Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems (2023)
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. These repairs and replacements can be expensive, and homeowners insurance won’t cover them outside of a natural disaster or another catastrophic event.
While home warranties offer coverage for more than just HVAC systems, heating and cooling systems are often a homeowner’s primary concern. To learn how a home warranty can offset some or all repair or replacement costs and provide peace of mind, read our review on the best home warranties for HVAC systems.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems
Our team compared coverage options, consumer reviews, and service contracts before choosing our top providers. We also secret-shopped to understand how each provider handles customer service. Here are our recommended companies for HVAC coverage.
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
- America’s 1st Choice Home Club: Best for Customization
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems
Our top picks offer solid HVAC and home warranty coverage plans. We also considered HVAC coverage limits and plan and service call fee costs. The table below highlights each of these factors per provider:
The pricing data in the table above is a national average based on the 120 sample quotes we pulled. We used a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home for our quotes. Your monthly premium may vary based on your coverage and home size, type, and location.
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer RatingsIntroduction
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers solid HVAC system and home appliance coverage, a generous workmanship guarantee, and many additional coverage options. We like LHG because it covers two heating or central air conditioning systems within standard plans. Other providers offer extra unit coverage as an add-on.
Liberty Home Guard is the only provider on this list with coverage in all 50 states.
HVAC Coverage
Liberty Home Guard’s air conditioning coverage applies to ducted central and wall units up to a 5-ton capacity. Window and wall units without ducts aren’t covered. LHG also covers traditional heating systems, excluding solar and geothermal units, and leaks or breaks in the ductwork. The coverage cap per covered item is $2,000, higher than the industry average.
However, after reading LHG’s fine print, we discovered that the cap is lower in the first four months of your home warranty. During that period, LHG limits coverage to 60% of its depreciated value if a covered item needs replacing. After 120 days, this becomes 100% of the depreciated value, but this time limit resets every year of your contract.
The table below displays Liberty Home Guard’s coverage options per plan:
Plans and Pricing
Liberty Home Guard’s service call fee falls between $65 and $125. Our team spoke with a representative who said the company assigns your service call fee based on your plan, add-ons, and location. Note that you’ll need either the System Guard or Total Guard plan if you want HVAC coverage
Fill out the Liberty Home Guard quote form or call 866-452-9107 for your customizable quote.
Learn More: Liberty Home Guard Review
Liberty Home Guard’s service contract provides additional coverage information for each plan.
American Home Shield
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive CoverageIntroduction
American Home Shield (AHS) provides comprehensive coverage limits alongside flexible service call fees. It’s our top pick for HVAC coverage due to its $5,000 coverage cap for heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, it covers rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. Many providers exclude these coverage types from their plans.
American Home Shield offers coverage in all states except Alaska and Hawaii.
HVAC Coverage
American Home Shield doesn’t have a dollar limit on the covered components of air conditioners, other than geothermal units, which have a $1,500 limit. American Home Shield’s HVAC coverage limits exceed the industry standard of $1,500. It covers ducted central air conditioners, wall units, and mini-splits. AHS also covers plenums, dampers, and leaks or breaks in the ductwork. American Home Shield will pay up to $10 per pound for refrigerant collection.
American Home Shield provides a $5,000 coverage cap for heating systems and ductwork. The same $1,500 limit applies to geothermal units. Additionally, AHS includes a discounted annual HVAC tune-up service within its ShieldPlatinum plan.
The table below displays American Home Shield’s coverage options per plan:
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield does have a systems-only plan, but you can purchase ShieldGold™ or ShieldPlatinum™ to receive more coverage and additional benefits. When we pulled our quote from American Home Shield’s website, we found you can choose a $100 or $125 service fee. The higher service call fee results in a lower monthly premium.
Learn more: American Home Shield Review
You can review the American Home Shield’s sample contract for exact coverage details.
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty
Best ValueIntroduction
Select Home Warranty doesn’t offer the most comprehensive coverage, but its prices are low, and its HVAC coverage is good for the price. Select may be the right choice for you if you only need basic heating and cooling coverage.
Select Home Warranty covers all states except Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin.
HVAC Coverage
Select Home Warranty covers HVAC systems plus other major systems and appliances. It also covers central air conditioners with a capacity under 5 tons, including ductwork. Select limits all HVAC repairs and replacements to $3,000 per contract term, which is higher than the industry average of $1,500.
The drawback is that Select excludes wall, window, and portable AC units from coverage. It also excludes solar or geothermal heating system coverage, refrigerant recapture, and disposal.
Additionally, the $3,000 limit only applies to HVAC systems. It provides a much lower limit for other systems and appliances. However, given Select Home Warranty’s affordable prices, we consider the coverage to be of solid value.
The table below displays Select Home Warranty’s coverage options per plan:
Plans and Pricing
The Bronze Care plan covers appliances only, the Gold Care plan covers systems only, and the Platinum Care plan covers both, so you’ll need to purchase Gold or Platinum if you want HVAC coverage. Additionally, service fees range from $60-$75. A representative we spoke with stated that you can access a lower service call fee by signing up over the phone.
Fill out the Select Home Warranty quote form or call 888-370-3956 for your personalized quote.
Learn More: Select Home Warranty Review
Check out Select Home Warranty’s sample contract which outlines the terms and conditions of each coverage plan.
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
Best Appliance CoverageIntroduction
First American Home Warranty is another reputable provider that offers comprehensive HVAC coverage. First American provides an unlimited coverage cap for heating and cooling systems. The company stands out for its First American Upgrade package, which covers removal by crane fees.
First American covers up to 32 states. It excludes Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
HVAC Coverage
Although First American provides impressive coverage for heating systems, we discovered it excludes air conditioning protection in its Starter Plan. Other providers include air conditioning and heating system coverage within basic plans.
First American includes air conditioning protection in its Essential and Premium plans. Upon speaking with a representative, we found First American offers air conditioning as an add-on for those who choose the Starter Plan.
The table below displays First American Home Warranty’s coverage options per plan:
Plans and Pricing
First American’s Starter Plan and Essential Plan cover a mix of appliances and home systems. The Premium Plan includes everything listed in the Starter and Essential plans, plus coverage for luxury appliances, hot water dispensers, and more. While using First American’s online quote tool, we found that First American allows you to choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee.
Fill out the First American Home Warranty quote tool or call 800-891-9778 for your custom quote.
Learn More: First American Home Warranty Review
Check out First American Home Warranty’s sample contract for exact coverage details.
AFC Home Club
AFC Home Club
Best for CustomizationIntroduction
America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) earns its spot on this list due to its plan-length workmanship guarantee. It will send a technician to your home at no additional charge if an item malfunctions again after being repaired. AFC Home Club provides an unlimited coverage cap for HVAC systems.
AFC Home Club covers all states except for Hawaii.
HVAC Coverage
According to the sample contract we read, the company covers two air conditioning and heating units up to a 5-ton capacity. Covered items include compressors, condenser coils, defrost heating elements, electronic circuits, and thermostat controls. AFC Home Club provides a full list of covered components on its website.
It will also cover up to $25 per pound of refrigerant and up to 10 pounds per occurrence. We also found a clause in the sample contract stating that AFC Home Club will cover up to its prorated value if your system is over five years old. AFC Home Club prorates systems based on compatible HVAC units of the same age. Ductwork is covered up to $250 per plan term.
The table below displays AFC Home Club’s coverage options per plan:
Plans and Pricing
AFC Home Club offers four plan options, three of which cover built-in systems, including your heating, cooling, and ductwork. The Silver Plan covers appliances only. Like First American, you can choose a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee.
Fill out the AFC Home Club quote form or call 877-755-1115 for your free quote.
Learn More: AFC Home Club Review
AFC Home Club’s fine print gives more details if you want to learn more.
What To Look For in HVAC Home Warranties
As you compare home warranty plans, look for the following coverage terms before making a final selection:
- Coverage caps: Ensure the plan clearly outlines the coverage cap for your heating and cooling systems. The industry standard falls around $1,500, so look for coverage that meets or exceeds those limits.
- Maintenance requirements: Some companies’ terms require ongoing maintenance. Performing ongoing maintenance keeps your system running properly and reduces your chances of costly breakdowns.
- SEER rating: Check the coverage terms for Seasonal Effective Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating requirements. Some companies won’t cover systems with a SEER rating below 13.
- System Type: Ensure your warranty covers your specific HVAC system. Some plans cover central AC and heating systems but offer limited coverage for others. Some companies require a higher coverage plan or add-on option for adequate coverage. In addition, you’ll find more warranties covering central AC versus window units.
Average HVAC Costs Without Home Warranty Coverage
Based on our research, the average cost of an air conditioner repair is between $100 and $650.* The final price depends on your specific problem and your local cost of living. If the solution is as simple as replacing a capacitor or unclogging a drain line, the cost will likely be on the lower end. However, replacing a compressor or condenser coil can cost thousands of dollars. Other common issues may include refrigerant leaks, thermostat issues, or a faulty fan motor.
Furnace repairs cost between $131 and $477. Electric furnace repairs will be on the lower end of the scale, but gas furnaces are more complex and cost more to fix. Typical furnace repairs include a damaged motor belt, broken thermostat, or cracked heat exchanger.
Additionally, HVAC technicians often charge between $50 and $150 per hour for labor. If you need a new system, costs will rise to about $4,000 for a new furnace and $4,575 for a new central air conditioner before adding HVAC installation cost.
*Data sourced from InterNACHI, HomeGuide, and The Home Depot
Benefits of an HVAC Home Warranty
Although home warranties don’t cover every type of breakdown, they cover simple wear and tear that builds up over an HVAC system’s lifetime. According to an InterNACHI report, air conditioning systems generally last between seven and 15 years. Furnaces have a slightly longer life span, ranging from 15–25 years. HVAC coverage helps reduce the financial burden of maintaining older systems.
Pretend you own a 13-year-old furnace. The system is near its average life expectancy, meaning you may experience frequent breakdowns. Since the cost to replace a furnace can be as much as $9,200, a home warranty can save you thousands. Most home warranty providers don’t put age limits on items they cover, so as long as you’ve done regular maintenance on your older system, it will still be eligible for coverage.
A home warranty covers other systems and appliances around your home, giving you more than just HVAC protection. However, a home warranty may be less valuable if you just purchased a new HVAC system or if it is a few years old.
Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
| 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 |
Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a company’s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your home’s size, type, and location.
Our Conclusion
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners with multiple heating or cooling units and its 60-day workmanship guarantee. American Home Shield offers comprehensive coverage limits for heating and cooling systems and flexible service fees. Select Home Warranty is worth considering if you need affordable HVAC protection. We recommend getting quotes from several of these companies before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain my HVAC system?
There are several things you can do to maintain your HVAC system:
- Change your air filters regularly (about every three months).
- Check your outside unit frequently and remove any obstructions and debris.
- Clean metal fins of the condenser unit roughly every four months.
Taking these steps will ensure your HVAC system lasts and reduce the chance of a claim denial
What does the SEER rating of my HVAC system mean?
The SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, determines if your HVAC system is energy-efficient. The typical HVAC SEER rating for newer systems falls between 13 and 23. Older systems have between an eight and 10 rating.
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 cannot choose your own HVAC contractor unless your home warranty provider has no in-network providers near you. Some providers, such as America’s First Choice Home Club, allow you to use your preferred HVAC provider.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
-
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
-
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using the Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
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- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options to choose your technician.
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- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
