Home Warranty Blog and Resources

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are important for keeping indoor spaces comfortable. They help control temperature, humidity, and air quality in homes, offices, and factories. HVAC systems provide warmth in winter, cool air in summer, and proper ventilation all year, which improves health and productivity. Modern HVAC technology is more energy-efficient, lowering costs and environmental impact. However, HVAC systems can be costly to repair or replace, making a home warranty a smart investment. Home warranties for HVAC systems help protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs, extend the system’s lifespan, and ensure you stay comfortable.   Our picks for the best home warranty companies for HVAC are: Choice Home Warranty: Best for Affordable Basic Coverage American Home Shield (AHS): Best for Coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions First American Home Warranty: Best for High HVAC Coverage Limits Liberty Home Guard: Best for Multiple AC Systems Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Plans Do Home Warranties Cover HVAC Systems? Yes, many home warranty providers offer coverage for HVAC systems, but typically only with higher-tier plan options. Some providers also offer optional add-ons to enhance the protection of a plan.  Home warranties for HVAC can help protect homeowners from costly repairs due to breakdowns or malfunctions. However, coverage differs between providers, so it's important to thoroughly review the warranty terms before buying. Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems 1. Choice Home Warranty Best for Affordable Basic Coverage Choice Home Warranty is a budget-friendly option that provides comprehensive HVAC coverage as part of its Total Plan but also offers coverage for heating and ductwork in its Basic Plan. The company offers 24/7 customer support and a large network of service professionals to ensure quick repairs. However, coverage is not available for refrigerant, window units, portable units, grills, or registers. Plan Cost and HVAC Coverage Details: Choice Home Warranty offers two primary plans: Basic Plan: Approx. $46 per month. Includes coverage for heating and ductwork. Total Plan: Approx. $57 per month. Covers heating, air conditioning, and ductwork. Service Fee: $100 per claim. State Availability: Services are available in 48 states, excluding California and Washington. Coverage Caps: Coverage limits can reach up to $3,000 per covered item. Choice Home Warranty Get A Quote 2. American Home Shield (AHS) Best for Coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions American Home Shield offers coverage on unknown pre-existing conditions, making it a great choice for homeowners with older HVAC systems. AHS has customizable plans, allowing customers to select specific coverage for their needs. The company also provides higher coverage limits for HVAC repairs and replacements compared to many competitors. Plan Cost and HVAC Coverage Details: AHS offers three plans: ShieldSilver: Starting at $20 per month. Covers heating, air conditioning, and ductwork. ShieldGold: Starting at $40 per month. Covers heating, air conditioning, and ductwork. ShieldPlatinum: Starting at $70 per month. Covers heating, air conditioning, and ductwork. Includes a free annual HVAC tune-up and unlimited AC refrigerant. Service Fee: Customers can choose between $100 or $125 per service call. State Availability: Available in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Plans with HVAC Coverage: All three plans—ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum—include HVAC system coverage. Coverage Caps: Up to $5,000 per covered HVAC system.   American Home Shield Get A Quote 3. First American Home Warranty Best for High HVAC Coverage Limits First American Home Warranty offers some of the highest coverage limits for HVAC repairs, making it a strong choice for homeowners with expensive or new HVAC systems. Plan Cost and HVAC Coverage Details: First American offers three plans: Starter Plan: Approx. $48 per month on average. Covers heating and ductwork. Essential Plan: Approx. $60 per month on average. Covers heating, ductwork, and air conditioning systems. Premium Plan: Approx. $80 per month on average. Covers heating, ductwork, air conditioning systems, window units, and additional HVAC components. Includes two seasonal HVAC tune-ups. Service Fee: $100 or $125 per service call. State Availability: Available in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Coverage is NOT available in the following states: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. Coverage Caps: No limit for covered HVAC systems First American Home Warranty Get A Quote   4. Liberty Home Guard Best for Multiple AC Systems Liberty Home Guard is one of the most flexible home warranty providers, offering add-on coverage for multiple air conditioning systems — ideal for larger homes or properties with multiple HVAC units. The company also has high customer satisfaction ratings, thanks to fast claim processing and excellent customer service. Plan Cost and HVAC Coverage Details: Liberty offers three main plans: Appliance Guard: Starting at $50 per month. No HVAC coverage. System Guard: Starting at $55 per month. Covers two AC systems, heating, and ductwork. Includes coverage for heating system parts, registers, and grills. Total Home Guard: Starting at $60 per month. Covers two AC systems, heating, and ductwork. Includes coverage for heating system parts, registers, and grills. Service Fee: Typically ranges from $60 to $125 per claim. State Availability: Services are available in 48 states. Plans with HVAC Coverage: HVAC coverage is available on the System Guard and Total Home Guard plans. Coverage Caps: $2,000 per covered system. Liberty Home Guard Get A Quote 5. Elite Home Warranty Best for Flexible Plans Elite Home Warranty offers some of the most customizable plans, allowing homeowners to choose which HVAC components they want covered and to what level. However, they have various coverage limitations, so make sure to review your service contract carefully. Plan Cost and HVAC Coverage Details: Elite offers three standard plans: Elite Appliances: Starting at $45 per month. No HVAC coverage. Elite Systems: Starting at $50 per month. Covers heating, ductwork, and air conditioning. Elite Complete: Starting at $60 per month. Covers heating, ductwork, and air conditioning. Service Fee: $70 per service call. State Availability: Available in 48 states. Plans with HVAC Coverage: The Elite Systems and Elite Complete plans offer HVAC coverage. Add-ons are also available for greater coverage. Coverage Caps: Up to $5,000 per covered system under standard plan limits. Optional add-ons can be purchased to increase the coverage limit. Elite Home Warranty Get A Quote Cost of a Home Warranty for HVAC On average, a home warranty costs between $35 and $80 per month. The cost varies depending on factors like the company, your location, any add-ons you choose, and your plan tier. Additionally, service fees apply for most companies, typically between $60 and $100 per claim. How to Choose the Right Home Warranty for Your HVAC System Choosing the right home warranty for your HVAC system is important. Not all home warranties provide the same coverage; they differ in terms, costs, and service quality. To avoid surprise costs and keep your heating and cooling system running well, consider key factors like coverage details, cost, customer service, and policy limits. Here are the most important points to think about when selecting an HVAC home warranty. 1. Assess Your HVAC System   Look at the age, condition, and maintenance history of your HVAC system. Many home warranty providers don’t cover existing problems or poorly maintained systems. Make sure your HVAC unit is in good shape to avoid problems with claims. Older systems may have different coverage limits or need extra checks for warranty protection. 2. Compare Plans and Coverage Not all home warranty plans offer full HVAC coverage. Some might cover only heating or only cooling. When comparing plans, consider:   Coverage for major parts like the furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, ductwork, and ventilation.   Exclusions and limits, like restrictions on refrigerant replacement or ductwork repairs.   Whether the warranty covers parts and labor or just some repair costs.   A systems-only plan can save money if you only want HVAC coverage. A full home warranty may offer better value by covering appliances too. 3. Look at Service Fees and Coverage Limits Home warranties usually charge a service fee for each claim, typically between $60 and $125 per visit. Some plans also have coverage limits, meaning the provider will only pay a set amount for HVAC repairs each year. Consider:   The maximum amount the provider pays for HVAC repairs.   Any limits per claim or annual caps.   If the service fee makes sense compared to repair costs.   Choosing a plan with a higher coverage cap helps you avoid high out-of-pocket costs. 4. Check Reviews and Company Reputation A home warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Read customer reviews to learn about real experiences, including:   Claim approval rates: Does the company approve most claims, or do many customers report issues?   Response times: How fast does the company send technicians for repairs?   Quality of service: Does the company hire qualified HVAC technicians?   Look at review sites like BestCompany.com, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check a provider’s reliability before signing. 5. Understand Contract Terms and Cancellation Policies Before you choose a home warranty, read the fine print. Many homeowners are surprised by exclusions, waiting times, and service limits. Key things to check include:   Waiting periods: Some warranties have a 30-day wait before coverage starts.   Cancellation terms: Are there penalties for canceling your plan early? Some companies offer partial refunds, while others have cancellation fees.   Renewal policies: Does the company automatically renew your contract, and can you opt out easily? 6. Look for Extra Benefits Some home warranty companies offer additional perks that can make your plan more valuable, such as:   Seasonal HVAC tune-ups to keep your system running well.  Discounts on energy-efficient HVAC upgrades or repairs.   Transferable warranties if you sell your home, which can attract buyers. 7. Get Quotes and Compare Prices Affordability is important, but the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Request quotes from several providers and compare what you get for the price. Consider:   Monthly or yearly premiums.   Service visit fees.   Coverage limits for HVAC repairs.   Extra costs for add-on coverage, like geothermal heating and cooling systems.   By evaluating these factors, you can find a home warranty plan that offers reliable HVAC coverage, reduces surprise costs, and keeps your home comfortable throughout the year. The Bottom Line A home warranty for HVAC systems gives homeowners peace of mind, financial protection, and convenience. Companies like Choice Home Warranty, American Home Shield, and First American offer different plans to meet various needs and budgets. Before choosing a warranty, compare providers, check what is not covered, and think about your HVAC system's needs. Investing in the right home warranty helps keep your home comfortable and can prevent costly surprises later on. Frequently Asked Questions Is an HVAC home warranty worth it? An HVAC home warranty can be worth it. Maintaining HVAC systems can get expensive, and a home warranty can help offset those repair and replacement costs. Do home warranties cover pre-existing HVAC issues? Some do, but policies vary. Always check terms before purchasing. Can I get coverage for an older HVAC system? Many providers cover systems regardless of age, but some providers have lower coverage limits for systems over a certain age. What’s the typical service fee for an HVAC repair? Usually between $60 and $125 per claim.