5 Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage (2022)

Good air quality, proper interior temperature control, and general ventilation play an essential role in leading a comfortable and healthy home life. Each of these functions is regulated by your HVAC system — short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Within these three interrelated home systems are many smaller, more complex components that require regular tune-ups to stay in working condition. Still, breakdowns due to normal wear and tear happen.

Here are the top picks to help you stay cool.

A home warranty with HVAC coverage ensures that if, for example, your central air conditioning quits on you mid-summer, you’ll have immediate access to affordable, hassle-free service from a licensed technician near you.  Keep reading to learn more about the best home warranty for HVAC coverage, how it could benefit your home, and what you’ll need to do to find the right plan and provider for you.

The Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage in 2022

House Method’s team of home warranty experts evaluated 40+ home warranty plans nationwide, specifically scouting companies with versatile HVAC maintenance coverage, accessible customer service, and overall positive feedback from current policyholders.

Our final line-up for the best home warranty companies for HVAC are:

1. Choice Home Warranty — Best overall
2. Select Home Warranty — Most cost-effective
3. American Home Shield — Best customizable plans
4. The Home Service Club — Quickest service
5. Liberty Home Guard — Most trustworthy

1. Choice Home Warranty

Currently protecting the systems and appliances of over 1.6 million homes across the U.S., Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is our first pick for all-around premier home warranty coverage. This provider keeps its policy breakdown simple by splitting its standard coverage into two plan levels — the Basic Plan and the Total Plan.

While both the Basic Plan and Total Plan offer coverage for household heating systems and ductwork, only the Total Plan includes air conditioning system coverage. 

With the Total Plan, CHW will cover heat pumps, floor furnaces, electric baseboards, hot water circulating heat, air ducts, and more. Items like chimneys, wood stoves, and insulation are not covered within Choice’s HVAC category.

Key Highlights

• New customers get their first month free plus an additional $50 off 
• Supports emergency services for HVAC breakdowns outside of regular business hours
• Offers a generous coverage cap of $3,000 per year for heating and cooling maintenance (via the Total Plan)

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• The Basic Plan ($45 per month / $560 per year): Covers 14 home systems and appliances, including heating systems, ductwork, electrical systems, ceiling fans, hot water heaters, and more
• The Total Plan ($53.33 per month / $660 per year): Covers 18 items such as heating systems, air conditioning, ductwork, refrigerators, clothes washers/dryers, etc. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($40-$180 per year): Offers coverage for nine optional add-on items, including central vacuums, well and sump pumps, septic systems, septic tank pumping, stand-alone freezers, second refrigerators, limited roof leaks, and pool/spa. 
• Service Fee: $85 or the actual cost of the repair, whichever costs less

Fill out this form or call 929-400-6164 to get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty.

Read our full Choice Home Warranty review for more.

2. Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty (SHW) is an ideal service provider if you’re searching for a budget-friendly home warranty. This company is fairly popular for its unique seasonal discounts and a lower-than-average service call fee of just $60. 

Select Home Warranty offers three different standard plan levels — Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. HVAC coverage begins at the Gold level, which spans air conditioning, ductwork, and heating systems. 

Exclusion-wise, some of what Select won’t cover include solar or geothermal heating systems, air purifiers, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, and portable air conditioning units.

Be aware that some of Select’s systems plan policy limits tend to be lower than competing providers’. When the policy limits are lower, the chances of the plan covering the costs of an expensive HVAC repair are quite a bit less.

Key Highlights

• Includes free limited roof leak coverage in all three plan levels
• New policyholders will receive an additional $150 off plus two months of free coverage
• Has a $2,000 annual maximum on HVAC-related repairs and replacements 

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• The Bronze Care Plan ($58 per month / $630 per year): Covers a total of eight appliances, specifically refrigerators, built-in microwaves, cooktops, stoves/ovens/ranges, garbage disposals, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers
• The Gold Care Plan ($57.67 per month / $630 per year): Covers six home systems, including heating systems, cooling systems, ductwork, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and water heaters
• The Platinum Care Plan ($62.08 per month / $699.99 per year): Covers all the previously mentioned home systems and appliances plus ceiling fans, plumbing stoppages, and garage door openers
• Optional Add-Ons ($39.99- $99.95 per year): Offers coverage for central vacuums, light fixtures/switches/outlets, second refrigerators, stand-alone freezers, built-in ice makers, sprinkler systems, well/sump pumps, septic systems, pools/spas, and roof leaks

For a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.

Read our full Select Home Warranty review for more details.

3. American Home Shield

Founded in 1971, American Home Shield (AHS) is often recognized as the torch-bearer of the home warranty industry. With AHS, you’ll have exclusive access to a pre-screened network of top HVAC contractors and repair personnel in your area. 

American Home Shield’s standard home warranty plans are forked into three coverage options — a systems plan and two catch-all combo plans that offer appliance and system coverage at different depths. Full-spectrum HVAC coverage is included in all three policy tiers.

Unlike some other leading providers, AHS includes geothermal components, wall air conditioners, room heaters, and cable heat in its HVAC coverage terms. American Home Shield’s most comprehensive plan level, Shield Platinum, also includes one free pre-season HVAC tune-up per year and unlimited A/C refrigerant. 

Key Highlights

• Won’t deny covered appliances or systems for old age, lack of maintenance, or undetectable pre-existing conditions
• The service call fee is the customer’s choice of $75, $100, or $125
• Will cover up to $1,000-$1,500 per contract term for approved HVAC-related repairs and replacements

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• ShieldSilver ($29.27- $44.27 per month / $347.88 – $527.88 per year): Covers 19 systems, including heating, cooling, ductwork, attic fans, bathroom exhaust fans, ceiling fans, whole-house fans, electrical systems
• ShieldGold ($39.27 – $54.27 per month / $467.88 – $647.88 per year): Covers 23 items, namely featuring kitchen and laundry appliances like ranges/cooktops, dishwashers, instant hot/cold water dispensers, clothes washers, and dryers, etc. 
• ShieldPlatinum ($59.27 – $74.27 per month / $711.88 – $891.88 per year): Combines 27 of the above appliances and systems plus automatic roof leak coverage. 
• Optional Add-Ons: Offers four riders for septic/well pumps, roof leak repairs, pools/spas, and coverage for guest units under 750 square feet in size.
• Service Fee: $75, $100, or $125 

For a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.

To learn more about AHS, visit our American Home Shield review.

4. The Home Service Club

Founded in 2008, The Home Service Club (HSC)  is an ideal home warranty option for homeowners who perhaps recently purchased a fixer-upper, as HSC won’t deny coverage for older appliances or home systems. 

The Home Service offers two different plan types — Standard and Comprehensive. By enrolling in the Standard Coverage Plan, you’ll be covered for central air conditioning and heating, but not ductwork. The Comprehensive Plan, however, includes heating, cooling, and ductwork.  

HSC has a long list of covered HVAC items for all systems under a five-ton capacity. Still, like every home warranty provider,  it won’t cover everything. Things like fireplaces, built-in heat lamps, A/C window units, water-damaged ductwork, and insulation aren’t coverable. 

Key Highlights

• Offers free listing coverage for customers with homes on the market
• Has quick coverage with a brief ten-day waiting period — two weeks shorter than competing providers
• Will pay up to $2,000 per year for access, diagnosis, repairs, and replacements of covered HVAC components

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• Standard Coverage Plan ($50 per month / $650 per year): Covers 18 systems and appliances, including air conditioning, heating systems, central vacuums, electrical systems, built-in food centers, refrigerators, freestanding ice-makers, etc. 
• Comprehensive Coverage Plan ($62.90 per month / $800 per year): Covers 33 systems and appliances plus ductwork, attic fans, ceiling fans, whole-house fans, pest control, smoke detectors, plumbing stoppages, and more. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($3.33 to $16.66 per month): Offers additional coverage for roof leaks, water/sewer/gas/power lines, sewage ejector pumps, well pumps, sprinkler irrigation systems, pools and spas, jetted bathtubs, water softener, dual-compressor refrigerators, and freestanding freezers
• Service Fee: $60, $75, or $95 

To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-842-9334.

Continue reading about HSC in our complete The Home Service Club review. 

5. Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard  (LHG) maintains a credible reputation and high scores with the Better Business Bureau, namely an accredited A rating and 4.6 out of 5 stars on over 900 customer reviews.

Supporting live 24/7 customer service, if you go with Liberty Home Guard for HVAC coverage, you’ll have no issue submitting a claim, getting in touch with a representative, or making adjustments to your policy. 

Liberty Home Guard’s base policies are divided by coverage type, whether that be for appliances, home systems, or both. Customers will need to purchase the Systems Guard or Total Home Guard package for HVAC coverage. LHG also has over 40 options for add-on coverage. 

Key Highlights

• Operates under a two-month workmanship guarantee for all LHG-sponsored repairs and replacements
• Rewards new customers with an extra $200 off plus two free months of coverage and free roof leak protection
• Has a coverage limit of up to $2,000 for diagnosis, repair, and replacement per covered HVAC item

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• Appliance Guard  ($70 per month / $700 per year): Covers 12 home appliances, including ceiling fans, cooktop exhausts, garbage disposals, dishwashers, clothes washers/dryers, garage door openers, built-in microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, and ice makers
• Systems Guard ($74.99 per month / $750 per year): Covers six major home systems, including air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and water heaters
• Total Home Guard ($79.99 per month / $799.99 per year): Combo plan of the two above packages, covering a total of 20 appliances and home systems 
• Optional Add-Ons ($49.99-$299.99 per year): Offers 41 additional items, including central vacuum, pest control, swamp coolers, generators, carpet cleaning, and much more.
• Service Fee: $75

To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.

Continue reading about LHG in our Liberty Home Guard review. 

What is a Home Warranty for HVAC?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers any necessary repairs or replacements of your home’s major appliances and systems as they endure wear and tear over time from regular use. 

Nearly all home warranty companies offer HVAC coverage as a standard item, though providers sometimes reserve ductwork for the more comprehensive levels of their coverage. A home warranty for air conditioners is occasionally offered separately as an optional add-on, but those instances are few and far between. 

Who Needs HVAC Home Warranty Coverage?

Any home with an HVAC unit will benefit from a home warranty that covers HVAC. 

Even homes without traditional central air conditioning or heating can benefit from HVAC coverage through a home warranty. Though exclusions vary by provider, most home warranty companies include mini-split ductless A/C, heat pumps, swamp coolers, attic, and ceiling fans.

We highly recommend HVAC system coverage for homeowners living in states with harsh seasonal climates. During peak summer temperatures in states like Florida, Hawaii, Texas, or California, a dead air conditioning system could be unbearably inconvenient and a safety hazard. 

HVAC coverage is also wise for those in states like Alaska, Maine, or New York, where heating is non-negotiable during bitterly cold winters. 

What Does a Home Warranty for HVAC Cover?

Depending on what type of plan you have, the services and appliances covered will vary. Typical HVAC inclusions across top-rated providers include:

• Central, ducted, split, mini-split, electric, and package A/C units
• Forced air systems
• Heat pumps
• Wall-mounted units
• Thermostats
• Ducts (from attachment point to grill)

Common HVAC Coverage Exclusions

Limitations on covered HVAC items are relatively consistent between different home warranty companies. Still, it’s crucial to study the fine print of any home warranty plan that piques your interest to guarantee you know what you’re paying for. 

Most home warranty HVAC coverage explicitly excludes:

• Portable A/C and heating units; window units
• Chimneys, fireplaces, flues, and wood/pellet stoves
• Air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers
• Solar heating systems
• Water towers
• Malfunctions that aren’t due to normal wear and tear
• Any damage caused by inclement weather or other unexpected perils
• Re-installation/modification costs
• Replacement costs for elective upgrades

How Much Does an HVAC Home Warranty Cost?

Because HVAC coverage is typically already included in most standard policies, the monthly cost of your plan will vary based on the type of level of coverage you purchase and optional riders you add. You can expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $60 a month for your plan. 

For cost-conscious homeowners, $60 or so per month might feel like too big of an investment. But, when you consider your premium relative to the average cost of a potential repair or replacement, the savings opportunity is obvious. 

How Does a Home Warranty for HVAC Work?

Before purchasing a plan to cover your major appliances or major systems in your home, it pays to understand how this plan will work. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to do to initiate a covered maintenance request.

Opening a Claim and Requesting Service

You can start reporting issues for any covered items after your initial waiting period has expired on your new home warranty policy. Many home warranty companies allow you to submit your claim through an online portal or over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Initial Service Appointment & Trade Call Fee

Once your provider has approved your claim — usually within 24 to 48 hours — a diagnostic appointment will be scheduled. An in-network technician will come to your home to assess your claim. The contractor will report back to your provider with a summary of their findings and a tentative quote. Your provider will then set up an appointment for repairs or replacements. 

At this first assessment, you’ll be responsible for paying a service fee, usually between $75 and $150. 

Repair or Replacement

Most home warranty companies will cover up to $1,500 – $2,000 worth of maintenance costs for your HVAC system per year. You’ll be accountable for costs exceeding that annual maximum or parts/materials not covered in your home warranty contract. 

Final Thoughts — Is an HVAC Home Warranty Worth it?

The best way to decide if a home warranty is right for you is to consider the annual cost of basic home warranty coverage relative to how much you’ll have to shell out for a potential appliance or home system breakdown. 

Because HVAC coverage is usually the main facet of even the most bare-boned policies, you won’t have to go all out to protect your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation. And given that deterioration of your everyday appliances and systems is inevitable, with a home warranty, you’ll benefit from the peace of mind knowing that unexpected issues around your home will never go unfixed. Our experts recommend Choice Home Warranty as the top provider of HVAC protection, but it would be best to get quotes from 2-3 companies and compare them before choosing one.

House Method Home Warranty Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 home warranty companies so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. 

Our team spent hours on the phone speaking to representatives from each home warranty company to get information right from the source. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to ensure no detail was left out.

To make the most of our research, we developed an objective rating system to score each home warranty company based on the following criteria:

• Plans: Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
• Prices: How reasonable are the monthly and service fees compared to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
• Coverage: How many items are covered in each plan? We looked at the number of items each company covers. We dig into all service contracts available to get all the details.
• Customer service: How is the customer experience when calling the providers? Based on our phone calls, we judged each company’s customer service.
• Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
• Nationwide availability: How many states does the company cover? We found the number of states covered by each company.
• Unique perks: Does the company offer discounts or cover special items? We looked for perks offered by each company that set them apart from the competition.