditioning systems; and
- Options for customers to select their own trusted contractor rather than hire a local technician chosen by the home warranty provider.
FAQs
Buying a home warranty with HVAC coverage may not seem like an easy purchase to make for homeowners who are unfamiliar with home warranty policies in general and coverage for HVAC systems in particular. Getting answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about home warranties with HVAC coverage can help build up that knowledge so individuals can feel more confident about their selection.
Many home warranties cover HVAC as part of at least one of their standard policy options. It’s not unusual for companies to offer a stand-alone plan that only covers home systems like HVAC systems alongside more extensive policies that include both home systems and appliances. With that in mind, warranty providers don’t typically offer HVAC coverage as an add-on. If homeowners come across one that does, then that plan may not be the best home warranty for AC replacement and repair.
In many cases, home warranty companies will have coverage limits that cap the amount of money they will spend on repairing or replacing covered home systems and appliances. Warranty providers may have specific coverage limits for HVAC systems—or even certain types of HVAC systems, such as geothermal heating units.
Some home warranty companies may make special allowances for emergency repairs on HVAC systems, working with the policyholder to schedule a technician appointment as soon as possible. That won’t always be the case, though, so it’s worth checking with a home warranty provider before an emergency strikes to understand what options are available. For homeowners who live in areas prone to potentially dangerous heat waves, the best home warranty for AC unit repair may be one that does offer emergency services.
Policies regarding pre-existing conditions vary across home warranty companies. Some will cover them, while others won’t. It’s also possible for home warranty policies to cover pre-existing HVAC issues under very select circumstances—they may cover issues that are not visible during an inspection, for instance.
Similar to pre-existing conditions, older HVAC systems may be covered under a home warranty, but it depends on the terms outlined in the policy. Some companies will not cover the cost of repairs for systems that are older than a certain amount of time, while others will cover HVAC systems no matter when they were originally installed. Policyholders with older homes may decide that the best AC home warranty is one that doesn’t exclude home systems based on their age.
