Is my HVAC covered by my home warranty?
As a homeowner, when seasonal changes approach, you are used to getting your home ready for the change of weather. Changing or cleaning your screens, mowing or raking your lawn and removing debris from your gutters are among the first things that come to mind when you are getting your home summer-ready. You more than likely think about your air conditioning unit as well.
Similarly, as the days cool down in the fall, you need to prepare your home for colder weather by ensuring that your heating system is ready to keep you warm for the duration of winter.
Your HVAC system is an important component of your home — especially when it comes to the summer and winter months. A chilly home can cause great discomfort, and a hot home can be almost unbearable.
With an aging HVAC system, seasonal changes may have you considering the length of time your HVAC system will keep you comfortable in your home. A home warranty provides added peace of mind that the cost of repair or replacement of your home’s appliances and systems will be mostly covered by your plan.
Is your HVAC system covered by your home warranty? Keep reading as we cover the ins and outs of home warranties.
What may not be included in your home warranty coverage
Your home warranty plan will cover most of your home’s systems as outlined in the terms and conditions of your contract.
Some exclusions do exist, however.
Your garage door may not be covered by your home warranty, but the garage door opener is probably covered. Your fireplace is also probably not covered, but your gas lines will be.
Your warranty likely won’t cover your sprinkler system, roof, walls, windows or doors.
Additionally, your home warranty may not cover pre-existing conditions, which means that you’ll have to pay for the repair or replacement of appliances that were already having issues prior to the purchase of your home warranty.
Finally, any damage outside of normal wear and tear will not be covered by your home warranty, leaving you on the hook for any required repair costs due to other causes.
Does your home warranty cover your HVAC system?
Our home warranty is a contract between you and a home warranty company that provides you with home system and appliance repairs or replacements at a discount. Your appliances must have fallen into disrepair from normal wear and tear in order to be considered for a service request. Some home warranty companies offer home warranty plans that feature only a few home appliances and systems, and some offer varying levels of add-on warranty protection.
Generally, most home warranty companies cover HVAC systems. There may be some elements of the heating and cooling systems that are not included in your coverage, but that will be outlined in your contract terms and conditions.
When researching home warranty coverage for your HVAC system, know that the warranty will extend beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. It also covers different issues than homeowners insurance will cover. For example, structural damage or the loss of your property due to theft or accidental damage, such as that caused floods or fires, will be covered under your homeowners insurance rather than your warranty.
It’s important to note that with the purchase of a home warranty, you do still bear some responsibility. You should maintain your appliances and home systems so any needed repairs aren’t due to negligence. You will also have to get in touch with your warranty company when issues arise to coordinate with a contractor and pay a nominal fee at the time of service.
What does a home warranty plan cover on an HVAC system?
Every home warranty plan varies, but your home warranty will cover your home’s major appliances, such as your water heater, air conditioner, refrigerator and stove.
Most home warranties cover the components of a central air conditioning system and a heating system, like forced air (gas, electric, oil), wall heaters, water heaters and more. Additionally, most home warranty plans cover the ductwork and its components.
How to maintain your HVAC system
Your air conditioning and heating systems work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the seasons.
If you complete regular maintenance on your home systems, you can better avoid repairs and premature breakdowns. Not only will you prolong the life of your home’s appliances and systems, but your home warranty coverage also probably depends on it.
Here are our best tips for maintaining your HVAC systems:
- Hire a professional: With each season change, it is important to hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect your air conditioning unit and heating system. Any major issues that emerged due to extreme warm or cold weather will be identified at this time. Checking in at these times reduces the risk of major disaster or breakdown.
- Clean: Your HVAC system has elements that can get extremely dirty. Regular cleanings of the coils and any ductwork in your home as well as the clearing of any debris from around your machine will help your unit function properly without stress.
- Replace: Your filters in both your heating and air conditioning systems need to be replaced every three months. Dirty filters force your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your home. Additionally, if you suffer from illnesses or allergies, clean filters are much better for keeping the air in your house cleaner and easier to breathe.
- Listen: When you turn your systems on for the first time, pay attention to the sounds they make. Any abnormal sounds should be reported to a professional and rectified immediately.
What to look for in an HVAC warranty company
When it comes to purchasing a home warranty contract, there are some things you shouldn’t overlook:
- Keep receipts and records of your regular maintenance so you can prove that your appliances are breaking down due to wear and tear rather than negligence.
- There may be a waiting period for your coverage to begin. You may have to wait 30–45 days before your home warranty is valid.
Cinch Home Services offers home warranty plans that are affordable for any budget and can be tailored to fit your needs.
We offer excellent customer service when you need to place a claim. Contact Cinch Home Services for your quote today!