Your HVAC system is crucial to keeping your home comfortable, warming the inside during colder months and cooling it off during the warmer ones. When something goes wrong with your system, your home can become uncomfortable and repairs or replacements can become costly.
While your homeowners insurance covers your system in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe, breakdowns due to normal wear and tear aren’t covered. However, a home warranty plan from a quality provider can cover these costly repairs and add protection to other major systems and appliances throughout your home.
Read on to learn more about the best home warranty options for HVAC coverage. We detail price information, coverage details, availability and more. To compare coverages, we received quotes for a three-bedroom home in Atlanta.
In This Article:
1. Best Overall: American Home Shield
2. Most Customizable Plan Options: AFC Home Club
3. Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
4. Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating | Learn More |
| American Home Shield | $30–$55 | $75–$125 | B | ahs.com |
| Cinch Home Services | $35–$62 | $100–$150 | A- | cinchhomeservices.com |
| Select Home Warranty | $36–$38 | $60–$75 | B | selecthomewarranty.com |
| Liberty Home Guard | $40–$60 | $60 | A+ | libertyhomeguard.com |
| America’s First Choice Home Club | $40–$53 | $75–$125 | B | afchomeclub.com |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | $22–$60 | $65–$100 | B+ | 2-10.com |
| First American Home Warranty | $36–$38 | $75 | B | homewarranty.firstam.com |
| Total Home Protection | $29–$35 | $75 | N/A | totalhomeprotection.com |
#1 Best Overall: American Home Shield
Offering coverage to homeowners across the continental United States and Hawaii, American Home Shield (AHS) is an experienced provider offering three comprehensive plans. Additionally, the home warranty provider doesn’t require maintenance records to confirm the condition of your systems and appliances and offers generous coverage caps that keep you protected.
American Home Shield has been in business for over 50 years and offers plans that give homeowners the choice of protecting major systems or a combination of systems and appliances. Furthermore, the provider allows its customers to file claims online and even gives them convenient status updates for tracking their claim.
American Home Shield HVAC Coverage
American Home Shield doesn’t cap air conditioner coverage at a certain amount and covers ducted central air conditioners, wall units and mini-splits as well as plenums, dampers and leaks or breaks in ductwork. The provider will also cover $10 per pound per occurrence for refrigerants.
The provider does have a coverage limit on heating systems and ductwork, covering $1,500 per covered item. American Home Shield also covers damage from rust, corrosion and sediment, protection many providers don’t offer.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
American Home Shield offers three different plan options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. Below is a breakdown of each plan and its cost.
| Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| Monthly Cost | $39.83 | $49.83 | $69.83 |
| Roof-leak repairs | ✔ | ||
| Air conditioners | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 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 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heaters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerators | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ranges/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ovens | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
American Home Shield also offers a handful of coverage add-ons, listed below:
- Electronics protection plan
- Pool or spa
- Guest unit under 750 square feet
- Septic pump
- Well pump
The pricing of your AHS home warranty will vary based on a variety of factors, such as the plan you select and your location. The prices listed above are based on a $100 service fee, though the provider also offers plans with a $75 or $125 service, with a higher service fee resulting in a lower monthly payment and a lower service fee resulting in a higher monthly payment.
For more information about American Home Shield, our top choice for a home warranty, fill out this simple form or call 888-878-4576.
Home Warranty Resources
- What is a Home Warranty?
- How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?
- Is a Home Warranty Worth It for You?
- Best Home Warranties in 2023
- Do Your Appliances Need Extended Warranties?
#2 Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
America’s 1st Choice Home Club provides comprehensive and customizable home warranty plans to customers throughout all 50 states. This unique provider offers responsive, 24/7 customer service and has unique benefits like free credit monitoring, identity protection alerts and emergency alert network services.
America’s 1st Choice Home Club HVAC Coverage
America’s 1st Choice Home Club covers up to two air conditioning units and two heating systems or built-in wall units with a five-ton capacity. Additionally, the provider covers some components of your ductwork. America’s 1st Choice Home Club doesn’t cover some HVAC systems, including gas air conditioning and window units.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers four different plan options: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Systems. Learn more about each plan below:
| Coverage | Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
| Monthly Cost | $38.25–$42.75 | $31.50–$36.00 | $45.00–$49.50 | $49.50–$54.00 |
| Air conditioning/cooler | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |||
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oven | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Range | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage-door opener | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | |||
| Ice maker | ✔ |
America’s 1st Choice Home Club also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Tankless water heater
- In-ground pool
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Double oven
- Central vacuum
- Ice maker
- Hot water disposal
- Septic system
- Well pump
- Built-in microwave
The cost of your home warranty varies depending on your location and selected plan. Like some home warranty providers, America’s 1st Choice Home Warranty allows customers to pay in one yearly lump sum, helping them save up to 8% over monthly payments.
Additionally, America’s 1st Choice Home Warranty lets customers select their service fee, with a higher service fee decreasing the monthly cost and a lower service fee increasing the monthly cost.
For example, here’s the cost of a Platinum Plan based on the service fee selected:
| Service fee | Monthly cost |
| $75 | $72.50 |
| $100 | $69.50 |
| $125 | $66.50 |
To get a free quote from America’s 1st Choice Home Warranty, fill out this quick form or call 877-755-1115.
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#3 Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is known for its affordable plans and low $75 service fee. Founded in 2012, this newcomer has quickly established itself as a leader in the home warranty industry with availability across the continental United States and Hawaii. While it doesn’t offer the most comprehensive plans, Select Home Warranty covers the basics.
Select Home Warranty HVAC Coverage
Select Home Warranty covers traditional heating systems, central air conditioners under five tons and ductwork, although the provider caps coverage at $2,000 per contract term. Like many home warranty providers, Select Home Warranty has a few lapses in coverage. It doesn’t protect wall, window and portable AC units as well as geothermal heating systems, refrigerant recapture and solar heating systems.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
Select Home Warranty offers three different plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care. Take a look at the details of each plan below:
| Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
| Monthly Cost | $44.42 | $44.42 | $49.83 |
| Air conditioning and cooling | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ||
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ||
| Ceiling fan | ✔ |
Select Home Warranty also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof-leak coverage
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Select Home Warranty also gives potential customers the option of paying for coverage annually, which saves them money when compared to month-to-month payments. Additionally, it’s important to note that your home warranty quote will vary depending on your location and additional options selected.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple quote or call a representative at 888-370-3956.
#4 Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty is known for its straightforward and affordable plans. The provider services 35 states across the country and protects your HVAC with one of the most comprehensive coverages in the industry. Additionally, First American Home Warranty offers its unique First Class Upgrade, which covers improperly installed or maintained items, permit fees and other areas of your home.
First American Home Warranty HVAC Coverage
First American Home Warranty doesn’t cap heating and cooling system coverage at a certain amount, unlike other providers in the industry. This means that the company will cover repairs no matter the price. Additionally, First American covers refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal through its optional First Class Upgrade. It’s important to note that while First American Home Warranty offers generous heating and cooling coverage, air conditioning coverage is only available as an additional add-on.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
First American Home Warranty offers two different plan options: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Take a look at the details of each plan below:
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Premier Plan |
| Monthly Cost | $36 | $46.50 |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/Range | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes washer and dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ |
First American Home Warranty also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Central air conditioning (electric)
- Additional refrigeration
- Pool and spa equipment
- Well pump
- First class upgrade
- Septic tank pumping system
- HVAC tune-up
Unlike many home warranty providers that allow customers to select their service fee, First American Home Warranty sets its fee at $85. Additionally, it’s important to point out that your home warranty coverage will vary based on the additional coverage you select and your location.
If you’re interested in checking out a home warranty from First American, visit the company’s website or call a customer service representative at 833-777-0049.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for comprehensive home warranty coverage for your HVAC systems, American Home Shield is one of the best options. The provider doesn’t cap air conditioner coverage at a certain amount, and it protects a variety of units like ducted central air conditioners and mini-splits. Additionally, the company has a generous $1,500 cap per item on heating systems and ductwork.
For customers looking for more affordable coverage, First American Home Home Warranty is a solid option. Although the provider requires an add-on to receive air conditioning coverage, it doesn’t cap heating and cooling system coverage at a certain amount, unlike other providers in the industry.
Even if you believe you have the right home warranty provider in mind, it’s important to get multiple quotes from a variety of providers to compare costs and coverages.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty protects you from paying out of pocket to repair or replace damaged appliances or systems in your home. This coverage is different from homeowners insurance, which covers losses in the home due to unexpected disasters. Purchasing a home warranty plan helps give you peace of mind that your important appliances and systems are covered, even if they break down due to normal wear and tear.
Most home warranty policies are contracted for a year and paid month by month. When there’s an issue with an appliance or system in your home, you’ll be charged a service fee for each technician visit. Most providers offer unlimited visits, though some cap coverage at a certain amount.
What’s Covered by a Home Warranty?
Every home warranty provider offers varying levels of coverage through their plan options. However, here are some common items covered under most provider plans:
- Air conditioning
- Heating system
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Water heater
- Refrigerator
- Oven/rRange/sStove
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Clothes washer
- Clothes dryer
- Garage door opener
Do Home Warranties Cover Old HVAC Systems?
It depends. While most home warranty providers don’t cover an HVAC system with a pre-existing condition, some of the more expensive and comprehensive plans do. Be sure to read a sample contract before signing up with a provider to understand the parameters of their HVAC coverage.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
The cost of your home warranty plan depends on a variety of factors, including your selected coverage, location, service fee and additional add-ons. Other factors such as your home’s size, age and type can also affect cost. Most plans have an annual cost between $400 and $800.
Are Home Warranties Worth the Cost?
Having a home warranty plan saves you time and money if a home appliance or system breaks down due to normal wear and tear. This is especially helpful for individuals who don’t have an emergency fund, as these repairs and replacements can be very costly. Additionally, having a home warranty helps give you peace of mind that a vetted professional will come out to resolve your issue.
Home Warranty Rating Methodology
To help you find the best home warranty, our reviews team researched numerous home warranty companies, analyzing their coverage plans, pricing and customer service, among other factors:
- Coverage: Home warranty companies that provide extensive coverage and protect important systems and appliances, including your air conditioning, refrigerator and heating, scored higher than companies with minimal coverage.
- Plan variety: A provider with more coverage plans allows for more flexibility among customers. In general, most home warranty companies provide an appliances-only plan, systems-only plan and combination plan.
- Pricing: We scored providers based on their monthly plan prices and service call fees compared to the industry average pricing. Companies with more affordable coverage received more points than companies with more expensive plans.
- State availability: Where you live will determine what companies are available in your area. Home warranty companies that covered more states received more points than companies with a limited state availability.
- Trustworthiness: There are some home warranty companies that are scams and don’t follow through on their service agreements. We rated companies based on their years of experience, ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.
To keep our data current, our team regularly updates the data points for each company to ensure their coverage offerings, pricing and availability are accurate.
