Do Home Warranties Cover HVAC?

It’s the middle of July when the unthinkable happens: your home’s air conditioning system sputters to a halt. Thankfully, you had the forethought to purchase a home warranty to supplement your existing home insurance policy. But do home warranties cover HVAC? 

Thankfully, most home warranties do cover the cost of servicing, repairing, and replacing HVAC components. Here’s what you need to know about your home’s heating and cooling systems.

What Are the Different Components of Your Home’s HVAC System?

First, can you name the many components of your home’s HVAC system? Knowing the parts that make up the whole will help you better understand your coverage needs and what parts might need to be replaced in the event of an HVAC failure.

Furnace

Your furnace can use either combustible fuel or electrical resistance to generate heat, making it the most critical component of your home’s heating system.

Outdoor AC Unit

Your external air conditioning unit is itself composed of your condenser coil, compressor, and evaporator unit, all housed in the air handler. These components work together to remove heat from indoor air before recirculating it back into your home.

Ductwork, Vents, and Registers

In order for your air to circulate, you’ll need a system of ductwork and vents. Debris in your duct system can cause inconsistent heating or cooling throughout your home and can also affect your indoor air quality.

Air Filters

Air filters are designed to trap dust, debris, and allergens before they enter your home’s primary living area. This can be a great help to allergy sufferers, as well as those with upper respiratory issues.

Thermostat

The master thermostat controls the temperature of your home. Many modern thermostats offer “smart” features and Wi-Fi capabilities for added efficiency. Problems in your thermostat can result in high utility bills and affect the performance of your HVAC system.

What’s Covered Under Home Warranty?

Do home warranties cover HVAC components? Generally, yes — though check with your warranty provider to determine exactly what the policy covers. Here are some of the common components included in a home warranty.

Home Warranty HVAC Coverage for Heating

Do home warranties cover heaters? Yes. A home warranty can cover the cost of service, repair, or replacement of your home’s heating components. This includes items such as the: 

• Furnace 
• Blower motors
• Heat pumps 
• Ductwork used to distribute heat throughout your home 

However, this does not include routine maintenance, such as the tune-up that may be required for your furnace manufacturer’s warranty.

Home Warranty HVAC Coverage for AC

Do home warranties cover AC units? Home warranties will cover your compressor, evaporator coils, blower motors, and other critical parts of your AC system. Some providers do have exclusions for issues caused by a lack of regular maintenance, so check with your warranty provider for details regarding covered events.

Home Warranty HVAC Coverage for Duct Work

Home warranties also extend to the ductwork that runs throughout your home. This means that the cost of repairing leaks or breaks is covered by your home warranty, as is the cost of replacing any sections of ductwork that are damaged beyond repair.

Will a Home Warranty Cover an Old HVAC System?

Do home warranties cover old HVAC systems? The best providers do. Many of today’s top providers can offer warranty coverage for your household components regardless of their age. Here’s how a home warranty can cover aging HVAC components.

What’s Considered an Old HVAC System?

While “old” can be subjective, the U.S. government’s “Energy Star” program states that an HVAC system 10 years or older is considered an “old” HVAC system. However, some providers may require that your HVAC system be in good condition at the time you purchase the warranty.

How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

HVAC systems vary in price based on the size of your home and the reusability of your ductwork. On average, a new HVAC system can cost between $5,000 and $12,500. You may see additional costs when replacing your furnace or heating system, depending on the fuel source used to heat your home.

What Happens if My Old HVAC System Can’t Be Repaired?

Sometimes, it just doesn’t pay to keep repairing an outdated HVAC system. Even if yours can be repaired, it may be best to simply replace it outright. 

If your HVAC system is under a home warranty, you are entitled to assistance with at least some of the components of your system. And replacing your HVAC system will typically be more cost-effective than continuing to sink money into ongoing maintenance.

Other FAQs for Home Warranty for HVAC

Is an AC Compressor Covered Under a Home Warranty? 

Yes. All of your AC unit’s major components (air compressor, evaporator coils, blower motor, etc.) are covered by a home warranty.

Is Home Warranty Worth It for HVAC?

Given the cost of HVAC repairs and replacement, most homeowners discover that it’s worth investing in a home warranty. Remember, though, that your home insurance will not cover wear and tear or mechanical/electrical breakdowns, so a warranty can fill gaps in your coverage.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Annual Tune-Ups?

Generally, no, home warranties won’t cover routine maintenance. However, they can still cover the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs, which can also prolong the life of the unit.

What Else Can a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties can cover the cost of repairs, services, or replacements of your home’s major appliances and systems. Some warranty providers can even extend to consumer electronics such as TVs and computers, protecting them from unforeseen damage and breakdown.

Find a Warranty That Fits Your Needs

At ARW Home, we understand the needs of our customers when it comes to their appliances, plumbing, and HVAC systems. That’s why we offer home warranty solutions that meet those needs as well as your budget. To learn more, explore our website or give us a call to discover how a home warranty plan can provide your home the protection it deserves.