The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
Use the table below to compare metrics across our picks for the best home warranty companies offering HVAC coverage. When comparing cost, note that the average home warranty cost with HVAC coverage is $55 monthly, based on quotes we gathered from several companies nationwide.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for the home warranty companies listed above are accurate as of November 2024.
Best Home Warranty for HVAC Companies
We recommend Choice Home Warranty as the best home warranty for HVAC protection coverage. Based on our comprehensive research of more than 30 home warranty companies, we also named the following our top picks:
- Choice Home Warranty: Best value for coverage
- American Home Shield: Best for comprehensive coverage
- Old Republic Home Protection: Best for high coverage limits
- Home Warranty of America: Best for real estate professionals
- Cinch Home Services: Best for extra benefits
- First American Home Warranty: Best for appliance coverage
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
- High $3,000 coverage cap: Choice Home Warranty provides $3,000 in coverage for electric and forced-air HVAC systems, floor furnaces, wall-mounted units and other systems.
- Limited Basic Plan coverage: While the company’s Total Plan covers air conditioning and heating systems, its Basic Plan only provides coverage for heating. Both plans cover ductwork.
- Exclusions: Choice Home warranty excludes items and services such as window air conditioning units, costs associated with legally mandated diagnostic testing and parts covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. While HVAC coverage extends to ductwork with each of the company’s two plans, it excludes collapsed or clogged ducts.
Choice is our top pick for homeowners looking for HVAC plans with the best value. It provides a $3,000 coverage cap for heating and cooling systems and most covered systems and appliances. The company also provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs, which is longer than many providers we researched for this review.
Offers $3,000 in coverage for HVAC systems
Includes one free month with all new policies
Provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs
May offer a payout based on an item’s value rather than an equal replacement
The cheapest plan does not include air conditioning coverage
Plan options: Choice’s Basic Plan includes coverage for heating, while the company’s Total Plan includes heating and air conditioning. The company assigns a flat-rate service fee of $100, which you will pay your technician at the time of repairs.
Cost: The average price of the Total Plan, which provides total HVAC coverage, is $55 a month. If you only opt for heating system coverage provided by Choice’s Basic Plan, you will pay around $47 monthly.
Air conditioning: The Total Plan from Choice protects your air conditioner. It also covers all components and parts of ducted, central, split and package, forced air and electric air conditioning systems.
Heating system: All components and parts related to your heating system are included in all Choice plans. However, plans exclude portable units, chimneys, pellet stoves and wood stoves, even if they are the only heating sources.
Note that Choice Home Warranty is currently subject to pending legal action in Arizona. However, this is not uncommon across the industry. Eleven out of the 27 national home warranty companies we’ve researched have had lawsuits filed against them in the past.
We reached out to Choice Home Warranty about the above-mentioned litigation and received the following response from Jim Mostofi, the company’s CEO: “There is no merit to the 5-year-old litigation brought by the former attorney general in Arizona. Choice Home Warranty is the most comprehensive and cost-effective home warranty in the US and our position will be vindicated when the matter is finally decided on the merits.”
- Generous $5,000 coverage cap: While some home warranty providers offer plans excluding HVAC coverage, American Home Shield (AHS) extends up to $5,000 for air conditioning and heating units with all three of its plans.
- Includes refrigerant and HVAC tune-ups: AHS’s ShieldPlatinum plan provides unlimited refrigerant and one free HVAC tune-up, which can help keep your unit in working condition.
- Exclusions: Window or portable air conditioning units are notable HVAC exceptions to coverage. The company also limits its coverage to $1,500 for specific heating and air conditioning systems, such as glycol, hot water and steam circulating.
With over 50 years in the home warranty industry, American Home Shield is the most experienced provider featured in our review. Offering $5,000 in HVAC coverage with all of its plans, the company stands out for an annual tune-up that provides unlimited air conditioning refrigerant for your system with its highest-tiered plan. This feature helps ensure your HVAC stays in top shape during the summer and winter.
Provides $5,000 in HVAC coverage in all plans
Does not require past maintenance records for coverage
Offers unlimited refrigerant and free HVAC tune-ups with its highest plan tier
Limited add-on options
Highest coverage tier is more expensive than other providers in this review
Plan options: All three of AHS‘s plans cover heating and air conditioning systems. You will have your choice of a $100 or $125 service call fee that you pay when you need a repair or replacement.
Cost: A home warranty plan with HVAC coverage from AHS could cost you between $23 and $95 per month, on average, depending on your plan. The overall average cost of an AHS plan is 9% less than the monthly average of $55, which we calculated across more than a dozen home warranty providers.
Air conditioning: AHS policies cover a variety of AC systems: ducted central and electric split and package units, geothermal, evaporative coolers, wall air conditioning units and mini-splits. While refrigerant is free and unlimited under the highest plan tier, AHS includes a covered item limit of $10 per pound of refrigerant for all other policies.
Heating system: All AHS plans cover forced air, geothermal, wall-mounted, electric baseboard heating systems and more. The company does not protect grain, pellet, coal or wood heating units.
- High HVAC coverage limits: Old Republic Home Protection has a $6,500 coverage cap for heating and air conditioning systems, including $1,000 for ductwork repairs.
- Offers two free seasonal tune-ups: The company provides two yearly HVAC tune-ups if you buy its Elite Plan. You can buy this service as an add-on to a lower-tier plan.
- Exclusions: Old Republic excludes gas air conditioning units, portable heating and cooling units, smart vents and freestanding or window units. If your system is the wrong size relative to the square footage of your home, the company will exclude your home from all heating and cooling coverage.
Old Republic could offer the best option for homeowners who want a high level of warranty coverage. The company extends $6,500 in protection to HVAC units and $1,000 for repairs to ductwork. In addition, Old Republic is the only provider in this review that covers smart and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, which is ideal if your home has the latest smart technology.
Offers $6,500 in coverage for HVAC systems
Covers smart and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats
Provides two free seasonal system tune-ups
Only available in 25 U.S. states
Excludes air conditioning coverage in its lowest plan tier
Plan options: Old Republic offers two plans with complete HVAC coverage — Deluxe and Elite. The company’s Basic plan does not protect air conditioners, but for an added cost, you can buy the coverage as an add-on. The company offers service call fee options of $100 or $125.
Cost: The average monthly price of an Old Republic plan is $71, which is 29% more expensive than the average calculated by our team across dozens of policies. We also found that its Basic plan, which excludes air conditioning coverage, costs an average of $57 per month.
Air conditioning: While Old Republic’s cheapest plan excludes air conditioning coverage, the Deluxe and Elite plans cover all components that affect your system’s heating and cooling operations, including smart and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats. The company limits refrigerant coverage to $20 per pound if you buy the Basic or Deluxe Plan.
Heating system: All three of Old Republic’s home warranty plans include coverage for your heating system. However, the company sets a coverage limit of $1,500 for diesel, oil, hot water, geothermal and other specific types of heating units.
- High $5,000 coverage cap: Home Warranty of America provides $5,000 in coverage for heating and air conditioning units. However, it also has a yearly $15,000 aggregate limit, which is the most it will pay out to you annually.
- Offers HVAC coverage upgrade: Besides its standard HVAC coverage, you can secure a premium upgrade with the Select Plus plan, which protects window air conditioning units, filters, heat lamps and more.
- Exclusions: Some exclusions from Home Warranty of America’s HVAC coverage include portable heaters, gas heat pump systems and improperly sized air conditioning units.
Home Warranty of America offers home warranty plans explicitly designed for real estate professionals and standard policies for most homeowners. It provides up to $5,000 in protection for heating and air conditioning systems and a coverage upgrade option that includes window air conditioning units, filters and other items many providers typically exclude from standard HVAC home warranty terms.
Provides $5,000 in coverage for heating and air conditioning units
Allows you to request service online or via phone
Offers a premium coverage upgrade that levels up your HVAC coverage
Has aggregate and per-item coverage limits
Only covers air conditioning units with its top-tier policy
Plan options: Home Warranty of America only offers two policies, and its top-tier plan provides coverage for air conditioning units. Our research showed that the company’s average service fee is $75, which is on the lower end of the average in the industry.
Cost: A Select Plus plan from Home Warranty of America starts at $60 a month. A Select Plan starts at $46 per month but does not cover conditioning units.
Air conditioning: You will find air conditioning coverage exclusively through Home Warranty of America’s highest plan tier. This covers all components and parts except for geothermal/water source heat pumps and exclusions as outlined in policy terms.
Heating system: Home Warranty of America offers heating system coverage with both of its home warranty policies. The company includes all components and parts necessary for the system’s operation in coverage, with exclusions outlined in your contract.
- Longer-than-average workmanship guarantee: Cinch Home Services provides a 180-day workmanship guarantee on all HVAC repairs. If a repairperson fixes your HVAC system incorrectly and it needs more work, Cinch will take care of follow-up repairs at no cost.
- Covers multiple HVAC units: Cinch is the only provider in this review offering coverage for more than one heating and cooling unit. This could be particularly valuable if you have a larger or multi-story home.
- Exclusions: Some items that Cinch does not protect are window air conditioning units, portable heating units and grain, pellet and wood heating units, even if they are your home’s only heating source.
Cinch is our recommended provider for homeowners seeking extra benefits alongside their HVAC coverage. The company caps coverage at $10,000 for all claims within a 12-month term but extends a 180-day workmanship warranty for all repairs, the longest out of all providers featured in this review. Cinch also offers additional benefits such as a $500 credit toward your homeowners insurance deductible through its comprehensive policy and an air conditioner filter credit with all three plans.
Extends a 180-day workmanship guarantee for all repairs
The top-tier plan provides a $500 credit toward your homeowners insurance deductible
Covers up to two heating and two air conditioning systems
Applies aggregate and individual coverage limits to all plans
Does not offer HVAC tune-ups
Plan options: Cinch has two plans that cover HVAC systems — the Built-in Systems plan and the Complete Home plan. With each plan, you can pick a service fee ranging from $100 to $150.
Cost: According to data gathered by our team through secret shopping efforts, a home warranty with Cinch costs $63 monthly. This is almost 15% more than the overall average price of a home warranty policy, making it a more costly option than some of our other top picks for HVAC coverage.
Air conditioning: Cinch offers separate plans for appliances and systems alongside a comprehensive plan, and you’ll only find coverage for your air conditioning through two of its three policies. Coverage extends to all components of up to two ducted central electric units, geothermal units, wall air conditioners and mini-splits. The company also offers an air conditioner filter credit of $25 with all plans.
Heating system: Like Cinch’s coverage for air conditioning, two of the company’s three plans provide heating coverage for up to two units. The company protects all components of forced air, geothermal systems, wall-mounted units, floor furnaces, heat pumps, mini-splits and other systems.
- No specified HVAC coverage caps: First American Home Warranty is the only provider featured in this review that does not specify monetary coverage limits for HVAC systems in its terms and conditions. While the company excludes ductwork repairs from standard HVAC coverage, you can buy this protection as an optional upgrade.
- Offers HVAC upgrades: The company offers what it calls its First Class Upgrade, which provides additional coverage for heating, air conditioning, ductwork components and fees associated with equipment to service rooftop HVAC units.
- Exclusions: Some items excluded from HVAC coverage include auxiliary space heaters, cable heat and grain, pellet, stove or wood heating units. It also excludes gas air conditioners and window units.
While First American is our pick for appliance coverage, it has generous HVAC protection with no monetary coverage caps for heating, air conditioning and ductwork repairs. Despite the provider’s base plan lacking coverage for air conditioning units, the company offers a First Class Upgrade, which provides extra coverage for filters, window air conditioning units and other systems for its higher tier policies.
Is the only provider in this review with no HVAC coverage caps
Covers window air conditioning units through its highest plan tier
Provides an add-on for preseason HVAC tune-ups
The lowest-tier plan does not have air conditioning coverage
Not available in all states
Plan options: First American’s base policy does not include coverage for air conditioning units, only heating systems. The company’s mid-tier and comprehensive plans protect heating and cooling systems, with the top-tier policy including registers, grills, filters and window air conditioning units. You get more upgrades with the Premium plan. Service call fee options range from $75 to $125.
Cost: The average price of a home warranty from First American is $66 per month, which is 20% more expensive than the overall average cost of a home warranty calculated by our research team. If you purchase additional HVAC-related upgrades, note that your overall plan costs will increase.
Air conditioning: While First American’s Basic plan does not include air conditioning coverage, it covers heating systems. However, you can buy air conditioning coverage as a stand-alone add-on.
Heating system: First American includes heating system coverage with all three plan tiers. The company does not cover all components, and those covered vary by plan. Some covered parts include the heat pump, radiator, thermostats and hydronic circulating pumps.
Best Home Warranty Companies by State
Did you not find the perfect home warranty with HVAC coverage? Click here to find the best home warranty company in your state.
Is HVAC Coverage Included With a Home Warranty Plan?
Based on our research, many plans from reputable home warranty companies include HVAC coverage. If your heating or air conditioning system fails because of normal wear and tear, a home warranty can cover labor and parts associated with the repair of your unit. It can even provide a replacement unit if yours is deemed irreparable by a licensed technician.
When researching home warranties with HVAC coverage, you will likely find that companies will provide you with a list of covered and excluded components related to HVAC systems. While exclusions vary by provider, some common ones our research team encountered included portable units, window air conditioners, air filters, belts, collapsed or clogged ductwork and improper installation or maintenance. We encourage you to read through a home warranty provider’s related HVAC coverage terms located online in sample contracts.
How Much Does an HVAC Home Warranty Cost?
The average home warranty cost with HVAC coverage is $55 monthly, or $660 annually. Our research showed that the average service fee ranges from $75 to $125, with few providers offering you the choice of a fee outside of this range. Note that the cost of a home warranty with HVAC coverage will depend on your location, home size, chosen policy and more.
To help you better estimate how much an HVAC home warranty could cost you, we developed a calculator that determines your projected annual costs based on home warranty type, estimated number of yearly claims and your chosen service fee. However, the best way to determine how much a policy will cost you is to get quotes directly from reputable providers.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Your Annual Cost Estimate
The results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect the actual pricing of your quote.
To determine home warranty costs, MarketWatch Guides mystery shopped quotes for each plan type from 28 different home warranty providers. The results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect the actual pricing of your quote.
Are Home Warranties Worth It For HVAC?
A home warranty for HVAC coverage alone could be worth it, especially if you have an older system with a higher likelihood of frequent issues. HVAC repairs and replacements can be some of the most expensive home repairs, with average costs ranging from $130 to $2,000 depending on the repair. Home warranty coverage can help mitigate these costs by saving you from paying out-of-pocket for unexpected breakdowns.
Only you can decide if a home warranty is worth it for HVAC coverage, and selecting the right plan depends on your individual needs. We encourage you to gather quotes from the providers featured in this review, comparing overall coverage, costs, monetary coverage caps and plan exclusions to choose the right policy for your home.
What To Look For in Home Warranty Coverage for HVAC
If you are looking for a home warranty specifically for HVAC protection, you will want to consider several aspects of coverage when comparing plan options. For one, there are various types of HVAC systems in homes. From ducted central electric units to wall-mounted air conditioners, you will want to ensure that your chosen home warranty provider includes coverage for your specific type of heating and cooling systems.
You will also want to pay close attention to coverage and exclusion details provided in sample contracts. Even if a provider says it will protect all mechanical parts associated with your HVAC, companies always exclude some components. Read through your service agreement to ensure you have no surprises if you file a claim.
Finally, ensure you understand the coverage caps associated with a plan’s HVAC protection. You may find that coverage amounts vary by provider and plan. If your repairs cost more than the allotted amount of coverage a company provides, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for any residual expenses. This could be costly if you choose a low-limit plan and your repairs are particularly pricey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties for HVAC
A home warranty is not required by law, but it can provide you with added financial security and peace of mind. It is not the same as homeowners insurance. Home warranties cover repair and replacement costs for household appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. Having a home warranty in addition to a homeowners insurance policy can provide robust protection for your home. Insurance covers major structural damage caused by unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, vandalism or theft. It does not cover repair or replacement costs for a failing dishwasher or overflowing washing machine.
A manufacturer’s warranty is not the same as home warranty coverage. However, you do not need both coverages simultaneously. If you have a new home with new appliances, you may have manufacturer’s warranties on many of your appliances. After a manufacturer’s warranty expires, it can be a good idea to add those items to your home warranty’s comprehensive coverage.
Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before plans are effective. Some companies may offer warranties that go into effect immediately, while others could have longer waiting periods. Read the fine print of the sample warranty contract when you request a quote to determine how quickly you can file a service request.
Coverage of older appliances and built-in home systems depends on the home warranty provider. American Home Shield is a good option for homeowners who have older or under-maintained appliances or systems since both companies extend coverage to appliances and systems regardless of age. Also, be sure your warranty includes the coverage you need, whether for an aging water heater, garbage disposal, washer or air conditioning system.
