Imagine it’s the middle of a heatwave or a cold spell, and your HVAC system gives out right when you need it most. It’s every homeowner’s nightmare, but with the right home warranty plan, you’ll have quick access to licensed technicians and reduced repair costs that won’t break your budget.
We evaluated 13 providers and selected the best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage. Our top pick is American Home Shield, which offers some of the highest coverage limits available, extended HVAC protection, and protection for preexisting conditions.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield tops our list as the best home warranty company for HVAC coverage because it offers up to $5,000 for most HVAC repairs and covers systems with preexisting conditions.
- First American Home Warranty is our second choice since it’s the only provider that offers unlimited coverage caps for most HVAC systems, though geothermal systems are capped at $1,500.
- When choosing a home warranty provider for HVAC coverage, compare coverage caps, SEER ratings, and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Systems
After reviewing home warranty providers nationwide, we chose these five companies as the best options for your heating and air conditioning system:
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
The following table compares our top five picks using important scoring factors, such as monthly cost, coverage caps, and service call fees.
| Provider | Our Score | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Call Fee | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$57–$68 | $65–$125 | NR | ||
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | B+ | ||
$45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | B | ||
$60–$68 | $100 | B |
Our Reviews of the Best HVAC Home Warranty Companies
When looking for the best home warranty provider that covers HVAC systems, we prioritized companies that offer generous protection for repairs and replacements. We also considered monthly prices, service call fees, workmanship guarantees, and company reputation. Below is a detailed overview of our top home warranty providers for HVAC coverage.
Note: We requested quotes for our top five providers using a single-family home of less than 3,000 square feet. Your prices may vary depending on your plan selections, location, and home size.
American Home Shield
Coverage Overview
- Covers up to $5,000 per HVAC repair or replacement
- Offers two service call fee options that can help you customize your monthly premium
- Has an extensive network of vetted service technicians
Keep in Mind
- Unlimited refrigerant collection is only available with the most expensive plan
- No coverage for window or portable air conditioner (AC) units
Our Review
American Home Shield is our top home warranty pick for HVAC systems, since the company offers comprehensive coverage for appliances and systems. The company offers up to $5,000 in protection for most HVAC repairs, though it caps geothermal systems at $1,500. Only First American Home Warranty tops these limits with its unlimited HVAC coverage.
Another feature that sets American Home Shield apart is that it covers systems with preexisting conditions—something you don’t usually find in home warranties. Plus, the highest-tier ShieldPlatinum plan provides a discount for HVAC tune-ups. However, this plan has one of the highest premiums among the providers reviewed. Additionally, the company’s 30-day repair guarantee might not seem ideal for homeowners with older HVAC units that could break again in the future.
Plan Details and Cost
American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Each plan covers HVAC systems, and the ShieldPlatinum plan even adds benefits for annual HVAC tune-ups. Here’s a pricing and plan breakdown:
- ShieldSilver ($20–$30 per month): The ShieldSilver covers home systems, such as air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Note that this plan doesn’t cover major appliances or garage door openers.
- ShieldGold ($40–$50 per month): The ShieldGold covers 23 systems and appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ranges, water heaters, and garage door openers.
- ShieldPlatinum ($70–$80 per month): The ShieldPlatinum plan includes all ShieldGold coverage plus benefits such as yearly HVAC tuneups and roof-leak repair protection. It also doubles the appliance coverage limit to $4,000.
American Home Shield plans provide extensive coverage for most internal components of covered systems and appliances. You can read an American Home Shield sample contract for a comprehensive understanding of plan details.
American Home Shield only offers six add-on options:
- Electronics Protection Plan
- Guest units (under 750 square feet)
- Pool and built-in spa
- Roof-leak repair (included in the ShieldPlatinum plan)
- Septic pump
- Well pump
First American Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Provides unlimited coverage caps for air conditioning and heating systems
- Offers a coverage upgrade that covers cosmetic damage for appliances and systems
- Sells coverage for HVAC tune-ups as an add-on
Keep in Mind
- Excludes air conditioners from its basic plan
- Only covers window AC units and refrigerant costs in its most expensive plan
- Charges a $2 monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
Our Review
First American Home Warranty is the only provider we reviewed that offers unlimited caps for most of its HVAC coverage. Other companies set specific limits on these systems. Like American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty caps geothermal system coverage at $1,500 per contract term.
First American Home Warranty has some drawbacks regarding its HVAC coverage. The Starter Plan only covers heating, so you must add a central air add-on or upgrade to a pricier plan for AC protection. Other companies we’ve reviewed include both heating and cooling in their basic plans. However, First American Home Warranty offers coverage for window AC units, registers, and grills if you choose the Premium Plan.
Plan Details and Cost
First American Home Warranty offers three home protection plans, with each covering a mix of home appliances and systems. All three coverage plans include heating and cooling system coverage. The Starter Plan, however, excludes air conditioning. Below is a pricing and coverage overview of the company’s plans:
- Starter Plan ($37–$42 per month): The Starter Plan covers some systems and appliances, such as furnaces, but excludes air conditioners, water heaters, and laundry units. You must purchase the cooling system add-on if you wish to cover your full HVAC system with this plan.
- Essential Plan ($52–$57 per month): The Essential Plan covers additional appliances and systems, including washers and dryers, and air conditioning.
- Premium Plan ($72–$77 per month): The highest-tier plan provides everything in the Starter and Essential plans, plus higher limits for appliances and coverage for ductwork and roof leaks.
First American Home Warranty offers two service call fees: $100 or $125. The First American sample contract outlines coverage payouts for major systems and appliances. The provider offers an unlimited coverage cap for your HVAC system. While the company has better HVAC coverage than American Home Shield, we placed American Home Shield ahead of First American Home Warranty because it’s available in 48 U.S. states. First American only services 36 U.S. states.
First American Home Warranty offers several add-on coverage options, including the following:
- Additional refrigerators
- HVAC tuneups
- Pool and spa equipment
- Roof leaks (included with the Premium Plan)
- Septic system
- Water softener
- Well pump
Elite Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Charges a lower-than-average $70 service call fee for most repairs
- Covers up to $3,000 for AC and heating repairs, which increases to $5,000 if part of an HVAC system
- Includes a 90-day repair guarantee for repairs done by in-network technicians
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t provide online pricing
- Won’t offer a repair guarantee if you hire your own technician
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty stands out for its flexible HVAC coverage options, which include two standard plans and a fully customizable option. For separate AC and heating units, you receive $3,000 in coverage, and for full HVAC systems, you get $5,000. You can also pay for added services such as annual HVAC maintenance and geothermal coverage.
If your HVAC system is newer, Elite could offer a good fit. However, for systems over 10 years old, the company only covers up to 50% of your plan’s limit, which means just $2,500 per system. By comparison, American Home Shield offers up to $5,000 for older systems. Also, Elite sets a $25,000 cap for all claims in a year, with $5,000 specifically for systems. So, if you max out the $5,000 on your HVAC, you’d have to pay out of pocket for other system repairs. We suggest checking your state’s coverage limits on Elite’s service agreement page for more information.
Another thing to consider with Elite is that the provider doesn’t cover HVAC systems in its most affordable plan. You must purchase its mid-tier and premium plans for heating and cooling coverage.
Plan Details and Cost
Elite Home Warranty offers three standard plans and a fully customizable option in which you can choose each covered item. Keep in mind that only the Elite Systems and Elite Complete plans cover HVACs. Below is a plan and cost overview of Elite’s standard plans:
- Elite Appliances ($45 per month): The Elite Appliances plan covers eight home appliances, such as stovetops, washing machines, and dishwashers. If you only want HVAC protection, this plan won’t work for you.
- Elite Systems ($55 per month): The Elite Systems plan offers system-only protection for eight home systems, including air conditioning, heating, and electrical.
- Elite Complete ($60 per month): The highest-level plan combines Elite Appliances and Elite Systems plans for comprehensive protection.
Elite offers one of the most affordable premiums and service call fees on our list, making it a good option if you’re on a budget. The provider’s sample contract outlines coverage limits that vary significantly, more than what other providers on this list offer.
Below is a sample of the 30 add-ons Elite offers:
- Drainage, sewer, and water service lines
- HVAC or water heater annual maintenance
- Pool or pool and spa
- Roof patching for roof leaks
- Septic system
Liberty Home Guard
Coverage Overview
- Covers up to two heating and cooling units in its standard plan
- Includes protection for portable and window air conditioning units
- Provides a 60-day guarantee for all covered repairs
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover any type of air conditioning leaks
- Only pays up to $2,000 for HVAC repairs, which is one of the lowest payouts in the industry
Our Review
Liberty Home Guard can benefit homeowners who use separate cooling systems throughout their homes. Most other providers only cover one air conditioning unit, but Liberty Home Guard includes up to two cooling units. The company also covers portable and window units, which is rare. While First American Home Warranty offers similar coverage, it’s only available with its highest plan. With Liberty Home Guard, you can get protection with its system-only and comprehensive plans.
It’s important to note that Liberty Home Guard’s HVAC coverage limits max out at $2,000, which is lower than those offered by other providers. Like Elite Home Warranty, Liberty Home Guard doesn’t provide HVAC coverage in its most affordable plan. Liberty Home Guard also doesn’t cover air conditioning leaks and a few essential system components like evaporator coils, which other providers include. So, if you’ve got extensive HVAC needs, you might want to consider a different provider.
Plan Details and Cost
Liberty Home Guard offers an appliance-only, systems-only, and combination plan. The Systems Guard and Total Home Guard plans cover HVAC systems. When you sign up, the company will provide you with a service call fee that ranges from $65–$125 per claim.
Below is a plan and cost overview for Liberty Home Guard:
- Appliance Guard ($50 per month): The Appliance Guard covers nine appliances, including clothes washers, dryers, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, and garage door openers.
- Systems Guard ($55 per month): The Systems Guard covers six major systems, including heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Total Home Guard ($60 per month): The Total Home Guard combines every item in the Appliance and Systems Guard plans for comprehensive coverage.
As mentioned above, Liberty Home Guard provides a $2,000 coverage cap for heating and cooling repairs. Although this isn’t the highest payout in our review, the company offers full nationwide coverage and over 40 optional add-ons. Read more about Liberty Home Guard’s coverage details in its sample contract.
Below is a sample of the 42 add-ons Liberty Home Guard offers:
- Central vacuum
- Freestanding ice maker
- In-fridge ice maker
- Limited roof leak
- Sump pump
Choice Home Warranty
Coverage Overview
- Charges less for its comprehensive plans than other providers we reviewed
- Offers $3,000 coverage caps for HVAC systems, which is higher than Liberty Home Guard
- Has a smartphone app for easy claims submissions
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t include coverage options for AC refrigerant, maintenance, grills, or window units
- Excludes air conditioning coverage from its lowest plan
Our Review
Choice Home Warranty is a good option for homeowners who need affordable home warranty coverage without sacrificing HVAC protection. The company’s highest plan, the Total Plan, offers up to $3,000 in protection for heating, cooling, and ductwork, similar to what Elite Home Warranty provides for individual AC units. At $55 per month, Choice’s coverage is a bit cheaper than Elite’s $60 comprehensive plan, making it a solid option for those looking to cover the basics without overspending.
However, Choice Home Warranty’s low cost comes with some trade-offs. The company doesn’t cover certain items, such as refrigerant, window units, grills, and registers. Plus, you won’t find extra perks like annual HVAC maintenance or higher coverage limits.
We also found that the company has an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office regarding alleged deceptive tactics with contracts and payouts. The lawsuit hasn’t impacted the company’s business conduct in other states.
Plan Details and Cost
Choice Home Warranty only offers two plans, and each one covers a mix of home appliances and systems. Note that Choice’s Basic Plan doesn’t cover air conditioning. You must purchase its top-tier plans for this coverage.
Below is a plan and cost overview of Choice’s plans:
- Basic Plan ($45 per month): The Basic Plan covers 14 major appliances and home systems, such as heating, plumbing, water heaters, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.
- Total Plan ($55 per month): The Total Plan covers all items in the Basic Plan, including air conditioning, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers.
Choice Home Warranty offers a $3,000 coverage limit for each covered item, unless otherwise noted in its sample contract. Unlike Elite Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard, Choice offers only nine optional add-ons.
Below is a sample of the add-ons Choice offers:
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Septic tank pumping
- Well pump
Our Experience Filing HVAC-Related Claims
In addition to requesting a quote from each company, a member of our team, Julie F., purchased a plan from Choice Home Warranty for her home. She documented her experience to share with homeowners considering home warranty coverage.
Julie filed a claim through Choice’s online portal when her air conditioner stopped working. She logged on to the online portal and completed her claim within five minutes.
Choice Home Warranty arranged for a technician to come to her home and diagnose the issue two weeks later. The technician determined that a disconnected reader was the cause of the problem and completed repairs on the same day. The problem was resolved in just one visit, making for a mostly satisfying experience.
Which Parts of Your HVAC Does a Home Warranty Cover?
Home warranties can offer financial protection for your HVAC system, but plans won’t always cover every breakdown. Home warranty providers typically only repair issues from the normal wear and tear of using your system over time.
The extent of coverage can also vary between providers. For example, many home warranty companies include ductwork in their plans but may not cover issues such as breaks, leaks, or collapsed sections.
The table below compares our top-rated home warranty providers based on the coverage included in their most comprehensive plans for common HVAC parts and services.
Key HVAC Coverage By Provider
| HVAC Coverage | American Home Shield | First American Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent AC Units (Central, wall, mini-split) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Window or Portable AC Units | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| Furnaces | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heat pumps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Thermostats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerant recharging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Registers and grills | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
| Multiple cooling or heating units | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
| HVAC annual maintenance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 𝗫 | 𝗫 |
Cost of HVAC Coverage
A home warranty usually costs between $47–$82 per month for an average of $56, or $564–$984 per year, depending on the provider and the specific coverage. Opting for one of these plans has its benefits, as HVAC repairs or replacements can quickly get pricey, often costing thousands of dollars. With a home warranty, you’ll only need to pay a fixed service fee, protecting you from unexpected expenses associated with emergency repairs and costly contractors. Keep in mind you may also need to pay out-of-pocket costs if repair prices exceed your coverage limit.
The chart below shows what you could expect to pay to repair or replace parts of your HVAC system without a home warranty plan:
| HVAC Issue | Average Cost* for Repair or Replacement |
|---|---|
| Drain line clogging | $75–$200 |
| Capacitor | $100–$250 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $100–$500 |
| Heat exchanger | $100–$1,500 |
| Blower or motor issues | $200–$700 |
| Refrigerant leaks | $250–$1,500 |
| Ductwork repair | $500–$2,000 |
| Coil replacement | $600–$2,400 |
| Compressor failure | $800–$3,000 |
| New furnace | $2,600–$6,200 |
| New AC | $3,800–$7,500 |
Reading the Fine Print of Your HVAC Coverage Plan
Most HVAC plans come with specific exclusions and limitations that can affect your system’s coverage. Below is a list of common exclusions found in HVAC home warranties:
- Damage caused by natural disasters: Systems damaged by severe weather events, such as storms or tornadoes, won’t receive coverage under a home warranty plan. You would need homeowners insurance for this type of coverage.
- Personal heating, cooling, humidity, and air regulators: Most home warranty plans don’t cover personal heating and cooling devices. Other exclusions include humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and electronic air cleaners.
- Poor maintenance: If you don’t keep your HVAC system in good shape, you might find that your warranty won’t cover repairs. Some companies may even ask for past maintenance records, and if they see neglect, could deny your claim.
- Preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions and damage describe any issues that existed before your home warranty coverage began. In our 2025 survey of 2,000 home warranty users nationwide, 31% of homeowners who had a denied claim cited preexisting conditions as the reason. Only certain home warranty companies, including American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty, offer these protections, so it’s important to review your plan in detail.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
When reviewing HVAC protection in a home warranty plan, check the coverage caps closely. These limits hover around $2,000 on average, but can vary quite a bit between providers. We recommend choosing a plan that meets or exceeds this limit to ensure your heating and cooling systems have adequate protection.
Keep an eye on Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating requirements, too. Some home warranty companies won’t cover systems with a SEER rating below 13, which can become an issue for owners of older units that aren’t as energy-efficient. Make sure the home warranty plan you choose fits your specific HVAC system—most plans cover central AC and heating, but some might limit coverage for different types, like window units or ductless systems.
Lastly, check whether the warranty has ongoing maintenance requirements. Many companies expect you to maintain your HVAC system regularly to keep it running smoothly and lower the risk of breakdowns. Even if you don’t have a home warranty, it’s a good idea to stay on top of HVAC maintenance to avoid surprises down the line.
Advice From Real Homeowners
No homeowner wants to deal with HVAC issues, but having a plan for when your system breaks down can save you time and money. We spoke with two homeowners, Sonia C. and Callie M., who have encountered recent issues with their systems.
Sonia, who doesn’t own a home warranty, opted to replace the 15-year-old system in her Raleigh, North Carolina, home after being quoted more than $8,000 for repairs. She made the decision less than a year after paying to replace a blower motor.
“I wish I’d had a home warranty because it would have covered the cost,” Sonia said. “It was a very sudden, unexpected expense that I wasn’t prepared for at all because I had just repaired it the year before. [Your air conditioner] is something you need, especially in North Carolina. If your house is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can’t function.”
Callie, whose Wilmington, Delaware, home was built in 1953, said she’s reluctant to purchase a home warranty due to common coverage exclusions for older homes. But she advises scheduling regular inspections and maintenance so you can avoid waiting a long time for repairs.
“Always have your HVAC inspected at the end of the season because that’s when it’s going to be the easiest to schedule maintenance,” Callie said. “We scheduled our heater maintenance in April, and the company we hired completed it in the last week of September.”
FAQs About Home Warranties for HVAC
Do home warranty companies cover furnaces?
Yes, many home warranty providers offer furnace coverage in their base plans. However, it’s important to note that each provider offers different coverage limits for furnace systems. We recommend checking your provider’s service contract for the extent of coverage.
Are home warranties worth it for HVAC?
A home warranty is worth considering to protect your HVAC system from an unexpected breakdown. HVAC systems run for many hours at a time, depending on where you live, and can become more likely to break down from wear and tear. A home warranty can help reduce the financial stress of paying for an expensive HVAC repair.
Will a home warranty cover a 20-year-old HVAC?
Yes, nearly all home warranty providers cover HVAC systems older than 20 years old. That said, companies tend to add extra limitations on older systems, such as reduced repair payouts or lower workmanship guarantees. Still, a home warranty will save you money compared to purchasing a new HVAC system.
What does a home warranty not cover?
Home warranties typically don’t cover routine maintenance, appliance removal and disposal fees, or commercial property. We recommend reading your provider’s sample contract to determine what a home warranty covers or doesn’t cover in your policy.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers for HVACs
To gain a complete view of the home warranty space, we consulted industry experts, researched providers and compared coverage, spoke with company representatives, and tested home warranty companies firsthand. We also surveyed 2,000 home warranty plan holders and spoke with homeowners to understand their coverage needs and purchase habits.
Using this research, our team developed a detailed methodology to score each company. When evaluating home warranty companies based on their HVAC coverages, we focused on the following factors:
- HVAC coverage caps: When choosing a home warranty, it’s important to select a plan with adequate limits to reduce or eliminate expected repair and replacement costs. We selected home warranty providers that offer a minimum of $2,300 in coverage for heating and cooling systems, which we found is the median coverage offered by many providers. Companies that met or exceeded this limit received higher points. We didn’t consider home warranty providers that offer caps below $2,000 for this review.
- Important item inclusions: The best HVAC coverage protects the most important parts of your system. We checked for key items, including AC units, ductwork, furnaces, heat pumps, and other key system components and services. We left out companies that offer limited protection or exclude these essential items.
- Additional HVAC-related services or benefits: Companies received higher scores for providing additional HVAC-related services or add-ons. Some examples include add-ons for annual HVAC maintenance or discounts on air filters. These added benefits can help extend your HVAC coverage and cost savings.
- Customer experience: Our team gained firsthand experience by submitting home warranty claims for HVAC repairs and replacements. This experience helped us learn more about the claim process and evaluate the responsiveness of different providers.
