Best Home Warranty for HVAC

HVAC repairs are often costly, and a replacement can cost thousands of dollars. Getting your unit back up and running when it breaks down is a priority that may cause you financial worry.

A solution that can help keep HVAC repair and replacement costs affordable is to invest in a home warranty that covers HVAC systems. While a home warranty does come with monthly or annual premiums and service fees and may not cover 100% of your HVAC repair needs, it will provide some affordable peace of mind by helping you with the expense of getting your system fixed or replaced.

Here’s our list of the best home warranty companies for HVAC systems to help you choose a plan that meets your needs and budget.

Our Top Picks for the Best Home Warranties for HVAC Systems

• Select Home Warranty: Best for Lower Service Fees
• American Home Shield: Best for Customer Service
• Choice Home Warranty: Best for Emergency Services
• AFC Home Club: Best for 24/7 Service
• Cinch Home Services: Best for Supplemental Insurance
• Liberty Home Guard: Best for High Coverage Limits
• Home Service Club: Best for Quick Air Conditioning Coverage

Why we chose this company: Select Home Warranty has one low service fee regardless of the plan premium. Other companies typically require an increased premium for such a low service fee.

Select has two HVAC coverage plans: Gold Care and Platinum Care. Gold Care only covers your home’s built-in systems, while Platinum Care covers systems and most major appliances. The monthly cost is $60 to $65 without any discounts, but discounts can bring the price down to $45 to $48. Those who pay an annual premium of $630 to $675 can get two months free added to their 12-month plan. However, discounts may bring the annual plan down by $100 to $200. Regardless of your chosen plan, the service call fee is $75.

Select Home Warranty covers the primary floor central air conditioning unit, all parts of the heating system necessary to function and all ducts from the heating and/or cooling unit to the point of attachment. Select’s exclusions include crushed or improperly sized ductwork, window, wall and portable air conditioning units, geothermal systems, solar heating systems and Freon leaks and/or damage.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• Gold Care ($44.42/mo.* or $629.99/year*): Air conditioning and heating system and ductwork in addition to plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters and roof coverage.
• Platinum Care: ($47.75/mo.* 674.99/year*): Same built-in systems as the Gold Care plan, plus 12 major appliances and roof coverage.
• Service Fee: $75
• HVAC Coverage Cap: Coverage is capped at $3,000 for those who can show maintenance records going back three years. Otherwise, payouts may be capped at only $150.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: American Home Shield is the largest home warranty service provider in the country, with more than 50 years of experience. It provides coverage of many types of breakdowns that other companies don’t and may be one of the best home warranty companies for HVAC if you have an older system.

American Home Shield has three plans that offer HVAC coverage: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. Each allows for a customizable service fee of $75, $100, or $125. The lower the service fee, the higher a plan’s premiums will be, but this allows you to pick a plan that will best fit into your monthly budget. Besides getting lower premiums for a higher service fee, AHS doesn’t have many discounts. AHS’s monthly costs range from $30 to $100, depending on the plan and service fee.

AHS has one of the most comprehensive warranties regarding HVAC coverage and might be the best home warranty for HVAC replacement of our picks. Air conditioning coverage includes everything from ducted central electric split and package units to mini-splits and wall air conditioners. Heating coverage includes wall-mounted heaters, forced air heating units, floor furnaces, electric baseboard heat and more. AHS even covers geothermal units, which many companies don’t, and almost every part of your ductwork. AHS’s few exclusions include window air conditioning, portable heating, and grain, pellet or wood heating units.

Those with ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans receive $10 per pound for refrigerant and an optional $75 annual HVAC tune-up. If you get the ShieldPlatinum plan, you receive a free yearly HVAC tune-up and unlimited refrigerant. All plans offer air filter discounts starting at $5.25.

According to AHS, members don’t need maintenance records for coverage, no system is too old to be covered, and it will never deny coverage because of the total cost. Other coverage includes improper installations and repairs caused by insufficient maintenance.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• ShieldSilver ($29.99 – $49.99/mo.*): Includes air conditioners, heating units, ductwork and 16 other home systems components.
• ShieldGold ($49.99 – $69.99/mo.*): Includes everything covered by ShieldSilver, plus 10 kitchen and laundry appliances.
• ShieldPlatinum ($79.99 – $99.99/mo.*): Includes everything covered by ShieldGold, unlimited A/C refrigerant, free HVAC tune-up, coverage for code violations and permits and roof leak repairs.
• Service Fee: $75, $100, $125
• HVAC Coverage Cap: American has no cap for covered parts of ducted central electric split and package units, wall air conditioners, or mini-splits. Geothermal A/C systems are capped at $1,500.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: Choice Home Warranty is known for quick response times. After receiving a claim, it contacts a service provider within four hours of the claim filing. The claim center is open 24/7, every day of the year.

When you file a claim with Choice Home Warranty, you can expect that it will contact a technician within four hours of you filing a claim. While it can take up to 48 hours for a technician to accept the service request, CHW does get the ball rolling much faster than most other companies, making it a good home warranty for HVAC units that need frequent repairs.

CHW only offers one plan with HVAC coverage, the Total Plan, for a reasonable $58 per month, and it does provide a slight discount to new customers. Those who opt for an annual plan get a free month of coverage added to their yearly plan. CHW’s Total Plan covers air conditioning, heating and ductwork, along with all other home systems and most appliances.

Choice’s HVAC coverage includes all components and parts of the following systems: ducted, central, electric, split and package units, forced air (gas, electric, oil), geothermal, wall-mounted units, mini-splits, heat pumps, floor furnace, hot water or steam circulating heat and electric baseboard. It covers ducts that aren’t collapsed or clogged.

Plan, pricing and coverage:

• Total Plan ($57.50/mo.* or $659.35/year*)
• Service Fee: $85
• HVAC Coverage Cap: $3,000 per item per 12-month period

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: AFC Home Club touts its fast, convenient service and allows you to use your own licensed, insured technician, which can sometimes make the repair process even faster. It has a 24/7 service center with an in-house team to handle claims.

AFC offers 24/7 claim acceptance, access to its in-house service team and the ability to use an AFC network contractor or a licensed contractor of your choice. AFC’s dedication to round-the-clock service and its lifetime parts and labor guarantee (for anyone maintaining their coverage) make it a standout pick as an HVAC home warranty with a faster claims process.

AFC has three plans — Systems, Gold Plan and Platinum Plan — with affordable premiums and customizable service fees. Choosing a higher service fee can bring monthly premiums down to $45 to $47, depending on the plan. Selecting an annual plan will save you even more. But if you can afford a three-year plan, you can save another 10%. AFC guarantees rate coverage for five years, so you don’t have to worry about annual price increases.

For HVAC coverage, you must show proof of annual maintenance by a licensed technician who doesn’t require or suggest repairs. AFC covers many of the same HVAC components as other companies, but its exclusion list appears longer than most. AFC does cover all standard ductwork except for improperly sized or crushed ductwork. AFC’s many exclusions might not make it the best home warranty for a heating system.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• Systems ($45.25 – $50.08/mo.* or $485 – $543/year*): Air conditioning, heating system, and ductwork in addition to electrical and plumbing systems and water heater.
• Gold Plan ($52.50 – $57.33/mo.* or $572 – $630/year*): Everything covered by the Systems plan plus 12 appliances and home systems
• Platinum Plan ($47.33 – $62.17/mo.* or $630 – $588/year*): Everything covered by the Gold Plan, plus fans, built-in microwave, ice maker and plumbing stoppages.
• Service Fee: $75, $100, or $125.
• HVAC Coverage Cap: As long as maintenance documentation is provided each year that shows no suggested or required repairs, all parts and components listed in the service contract are covered, except for a $150 cap on ductwork.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: Cinch Home Service provides a benefit not offered by any of our other picks: up to a $500 once-per-year reimbursement for a homeowners insurance claim deductible. This makes Cinch’s plan a good one for people looking to supplement their homeowners insurance coverage.

Cinch Home Services offers two plans with HVAC coverage: the Built-In Systems plan and the Complete Home plan. Both have customizable service fees of $100, $125 and $150, which are higher than the service fees charged by other companies. However, Cinch plans cover items that other plans typically provide as add-ons, so if you want a very inclusive home warranty plan that also covers HVAC systems, Cinch could still help you save. Depending on the plan and service fee, plan pricing ranges from $32.99 to $51.99. Cinch doesn’t offer many discounts, not even for purchasing an annual plan. However, each plan does come with a $50 rebate on energy-efficient, green products and a $25 credit on the purchase of air conditioner or water filters.

Cinch covers all components and parts of most HVAC units and covers most ductwork with few exceptions. Unlike some companies, Cinch’s home warranty for HVAC covers two units per agreement, malfunctions caused by rust or corrosion and unknown pre-existing conditions.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• Built-in Systems ($32.99 – $44.99/mo.*): Covers air conditioning, heating system, ductwork, and 17 other systems and appliances.
• Complete Home ($39.99 – $51.99/mo.*): Includes all systems and appliances covered by the Built-In Systems plan and reimburses up to $500 on any homeowners insurance deductible during the year.
• Service Fee: $100, $125 or $150.
• HVAC Coverage Cap: Cinch only caps some HVAC repairs or replacements at $1,500, such as those for geothermal and water source heat pumps, cable heating systems and a few others.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: Liberty Home Guard caps coverage at $2,000 for most home systems and major appliances, including HVAC repairs and replacement. Some other HVAC warranty companies don’t provide such high across-the-board coverage limits.

Liberty Home Guard is a relatively new home warranty company that’s been in business for about five years. Per its sample service contract, most systems and appliances are covered up to $2,000, providing they are properly maintained and don’t have any pre-existing conditions.

Two Liberty plans provide HVAC coverage: the $55 per month Systems Guard plan and the $60 per month Total Home Guard plan. You can get free months by purchasing an annual or multi-year plan. You can get two months free with a one-year plan and up to six months free with a five-year plan. You can also find discount coupons on the website for as much as $200.

Liberty covers two units per agreement for ducted electric central air conditioning units, electric wall units, electric window units or ductless mini splits. It also covers all mechanical parts and components necessary for the heating system’s operation. However, the Liberty sample contract includes a long list of HVAC exclusions that you should review before purchasing its home AC warranty.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• Systems Guard ($54.99/mo.*): Covers air conditioning system, heating, ductwork, plumbing system, electrical system, water heater.
• Total Home Guard ($59.99/mo.*): Covers air conditioning system, heating, ductwork and all other major home systems and appliances.
• Service Fee: $90 per Liberty Home Guard’s sample contract.
• HVAC Coverage Cap: $2,000 per Liberty Home Guard’s sample contract.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Why we chose this company: Positive reviews on the BBB site revolve around the Home Service Club‘s quick claims process and knowledgeable technicians.

You can file a claim online at any time of day. Per HSC’s sample contract, it will contact a technician within 12 hours of receiving your claim during regular business hours and within 48 hours on weekends. However, it will make reasonable efforts to arrange emergency services when applicable.

HSC has two plans for homeowners who need heating and air conditioner home warranty coverage. Standard Coverage costs about $56 per month but doesn’t include ductwork. Comprehensive Coverage does include ductwork for $69 per month. HSC offers a 10% discount for new policies and a free month if you purchase an annual plan.

HSC covers pre-existing conditions, doesn’t deny claims due to the age of the item and doesn’t require maintenance records or a home inspection for a plan with AC home warranty coverage. Its list of inclusions and exclusions is extensive and detailed for HVAC coverage. Consider reviewing it thoroughly before purchasing a plan.

Plans, pricing and coverage:

• Standard Coverage ($56.35/mo.*): Covers air conditioning system, heating and 16 other systems and appliances.
• Comprehensive Coverage ($68.75/mo.*): Covers air conditioning system, heating, ductwork and 16 other systems and appliances.
• Service Fee: Not disclosed on site
• HVAC Coverage Cap: $2,000 on eligible air conditioning and heating repairs and $600 on ductwork.

*Current quoted prices are valid for a home in Florida as of October 2022. Prices may vary by state.

Other Companies We Considered

We evaluated HVAC home warranty companies based on price, customer service, discounts and coverages offered. Though the following companies aren’t included in the top picks for any category, they do have competitive offerings.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

One perk of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is its Service Fee Guarantee. If you file a claim that’s not eligible for service, HBW refunds the fee. Some may find this one of the best AC warranty benefits. Also, if a component that’s already been repaired fails, you’ll be reimbursed for the subsequent service fee.

HBW has been in business for 39 years. It has a B rating and is accredited with BBB, so it has a track record of good customer service. It has competitive premiums and offers attractive discounts for new policyholders.

ServicePlus Home Warranty

ServicePlus Home Warranty is a newer home warranty company that offers a competitive service fee and premiums. It also provides several discounts, including $200 off, two months free and discounts for purchasing annual plans. You will need the Platinum Plan for HVAC coverage. ServicePlus Home Warranty has a standard response time of two to four business days, depending on when the claim is filed. Despite the competitive pricing, it doesn’t have a BBB rating and recently settled a lawsuit for alleged deceptive marketing practices.

Landmark Home Warranty

Landmark Home Warranty does business in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah. It’s been in business for 17 years. It has a BBB rating of B, although it’s not accredited. Landmark attempts to assign a contractor within 24 hours of receiving a claim.

Landmark’s HVAC coverage is limited to $500, and service fees range from $70 to $100. However, per Landmark’s website, a Home Systems plan only costs $35 per month, and a Total Protection plan costs $55, which is less than what many other warranty companies charge.

What Does a Home Warranty for HVAC Cover?

HVAC coverage will vary by company and sometimes by plan, but you can expect the following general coverage from most warranty companies and plans.

Extensive repair

A good home warranty covers all parts necessary for the proper operation of air conditioning and heating units. Most warranty contracts outline the specific parts that are and aren’t covered for any unit. Standard covered units include:

• Ducted central electric split air conditioning systems
• Package units
• Wall air conditioners
• Mini-splits
• Forced air systems
• Floor furnaces
• Wall-mounted heaters
• Electric baseboard systems

Ductwork coverage

Most plans cover standard ductwork associated with the home’s heating and cooling system, including all ducts from the heating and/or cooling unit to the attachment point. But many home warranty plans exclude coverage for improperly sized, crushed or water-damaged ductwork.

Add-on options

Some warranty companies have HVAC add-ons that provide additional coverage. For instance, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has an add-on plan offering unlimited refrigerants, repairs due to improper installation or repair, and additional coverage limits. Other companies have add-ons for discounted annual maintenance services.

What Isn’t Covered With My HVAC Home Warranty?

All HVAC coverage warranties have exclusions, although some have more than others. The following is a quick overview of some of the standard exclusions for most policies.

Pre-existing conditions

Most warranty companies don’t cover known pre-existing conditions, although some do cover unknown pre-existing conditions. Some require a home inspection or maintenance records to determine the existence of pre-existing conditions as of the date coverage begins. Additionally, some companies won’t cover any needed or suggested repairs discovered during annual maintenance.

Wear and tear

Wear and tear occurs with any HVAC system. But it’s important to get annual maintenance of your home’s heating and cooling systems because if wear and tear results from neglect, it typically won’t be covered. Keep records if you need to provide proof of regular maintenance to your warranty provider.

Improper installation

Most warranty companies won’t cover you if your HVAC unit wasn’t correctly installed — although some do with a premium plan. If you’re unsure whether your unit was installed properly, consider getting an inspection before investing in a warranty.

How To File a Claim With Your Warranty Provider

Knowing how the claims process works and what you can expect if you need an HVAC repair is essential. While each company has a slightly different claims process, you will follow three basic steps for most.

Review your warranty coverage

Refer to your warranty contract to determine what is and isn’t covered by your home warranty and how repairs or replacements are handled. Most contracts cover in detail what the policy includes and any exceptions, how to file a claim for a repair or replacement, and payment policies.

Schedule a service visit

As soon as you detect a problem, contact your warranty company. Some won’t cover issues not reported within one day of discovery. Most allow you to file a claim by phone during business hours and online any time of day. Unless your provider allows you to choose your own technician, most will contact a technician within two to four days of receiving your claim to schedule a service visit.

Don’t forget about service fees and potential expenses

You’ll have to pay your service fee to the technician at the service visit. Depending on your provider and coverage, you also may be responsible for other charges, such as repair costs that exceed your coverage cap, costs for an emergency service call or expenses for repairs not explicitly covered by your warranty.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

Our methodology focused on five factors for choosing the best home warranties for HVAC: industry reputation, waiting periods, customer satisfaction, coverage maximums and annual cost. We considered criteria such as price, discounts offered, coverages offered and customer service to determine which companies best met our top pick categories.

Industry reputation

We looked to the Better Business Bureau to determine the reputation of each company. We considered the types of complaints filed by customers, how complaints were handled and whether any company has faced or is currently facing any consumer-related lawsuits.

Waiting periods

Most home warranty companies impose a waiting period before you can file a claim on a system or appliance. We determined that none of our picks had lengthy waiting periods of several months before accepting a claim.

Customer satisfaction

We looked at BBB customer reviews, both positive and negative, to determine customer satisfaction.

Coverage maximums

Every home warranty contract will outline coverage limits for the items it covers. We looked specifically at coverage limits for HVAC systems.

Annual costs

We requested quotes whenever plan prices weren’t disclosed on a company’s site using the same Bradenton, Florida address. We also considered all discounts and plan service fees.

Don’t Waste Time and Money on Repairs That You Can Get Covered

A home warranty isn’t a good buy for every homeowner, but it can help homeowners cover unexpected repairs. A home warranty company’s extensive contractor network can also save you a lot of time by finding a dependable and knowledgeable technician to provide your repair service.

The best home warranty for HVAC is the one that fits within your budget but provides the most coverage for your specific needs. When comparing home warranties, consider coverage limits and exclusions as carefully as monthly premiums and service fees.