We picked American Home Shield as the best home warranty for HVACs because it offers high coverage limits for heating and cooling systems, as well as protection for pre-existing conditions. First American Home Warranty also earned a spot on our list for its comprehensive HVAC coverage and annual tune-up add-on, a valuable perk if you’re looking to extend the life of your systems.
A home warranty with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coverage can provide protection against repairs or replacements if your system fails unexpectedly—especially during summer or winter. To help you make an informed decision, we looked into 13 leading home warranty companies, spoke with real homeowners, and surveyed policyholders nationwide to find the best options based on coverage, pricing, and customer experiences.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield tops our list as the best home warranty company for HVAC coverage because it offers up to $5,000 for most repairs and covers systems with preexisting conditions.
- In our 2026 survey of home warranty customers nationwide, 27% of homeowners ranked air conditioning (AC) as their top coverage priority, followed by 25% for heating.
- When choosing a home warranty provider for HVAC coverage, it’s important to compare exactly what components the plan covers, system coverage limits, and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems
After reviewing home warranty providers nationwide, we chose these four companies as the best options for your HVAC system:
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Coverage
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
The table below compares our top home warranty picks for HVAC coverage based on our star ratings, average monthly costs, and service call fee rates. While the plan cost is what you pay monthly to keep coverage active, a service is what you owe each time you use your plan.
| Provider | Our Score | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Call Fee | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | B+ | ||
$57–$68 | $65–$125 | NR | ||
$60–$68 | $100 | B |
Our Reviews of the Best HVAC Home Warranty Companies
When looking for the best home warranty for HVACs, we prioritized companies that offer generous protection for related repairs and replacements. We also considered monthly costs and HVAC coverage limits, which together can help homeowners determine a plan’s value. Below is a detailed overview of our top picks.
American Home Shield
Coverage Overview
- Covers up to $5,000 for HVAC repairs and replacements
- Has a nationwide network of vetted service technicians to handle system repairs
- Offers two service call fee options that can help you customize your monthly premium
Keep in Mind
- Excludes coverage for window or portable air conditioner units
- Only includes unlimited refrigerant collection coverage with its most expensive plan
Our Review
American Home Shield is our top home warranty pick for HVAC systems because of the company’s comprehensive systems coverage. American Home Shield offers up to $5,000 in protection for most HVAC repairs, though it caps geothermal systems at $1,500 per contract term. Only First American Home Warranty tops these limits with its unlimited HVAC coverage.
Another feature that sets American Home Shield apart is that it covers systems with preexisting conditions—something you don’t usually find in home warranties. Plus, the highest-tier ShieldPlatinum plan provides a discount for HVAC tune-ups. However, this plan has one of the highest premiums among the providers we’ve reviewed. Additionally, the company’s 30-day repair guarantee may not work for homeowners with older HVAC units that could break down repeatedly.
Plan Details and Cost
American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Each plan covers HVAC systems, and the ShieldPlatinum plan adds benefits for annual HVAC tune-ups. Here’s a pricing and plan breakdown:
- ShieldSilver ($36 per month): The lowest plan covers home systems, such as air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Note that this plan doesn’t cover major appliances or garage door openers.
- ShieldGold ($50 per month): The next plan protects 23 systems and appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ranges, water heaters, and garage door openers. Each appliance has a coverage limit of $2,000 per claim.
- ShieldPlatinum ($100 per month): The highest plan tier includes all ShieldGold coverage plus benefits such as yearly HVAC tuneups and roof-leak repair protection. It also doubles the appliance coverage limit to $4,000.
American Home Shield plans provide extensive coverage for most internal components of covered systems and appliances. You can read an American Home Shield sample contract for a comprehensive understanding of plan details.
American Home Shield only offers six add-on options:
- Electronics Protection Plan
- Guest units (under 750 square feet)
- Pool and built-in spa
- Roof-leak repair (included in the ShieldPlatinum plan)
- Septic pump
- Well pump
First American Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Offers a coverage upgrade that includes cosmetic damage for appliances and systems
- Provides unlimited coverage caps for air conditioning and heating systems
- Sells coverage for annual HVAC tune-ups as an add-on
Keep in Mind
- Only covers window AC units and refrigerant costs in its most expensive plan
- Excludes air conditioner coverage from its basic plan
Our Review
First American Home Warranty is the only provider we reviewed that offers unlimited caps for most of its HVAC coverage, whereas other companies set specific limits on these systems. The company also offers optional add-ons for related services like annual HVAC tuneups, which can help reduce breakdowns by keeping your system in working shape.
However, First American Home Warranty has some drawbacks regarding its HVAC coverage. The Starter Plan only covers heating, so you must add the central air conditioner add-on or upgrade to a pricier plan for this protection. Other companies we’ve reviewed include both heating and cooling in their basic plans. Also, like American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty caps geothermal system coverage at $1,500 per claim.
Plan Details and Cost
First American Home Warranty offers three home protection plans, with each covering a mix of home appliances and systems. All three coverage plans include heating and cooling system coverage. The Starter Plan, however, excludes air conditioning. Below is a pricing and coverage overview of the company’s plans:
- Starter Plan ($77 per month): The Starter Plan covers some systems and appliances, such as furnaces, but excludes air conditioners, water heaters, and laundry units. You must purchase the cooling system add-on if you wish to cover your full HVAC system with this plan.
- Essential Plan ($100 per month): The Essential Plan covers additional appliances and systems, including washers and dryers, and air conditioning.
- Premium Plan ($130 per month): The highest-tier plan provides everything in the Starter and Essential plans, plus higher limits for appliances and coverage for ductwork and roof leaks.
First American Home Warranty offers two service call fees: $100 or $125. The First American sample contract outlines coverage payouts for major systems and appliances. The provider offers an unlimited coverage cap for your HVAC system. While the company has better HVAC coverage than American Home Shield, we placed American Home Shield ahead of First American Home Warranty because it’s available in 48 U.S. states. First American only services 36 U.S. states.
First American Home Warranty offers several add-on coverage options, including the following:
- Additional refrigerators
- HVAC tuneups
- Pool and spa equipment
- Roof leaks (included with the Premium Plan)
- Septic system
- Water softener
- Well pump
Liberty Home Guard
Coverage Overview
- Covers up to two cooling units in its standard plan
- Includes protection for portable and window air conditioning units
- Provides a 365-day guarantee for all covered repairs
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t provide information on its service call fee until after you sign up for coverage
- Only pays up to $2,000 for HVAC repairs, which is one of the lower payouts in our review
Our Review
Liberty Home Guard is another recommendation for HVAC coverage because unlike most other providers, the company will cover two air conditioning units under its Systems Guard plan. This plan makes the most sense for homeowners who use separate cooling systems throughout their homes. The company also covers portable and window units, which is rare on lower tier plans. Or if you want whole-home protection, you can get HVAC coverage under Liberty’s comprehensive Total Home Guard plan.
It’s important to note that HVAC coverage maxes out at $2,000 with Liberty Home Guard, which is lower than limits offered by other providers. Liberty Home Guard also doesn’t cover several essential system components like evaporator coils, which other providers include. So, if you’ve got extensive HVAC concerns, you might want to compare other options.
Plan Details and Cost
Liberty Home Guard offers an appliance-only, systems-only, and combination plan. The Systems Guard and Total Home Guard plans cover HVAC systems, but the Appliance Guard plan does not. When you sign up, the company will provide you with a service call fee that ranges from $65–$125 per claim.
Below is a plan and cost overview for Liberty Home Guard:
- Appliance Guard ($57 per month): Appliance Guard covers nine appliances, including clothes washers, dryers, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, and garage door openers.
- Systems Guard ($63 per month): Systems Guard covers six major systems, including heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Total Home Guard ($68 per month): Total Home Guard combines the Appliance and Systems Guard plans for comprehensive coverage.
As mentioned above, Liberty Home Guard provides a $2,000 coverage cap for heating and cooling repairs. Although this isn’t the highest payout in our review, the company offers full nationwide coverage and over 30 optional add-ons. Read more about Liberty Home Guard’s coverage details in its sample contract.
Below is a sample of the 41 add-ons Liberty Home Guard offers:
- Central vacuum
- Freestanding ice maker
- In-fridge ice maker
- Limited roof leak
- Sump pump
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Charges less for its comprehensive plans with HVAC coverage than other providers we’ve reviewed
- Has a smartphone app for easy claims submissions
- Offers $3,000 coverage caps for HVAC systems, which is more than Liberty Home Guard
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t include coverage options for AC refrigerant, maintenance, or window units
- Excludes air conditioning coverage from its lowest plan
Our Review
Choice Home Warranty is our final recommendation for homeowners who need affordable home warranty coverage without sacrificing HVAC protection. The company’s highest coverage tier, the Total Plan, offers up to $3,000 in protection for heating, cooling, and ductwork for individual air conditioning units. At $60–$68 per month, Choice’s coverage is slightly cheaper than many competitors, making it a solid option for homeowners who want to cover basic systems and appliances without overspending.
However, Choice Home Warranty’s low cost comes with some trade-offs. The company doesn’t cover certain items, like refrigerant, window units, and damper motors. Plus, you won’t find extra perks like annual HVAC maintenance or higher coverage limits.
Plan Details and Cost
Choice Home Warranty only offers two plans, and each one covers a mix of home appliances and systems. The company also only charges a $100 service call fee each time you file a claim. Note that Choice’s Basic Plan doesn’t cover air conditioning. You must purchase its top-tier plans for this coverage.
Below is a plan and cost overview of Choice’s plans:
- Basic Plan ($60 per month): The Basic Plan covers 14 major appliances and home systems, such as heating, plumbing, water heaters, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.
- Total Plan ($68 per month): The Total Plan covers all items in the Basic Plan, including air conditioning, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers.
Choice Home Warranty offers a $3,000 coverage limit for each covered item, unless otherwise noted in its sample contract. Unlike Liberty Home Guard, Choice offers only nine optional add-ons.
Below is a sample of the add-ons Choice offers:
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Septic tank pumping
- Well pump
Which Parts of Your HVAC Does a Home Warranty Cover?
Home warranties generally cover HVAC systems that break from normal wear and tear, but covered parts can vary widely between providers. Commonly covered HVAC parts include:
- Air conditioning systems (permanent and/or window units)
- Ductwork
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Refrigerant recharging
- Registers and grills
- Thermostats
Reading a residential service contract before buying can help you understand what parts of your HVAC system a plan does and doesn’t cover. For example, while many plans cover ductwork, companies may exclude certain problems like breaks, leaks, or collapsed sections.
Comparing HVAC Coverage By Provider
The table below compares our top-rated home warranty providers based on the HVAC coverage included in their most comprehensive plans.
| HVAC Coverage | American Home Shield | First American Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent AC units (central, wall, and mini-split) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Window or portable AC units | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| Furnaces | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heat pumps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Thermostats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerant recharging | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Registers and grills | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Multiple cooling or heating units | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| HVAC annual maintenance | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
How Much Does a Home Warranty for HVACs Cost?
A home warranty costs $56 per month for a plan with HVAC coverage but can range between $47–$82, depending on the provider and the policy specifics.
Some companies, like Liberty Home Guard, offer more budget plans that only cover systems, including your HVAC, whereas other companies include this protection in combination plans alongside appliances. For the most comprehensive protection, you’ll likely have to buy a more expensive higher-tier plan. If you also buy optional HVAC add-ons, such as annual system tune-ups, your price will increase.
Can a Home Warranty Save You Money on HVAC Repairs?
Buying a home warranty can save you money on unexpected system repairs, especially considering HVAC work can end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. In the event of an HVAC breakdown, your home warranty company will first find you a contractor. If the repair is covered by your plan and within the coverage limits, you’ll only need to pay a fixed service fee, which usually ranges from $65–$125.
The chart below shows what you could expect to pay for different HVAC issues without a home warranty plan.
| HVAC Issue | Average Repair or Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Controller repair | $517–$655 |
| Duct line repair | $588–$718 |
| Thermostat repair | $245–$297 |
| Gas furnace replacement | $3,081–$3,666 |
| Air conditioner replacement | $7,449–$8,845 |
Reading the Fine Print of Your HVAC Coverage Plan
Most home warranty plans with HVAC protection include specific exclusions and limitations that can affect your system’s coverage. Here’s a list of common situations and damages not typically covered by HVAC home warranties:
- Weather damage: Systems damaged by severe weather events, like storms or tornadoes, won’t receive coverage under a home warranty plan. You would need homeowners insurance for this type of coverage.
- Personal heating, cooling, humidity, and air regulators: Most home warranty plans don’t cover personal heating and cooling devices, like a space heater. Other exclusions include humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and electronic air cleaners.
- Poor maintenance: If you don’t keep your HVAC system in good shape, your warranty might not cover repairs. Some companies may even ask for past maintenance records, and if they find neglect, they could deny your claim.
- Preexisting conditions or damage: This includes any issues that existed before your home warranty coverage began. In our 2026 survey, 29% of homeowners who had a denied claim nationwide cited preexisting conditions as the reason. Only certain home warranty companies, including American Home Shield, offer this protection.
Preventive HVAC Maintenance and Warranty Eligibility
Many home warranty companies expect you to maintain your HVAC system regularly to keep it running smoothly and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Skipping routine checkups or ignoring minor issues can lead to costly repairs and if you have a home warranty, can result in denied claims. Staying on top of HVAC maintenance not only protects your warranty coverage but also helps your system last longer and saves you money.
Here’s a list of simple tips to help you maintain your HVAC system and your home warranty coverage:
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines: Schedule yearly checkups and address minor issues promptly to prevent bigger problems with your system later on.
- Keep up with routine tasks: You can likely tackle small jobs, like swapping air filters, on your own. We recommend using a licensed technician for bigger repairs to keep your warranty valid.
- Review plan requirements: Check what types of maintenance your warranty specifically requires, like inspections or professional servicing.
- Save service records: Keep receipts from tune-ups, filter changes, and any other necessary repairs. Most home warranty companies will require proof that you’re properly caring for your system during claims processing.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
When reviewing HVAC protection in a home warranty plan, it’s important to first check the coverage caps closely. These limits typically fall around $2,000 on average, but can vary between providers. We recommend choosing a plan that meets or exceeds the replacement value of your unit to make sure you have enough protection.
Keep an eye on Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating requirements, too. Some home warranty companies won’t cover systems with a SEER rating below 13, which can become an issue for owners of older units that aren’t as energy-efficient. Make sure the home warranty plan you choose fits your specific HVAC system—most plans cover central air and heating, but some might limit coverage for different types, like window units or ductless systems.
Fast, reliable service after a system breakdown is also important, especially if you’re without heat in winter or need cooling on a hot summer day. Verify each home warranty company you’re considering has technicians available in your area, and consider plans that offer quick dispatch, flexible scheduling, and helpful customer support. This way, HVAC problems get resolved quickly, and minor issues don’t turn into costly repairs because you had to wait too long for service.
Survey Insights from Homeowners Nationwide
In 2026, we surveyed 2,000 homeowners with home warranties to gain insights into their coverage priorities and customer service and claims experiences. Here’s what we found:
- Most important coverage: Air conditioning (27%) and heating (25%) were the top systems our survey respondents protected with a home warranty. Refrigerators (51%) and ovens, ranges, and cooktops (23%) were the most popular appliances.
- Most popular providers: Nearly half (41%) of our survey respondents signed up for American Home Shield. Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty were the second and third most popular choices.
- Claims experiences: Over 49% of respondents filed a major systems claim, while 40% filed an appliance claim. Almost every survey respondent (90%) got their claim approved, with nearly 50% saying their claim took one week or less to get resolved.
- Overall satisfaction: The majority of our survey respondents reported being either satisfied (48%) or very satisfied (35%) with their current home warranty plan. Plus, nearly 46% reported being very satisfied with the outcome of their most recent claim.
Regional HVAC Warranty Considerations
Your location can impact the best type of HVAC warranty for your home since different climates can create different coverage needs. Choosing a plan that fits your region can help ensure you have the right home warranty protection when it matters most.
- Northeast: This area sees long, cold winters with snow and freezing temperatures, making heating and furnace coverage essential. According to our 2026 home warranty survey, 33% of respondents in the Northeast bought plans that included heating or furnace protection.
- Midwest: As another region that experiences harsh winters, heating coverage is a top priority in these states. Over 42% of survey respondents in the Midwest prioritized heating or furnace coverage in their plans.
- South: Long, hot, and humid summers make air conditioning crucial for comfort and safety in the South. About 36% of surveyed homeowners in this region chose plans that included cooling coverage.
- West: The West has a more varied climate, ranging from dry deserts to cooler coastal areas, but air conditioning is essential for many homeowners during the hot months. Our survey found that 37% of homeowners in the West included cooling protection in their home warranty plans.
Advice From Real Homeowners
No homeowner wants to deal with HVAC issues, but having a plan for when your system breaks down can save you time and money. We spoke with Sonia C., a North Carolina homeowner who has experienced issues with her HVAC system.
Sonia, who doesn’t own a home warranty, opted to replace the 15-year-old system in her Raleigh, North Carolina, home after being quoted more than $8,000 for repairs. She made the decision less than a year after paying to replace a blower motor.
“I wish I’d had a home warranty because it would have covered the cost,” Sonia said. “It was a very sudden, unexpected expense that I wasn’t prepared for at all because I had just repaired it the year before. [Your air conditioner] is something you need, especially in North Carolina. If your house is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can’t function.”
Homeowner Tip
- “Always have your HVAC inspected at the end of the season because that’s when it’s going to be the easiest to schedule maintenance,” says Callie M., who owns a home in Wilmington, Delaware. “We scheduled our heater maintenance in April, and the company completed it the last week of September.”
Real Experiences Filing HVAC Warranty Claims
To learn more about how HVAC warranty coverage actually works, members of our team purchased plans and tested the claims process firsthand. One member of our team, Julie F., bought coverage with Choice Home Warranty and filed a claim when her air conditioner stopped working. Julie used the company’s online portal to file the claim, which took her around five minutes to complete.
Choice Home Warranty arranged for a technician to come to Julie’s home and diagnose the issue two weeks later. The technician determined that a disconnected reader was the cause of the problem and completed repairs on the same day. The problem was resolved in just one visit, making for a mostly satisfying experience.
FAQs About Home Warranties for Your HVAC
Do home warranty companies cover furnaces?
Yes, many home warranty providers offer furnace coverage in their base plans. However, it’s important to note that each provider offers different coverage limits for furnace systems. We recommend checking your provider’s service contract for the extent of coverage.
Is a home warranty worth it for an HVAC system?
A home warranty is worth considering to protect your HVAC system from an unexpected breakdown. HVAC systems run for many hours at a time, depending on where you live, and can become more likely to break down from wear and tear. A home warranty can help reduce the financial stress of paying for an expensive HVAC repair.
Will a home warranty cover a 20-year-old HVAC system?
Yes, nearly all home warranty providers cover HVAC systems older than 20 years old. That said, companies tend to add extra limitations on older systems, such as reduced repair payouts or lower workmanship guarantees. Still, a home warranty will save you money compared to purchasing a new HVAC system.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers for HVACs
Our team developed a detailed rating methodology to score each home warranty company and provide homeowners with transparent and helpful information. Our aim is give you the resources you need to make an informed decision on all aspects of your home ownership.
To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to learn more about their experiences. We’ve also signed up for home warranty plans with 11 leading providers over a two-year span to directly experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves. When evaluating home warranty companies based on their HVAC coverages, we focused on the following factors:
- HVAC coverage caps: When choosing a home warranty, it’s important to select a plan with adequate limits to reduce or eliminate expected repair and replacement costs. We selected home warranty providers that offer a minimum of $2,300 in coverage for heating and cooling systems, which we found is the median coverage offered by many providers. Companies that met or exceeded this limit received higher points. We didn’t consider home warranty providers that offer caps below $2,000 for this review.
- Important item inclusions: The best HVAC coverage protects the most important parts of your system. We checked for key items, including AC units, ductwork, furnaces, heat pumps, and other key system components and services. We left out companies that offer limited protection or exclude these essential items.
- Additional HVAC-related services or benefits: Companies received higher scores for providing additional HVAC-related services or add-ons. Some examples include add-ons for annual HVAC maintenance or discounts on air filters. These added benefits can help extend your HVAC coverage and cost savings.
- Customer experience: Our team gained firsthand experience by submitting home warranty claims for HVAC repairs and replacements. This experience helped us learn more about the claim process and evaluate the responsiveness of different providers.
