5 Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems (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 13 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
What are the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC?
We selected the top five companies above after evaluating 13 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.
Monthly Cost
Service Fees
Customer Support Options
Response Time
Pros
- Extensive add-on catalog
- 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Accessible customer support
- High coverage caps
- Preexisting coverage included
- Bonus discounts on maintenance services
- Low-cost plan options
- High HVAC coverage
- Free roof leak protection
- Unlimited system coverage
- Solid add-on catalog
- Optional upgrade for preexisting condition coverage
- Excellent plan flexibility
- Technician flexibility
- Unlimited HVAC coverage
Cons
- Reviews mention low claim payouts
- Low coverage caps for electrical and plumbing
- Higher costs for comprehensive coverage
- Smallest add-on catalog
- Low coverage caps for other items
- No service call fee flexibility
- No AC coverage in the lowest plan
- Excludes essential appliances from its lowest plan
- Depreciation policy for older items
- Immediate claim submission required
Summary
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations.
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes.
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage.
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances.
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems.
Promotions
Rating Categories
Coverage
Value
Trustworthiness
Plan Transparency
Customer Support
Flexibility
Company | Star Rating | Monthly Cost for HVAC* | Service Fee | HVAC Coverage Caps | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$49–$59 | $65–$125 | $2,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
$39–$99 | $100–$125 | $1,500–$5,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
$44–$47 | $60–$75 | $3,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
$47–$87 | $75–$125 | $1,500–unlimited | VISIT SITE | ||
$34–$92 | $75–$125 | Unlimited ($80 for thermostats) | VISIT SITE |
*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
We reviewed 13 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
Best HVAC Home Warranty Providers Reviewed
Below is a detailed overview of our top home warranty providers for HVAC coverage.
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.
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:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- 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.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average 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.
Find Home Warranty Pros in Your State
Related Resources
We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.
More on Home Systems
Related to Home Appliances
- Appliance Extended Warranties
- Best Refrigerator Warranty
- Best Home Warranty for High-End Appliances
- Home Appliance Insurance
- Home Depot Extended Warranty
- Sears Appliance Warranty
Related to Home Warranties
- What Is a Home Warranty?
- Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
- Residential Service Contract
- Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
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