When you live in Texas, the hot summers can weigh on your air conditioner or other systems and appliances. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, your home’s HVAC system only has seven to 15 years of life expectancy. When it breaks down, repairing your AC—and other necessary home systems items—can be expensive. In fact, when we surveyed 1,000 homeowners, 35% said they’d paid more than $1,000 for a single home repair.
A home warranty can protect you from unexpected breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear and the associated repair expenses. The This Old House Reviews Team evaluated dozens of home warranty companies nationwide and selected the top five providers available in Texas.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas
Below, we compare our top home warranty companies based on key factors. Monthly costs represent quotes we pulled from each provider during our secret-shop process.
According to the quotes we pulled for a 1,950 square-foot, single-family home in Dallas, the average cost of a home warranty in Texas is $57 monthly or $679 annually. The average service call fees fall between $75 and $125 per claim.
The pricing information mentioned throughout the article is based on the quotes we received for this home. Your pricing may vary based on your home’s location, size, and type and your plan selections.
Texas’ Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
These are the highest-rated Texas home warranty companies:
- 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
- AFC Home Club: Best for Customization
A Texas home warranty covers your most common home appliances and systems when they malfunction, a high possibility given the state’s excessive heat and humidity. Below are five home warranty companies that provide comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances, offer competitive service fees, and demonstrate excellent customer service.
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is our top provider due to coverage variety and solid customer service. It provides a 24/7 live-chat feature that connects you to a representative within seconds. LHG also covers two air conditioning units, whereas most providers cover one per service contract. In addition to solid coverage, LHG provides discounts to select appliance purchases.
Pros and Cons
✔ Guarantees workmanship on repairs for 60 days
✔ Holds an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on multiple review sites
✔ Offers 38 unique add-on coverage options
✘ Lacks transparency about service call fees in the quote process
✘ Provides vague explanations in its sample contract
Plans and Pricing
Liberty Home Guard offers three coverage plans: the Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. It provides a $2,000 coverage limit per covered system and appliance. Add-on coverage limits vary.
Liberty Home Guard pairs your plan with a service call fee ranging from $65 to $125 per claim. A representative explained that your service fee depends on your home’s location, size, and type, plus your plan and add-on choices.
Here is an overview of LHG’s plan coverage options:
- Appliance Guard ($49 per month): This plan covers nine major appliances, such as clothes washers, clothes dryers, refrigerators with ice and water dispensers, built-in microwave ovens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ranges/ovens/cooktops, ceiling and exhaust fans, and garage-door openers.
- Systems Guard ($54 per month): This plan covers six major systems, including air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and water heaters.
- Total Home Guard ($60 per month): This plan protects all appliances and systems and the other two plans
Liberty Home Guard’s add-on prices vary. For example, stand-alone freezer coverage costs an extra $6 per month, while pool and spa coverage costs $20 per month.
Here is a list of LHG’s additional coverage options include the following:
- Additional spa
- Carpet cleaning
- Casita guest unit
- Central vacuum
- Ejector pump
- Electronics protection
- Freestanding ice maker
- Generator
- Grinder pump
- Gutter cleaning
- In-fridge ice maker
- Instant hot water dispenser
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Lighting fixtures
- Limited roof-leak
- Pest control
- Plumbing fixtures
- Pool and spa
- Pro-series clothes dryer
- Pro-series dishwasher
- Pro-series microwave
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop
- Pro-series refrigerator
- Pro-series washing machines
- Re-key services
- Reverse osmosis water filter system
- Saltwater pool
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system pumping
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Swamp cooler
- Trash compactor
- Water dispenser water line
- Water softener
- Well pump
- Window washing/cleaning
- Wine cooler/fridge
Fill out the Liberty Home Guard quote form or call 866-452-9107 for your free quote.
Learn more: Liberty Home Guard review
American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) is another great choice for Texans who need comprehensive air conditioning and home appliance coverage. It offers generous coverage limits for major systems, appliances, and items with preexisting conditions. For example, if your air conditioning leaked refrigerant in the past but is in working order when you purchase a plan, AHS will not deny coverage.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides coverage for rust, corrosion, and sediment damage
✔ Allows customers to customize coverage via three plans and two service call fees
✔ Includes $1,500 roof-leak coverage in its ShieldPlatinum plan
✘ Doesn’t let customers choose their own service providers
✘ Offers a limited selection of add-on coverage options
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield offers three plans and two service call fees. It allows you to choose either a $100 or $125 option, which can raise or lower your monthly premium.
ShieldSilver covers essential home systems, ShieldGold provides systems and appliance coverage, and ShieldPlatinum offers comprehensive systems and appliance coverage. The ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans include a $3,000 coverage cap per covered system and appliance. ShieldPlatinum doubles its coverage limit to $6,000 per covered item.
Here’s an overview of American Home Shield’s plans:
- ShieldSilver ($29–$40 per month): This plan covers air conditioning, heating units, ductwork, built-in exhaust, vent, and attic fans, main breaker and fuse panel box, doorbells and chimes, interior electrical lines, ceiling fans, garage-door openers, interior plumbing lines, toilets, faucets and valves, whirlpool tub motor and components, and water heaters.
- ShieldGold ($49–$70 per month): This plan covers all items in the ShieldSilver plan plus refrigerators, ranges/cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, washers, and dryers.
- ShieldPlatinum ($79–$90 per month): This plan covers all items in the ShieldGold plan, plus $1,500 for roof-leak repairs, code violations, HVAC tune-up, and refrigerant recapture.
American Home Shield’s add-on coverage options vary in price. Larger, more complex items tend to cost more. For instance, guest unit protection costs an additional $33 per month, while septic pump coverage costs $6 per month.
Here is a list of American Home Shield’s optional add-ons:
- Electronic extended warranties
- Guest units
- Pools and spas
- Septic pumps
- Well pumps
Call 844-529-9298 or fill out American Home Shield’s quote form for your customized quote.
Learn more: American Home Shield review
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty offers the most budget-friendly home protection of our recommended providers. Alongside affordable plans, Select provides solid air conditioning and heating system coverage. That said, Select limits appliance and select system coverage caps. It is still worth considering if you are on a tight budget or want affordable air conditioning protection.
Pros and Cons
✔ Charges less than $50 per month for its most comprehensive plan
✔ Includes $400 roof-leak protection in each plan
✔ Prices add-ons lower than other providers
✘ Provides a low $500 coverage cap for all appliances, electrical and plumbing systems, and water heaters
✘ Doesn’t cover some items such as doorbells, re-key, or smoke detectors
✘ Has poor review scores on sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot
Plans and Pricing
Select Home Warranty has three home warranty coverage plans: Gold, Bronze, and Platinum. The Gold plan covers systems, while the Bronze plan covers appliances. The Platinum plan is the most comprehensive plan, covering both systems and appliances. Select pairs each plan with a $75 service call fee, which is lower than most providers on this list. Our team discovered that Select offers a $60 service call fee for those who sign up over the phone.
Select provides a high $3,000 coverage cap for cooling and heating systems. However, Select reduces its coverage limit to $500 for appliances, ductwork, electrical and plumbing systems, and water heaters.
Here is an overview of Select’s coverage options:
- Bronze Care ($44 per month): This plan covers your cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, stove/oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer.
- Gold Care ($44 per month): This plan covers your air conditioning/cooling, ductwork, electrical system, heating system, plumbing system, and water heater.
- Platinum Care ($48 per month): This plan covers your air conditioning/cooling, ductwork, electrical system, heating system, plumbing system, water heater, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, stove/oven, clothes washer, clothes dryer, garage-door openers, and plumbing stoppages.
Select charges lower fees for its add-on coverage options than other providers. For example, Select charges just $9 extra per month for pool coverage. However, these lower fees translate to lower coverage limits. Select has a $400 coverage cap per add-on.
Here is a list of Select’s add-on coverage options
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof leak (free)
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Call Select Home Warranty at 888-370-3956 or fill out Select Home Warranty’s quote form to receive a free personalized quote.
Learn more: Select Home Warranty review
First American Home Warranty
Similar to American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty is another home warranty company providing comprehensive coverage. It stands out for its high coverage limits, numerous service call fee options, and coverage upgrade that’s available with its more comprehensive plans. That said, First American excludes air conditioning coverage in its base plan.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides an unlimited coverage cap for cooling, heating, or ductwork systems
✔ Covers improperly installed appliances and systems in the Essential and Premium plans
✔ Protects working home systems and appliances regardless of age
✘ Charges slightly higher monthly premiums compared to other providers
✘ Excludes air conditioning coverage from the Starter Plan
Plans and Pricing
First American Home Warranty has three home warranty plans: Starter, Essential. and Premium. Plans start at $47 per month and the service fee ranges from $75–$125 per service request. If you choose a higher service fee, your monthly premium will be lower (and vice versa).
First American offers a $3,500 coverage cap per covered appliance in its Starter and Essential plans. Its Premium Plan doubles appliance coverage limits to $7,000. First American only includes air conditioning coverage in its Essential and Premium plans. Starter Plan customers must purchase air conditioning coverage as an add-on.
As a bonus, First American bundles the First American Advantage upgrade with its Essential and Premium offerings. This upgrade covers miscellaneous item components, such as knobs, dials, and appliance door hinges, plus code violation fees.
Here’s a look at what’s covered in each First American plan:
- Starter Plan ($47–$62 per month): This plan covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical systems, heating systems, kitchen range hoods, ovens/cooktops, plumbing systems, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks/bowls/mechanisms.
- Essential Plan ($57–$72 per month): This plan covers all items in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers, clothes dryers, the First American Advantage add-on, garage door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters.
- Premium Plan ($72–$87 per month): This plan covers all items in the Essential Plan plus central vacuum systems, faucets, full garage door systems, garbage disposals, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliance coverage, shower head/shower arms, and window air conditioning units.
Add-on pricing may vary. For example, First American charges an extra $8 monthly for water softener coverage. Larger items, such as limited roof-leak coverage, may cost more.
First American add-on coverage is available for the following items:
- Additional refrigeration
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- HVAC tune-ups
- Limited roof-leak coverage
- Pool and spa equipment
- Septic system and pumping coverage
- Water softeners
- Well pumps
Learn more: First American Home Warranty review
AFC Home Club
America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is our final recommendation for Texas residents. It offers an unlimited coverage cap for air conditioning and heating systems. Additionally, AFC Home Club provides a plan-length workmanship guarantee per completed repair for added peace of mind.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides flexible coverage via four plans and three service call fees
✔ Allows you to choose any licensed and insured technician to complete repairs
✔ Includes additional benefits, such as credit monitoring and discounts on home security, with each plan purchase
✘ Limits coverage caps for certain home systems
✘ Only offers plumbing stoppage coverage in its Platinum Plan
Plans and Pricing
AFC Home Club offers four plans. The Silver Plan covers major appliance, while the Systems Plan covers home systems. The Gold Plan combines system and appliance coverage. The Platinum Plan adds coverage for built-in microwaves, faucets, ice makers, and more.
AFC Home Club allows you to choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. The higher your service call fee, the lower your monthly premium.
In addition, AFC Home Club provides a $3,000 coverage cap per covered appliance. System coverage limits vary, however. For instance, AFC Home Club grants a $1,000 coverage limit for water heaters, while it limits ductwork repairs to $500. We recommend reading its sample contract to understand contract terms, exclusions, and limitations.
Here is a coverage overview for AFC Home Club’s plans:
- Silver Plan ($39–$45 per month): This plan covers your clothes dryer, clothes washer, refrigerator, oven/range/cooktop/stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage-door opener.
- Systems Plan ($47–$53 per month): This plan covers your water heater, air conditioning, ductwork, heating system, electrical system, and plumbing system.
- Gold Plan ($59–$65 per month): This plan covers your water heater, air conditioning, heating system, electrical system, plumbing system, clothes dryer, clothes washer, refrigerator, oven/range/cooktop/stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage-door opener.
- Platinum Plan ($51–$56 per month): This plan covers all items and systems included with the Gold Plan, plus built-in microwaves, ceiling and exhaust fans, faucets, ice makers, and plumbing stoppages.
AFC Home Club also offers affordably priced add-ons. For instance, well pump coverage costs less than $5. Note that AFC Home Club has varied coverage caps per add-on.
Here is a list of optional coverage options offered by AFC Home Club:
- Built-in microwave
- Central vacuum
- Double oven
- Hot water dispenser
- Ice maker
- In-ground pool and spa
- Roof-leak repair
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Fill out America’s First Choice Home Club quote form or call 877-755-1115 for a free quote.
Learn more: AFC Home Club review
How Are Texas Home Warranties Regulated?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) regulates home warranty companies in the state. The TDLR requires providers to send in reports demonstrating financial soundness routinely. In addition, providers must keep a record of all consumer claims, which the TDLR audits annually.
In addition to government regulation, industry associations, such as the Service Contract Industry Council, regulate home warranties.
To avoid signing up with an unreputable provider, Timothy Meenan, the managing shareholder at Meenan Regulatory and Legislative Attorneys Law Firm, recommends a quick company search to see if your state licensed the provider. The TDLR provides a business license database on its website.
If you believe your provider is neglecting its contractual obligations, you may file a complaint with the TDLR.
Our Conclusion
A home warranty offers peace of mind that your essential home systems and appliances will be covered if they fail from normal wear and tear. Our team believes a home warranty is a good investment for those who want financial protection when an unexpected breakdown happens.
We recommend getting quotes from all of the Texas home warranty providers in this review to compare service contracts and pricing and find the best plan that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Home Warranties
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.