Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With a variety of seasons in Sterling, your home systems can go through quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning go out in the middle of summer. A home warranty policy can help protect homeowners by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Sterling. Read on for our home warranty recommendations.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can benefit from a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Liberty Home Guard.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Select Home Warranty.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Sterling homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of American Home Shield.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of First American Home Warranty.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Cinch Home Services.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Sterling residents. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Sterling homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of The Home Service Club.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $7,169 |
| Heating | $4,779 |
| Electrical | $717 |
| Toilets | $597 |
| Washer/Dryer | $956 |
| Plumbing | $717 |
| Oven | $1,912 |
| Fridge | $717 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Sterling homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include garbage disposals, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. It's important for Sterling homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as roof leaks, pools, well pumps, and spas. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer service. Use review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to ask how many repair professionals they have in Sterling and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies offer extras such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Sterling can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may have. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to review what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those due to natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Sterling can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Sterling.
A home warranty plan can help real estate agents, homeowners, homebuyers, investors, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Sterling include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the plan.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Sterling, where the median value of a home is $578,156, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
