HVAC Warranties (2023 Comprehensive Guide)

Jan 10, 2024

Bradford Cuthrell is a meticulous researcher and writer specializing in pet and home finance topics. He's surveyed thousands of pet owners and homeowners, listened to hundreds of customer service calls from various home service companies and spoken with dozens of industry experts to understand homeowners' common pain points and needs.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York's Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Routine maintenance is essential to extending the life of your HVAC appliances, and purchasing an HVAC warranty is the first step. The right warranty covers parts and labor costs when you’re confronted with unexpected trouble.

Your appliance may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase it. From there, you may have the option to upgrade to an extended warranty. You can also purchase a home warranty that provides additional coverage for all of the appliances in your home.

An HVAC manufacturer warranty is an agreement that the manufacturer of a product will cover any necessary repairs and replacements within a specific period of time. Most manufacturer warranties cover defective parts for up to 10 years, but will not extend to labor or installation costs.

There are several benefits to having a system or appliance warranty. For example, if your air conditioning suddenly stops during a heat wave, a warranty can help you find a covered technician and avoid out-of-pocket repair costs.

Different companies offer different types of warranty coverage but regardless of the brand you choose, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of each type of available warranty.

Most manufacturer warranties cover parts for as long as 10 years. Since the product manufacturer is not involved in installing or physically repairing HVAC systems, warranties only extend to defective parts, not labor.

An HVAC manufacturer warranty typically excludes labor and specific parts, such as the compressor and heat exchanger. But an extended warranty can offer peace of mind by providing coverage beyond what is listed in your original warranty contract.

Depending on your service agreement, an extended warranty can cover labor, additional parts or both. Your warranty contract should specify repair cost coverage regarding your HVAC equipment.

Since manufacturers are unlikely to determine which technicians will handle repairs, most companies offer an “only parts” warranty that does not include labor or installation. However, you can purchase a separate parts and labor warranty to cover HVAC repair work.

Most warranty providers require you to register your cooling and heating system to enroll in parts and labor coverage. Most contracts include 10 years for parts and one year for labor, but terms and conditions may vary depending on the warranty company.

A home warranty can offer more comprehensive protection compared to manufacturer options. Home warranties typically cover multiple systems and appliances in your home, including your heating and cooling systems. Most home warranty companies also offer multiple coverage options so you can customize your coverage and choose the best home warranty protection for your home. Plus, some plans may include repairs for household system components, such as the thermostat.

Home warranties also do not limit coverage to new systems — most home warranty plans extend coverage to older homes, even if your HVAC unit was installed by an unknown technician. When you need a repair, your home warranty company will either work with a pre-selected technician or allow you to choose your own HVAC contractor.

Home warranty pricing varies depending on the provider, but is generally offered for a monthly or annual fee. Based on our research, basic coverage can range from $43 to $56 per month.

When choosing an HVAC warranty, you need to consider which type of coverage is best for you: a manufacturer, labor, extended or homeowners warranty. Be sure to take your budget into account and consider the age of your home systems while considering coverage.

Use the following tips while comparing the best warranty protection for your HVAC system:

A home warranty provider can offset repair or replacement costs if your HVAC unexpectedly breaks due to normal wear and tear. Home warranty coverage can offer peace of mind for homeowners moving into an older home with an unknown maintenance history. But, coverage is also useful for new homeowners who do not want to worry about finding a contractor if their home systems malfunction.

However, a home warranty will only cover certain repairs and components. Check your provider’s service contract for information about coverage and exclusions.

The general benefits of home warranty coverage include the following:

While an HVAC manufacturer may offer a limited warranty, coverage will likely only extend to a short period and include specific parts. Alternatively, a home warranty extends to multiple home systems and appliances, including the costs of covered repairs, parts and labor. In some cases, home warranties may cover niche items such as refrigerant disposal and appliance removal.

You can find home warranty coverage for an affordable price, typically between $43 to $56 per month. Some companies also offer cheaper plans if you are seeking coverage on a budget. So if your heating goes out in the middle of the winter or your air conditioner malfunctions during the summer, a warranty can offer peace of mind that you won’t have to pay for pricey repairs out of pocket.

A limited warranty may have a long list of exclusions and not extend for the length of time you need. A home warranty allows you to choose a plan that best fits your coverage needs with the flexibility to renew or cancel your policy annually.

We recommend American Home Shield as the top home warranty for HVAC coverage. American Home Shield offers comprehensive coverage that includes some aspects of routine maintenance, including roof leak repairs, unlimited air conditioning refrigerant, and even costs that may accrue due to code violations or modifications. The company has multiple coverage plans and coverage add-ons ranging from $30 to $90 a month, so you can choose what to protect and how much you pay.

An HVAC warranty can offer peace of mind in the event of system failure or break downs. For the best results, be sure to keep your warranty active and understand what is and is not covered.

It is not always necessary to register your HVAC system to qualify for manufacturer warranties, but registration can lead to quicker service and better results. When your warranty is registered, company representatives are more likely to accurately troubleshoot and address repairs.

You can register your HVAC system by phone or contact your chosen warranty provider online. The process will require information such as your address, the size of your home, and the model or serial number of the systems you want covered.

Any home system with moving parts will require regular upkeep, whether to replace aging parts like the heat pump or condenser or to prevent wear and tear. Routine professional servicing can help identify potential issues before they escalate to costly repairs. Regular upkeep can also help new homeowners become more knowledgeable about how to maintain their home systems.

In some cases, improper use of home systems or lack of regular HVAC maintenance can void your warranty.

There are two common ways to void the terms of an HVAC warranty. The first way is by neglecting proper maintenance of the air conditioner, heater or other HVAC components. The second way is by attempting to make repairs on your own without specific guidance from a warranty representative, which can lead to further damage.

According to sample quotes from our top-rated home warranty providers, the average monthly cost of a home warranty with HVAC coverage is $57 per month, with an average service fee of $101.

That being said, depending on your budget, desired coverage and the company you choose, the monthly cost of an HVAC warranty can typically range anywhere from $35 to $110 per month. Your location and home size will also impact how much you pay for your HVAC warranty.

When you buy an HVAC system or any related components, a warranty acts as a promise from the manufacturer that your system will work properly. However, manufacturer warranties only last for a limited time, so you may want to consider purchasing a home warranty for ongoing, extended coverage.

A home warranty offers a broader scope of protection for your HVAC system and other home systems and appliances. It can also cover both labor and material costs for any repairs your HVAC system needs, whereas a manufacturer warranty is limited to just parts.

Most often, the manufacturer warranty covers the cost of a limited selection of parts. Carefully review the contract to know which parts your warranty covers and excludes.

The best way to check your warranty is to contact a representative to obtain a written copy. You can also ask the representative to explain parts of the contract that are not clear.

HVAC equipment is often under warranty for up to 10 years. You can register for coverage within a set time frame (typically 60 to 90 days) after purchasing equipment or a new HVAC installation. However, a warranty may only cover labor and specific costs on a yearly basis. Some warranty providers will set up an automatic renewal system with you, whereas others may not reach out after your warranty expires.

An HVAC manufacturer warranty usually covers the repair and replacement of a limited scope of parts. An extended labor policy also covers the cost of labor. A home warranty extends coverage to the HVAC system and other appliances and systems in your home.

Yes. You can purchase warranty coverage whether you are a new homeowner in Texas purchasing a warranty for your air conditioner or you just purchased a new HVAC system in California. However, some home warranty companies do not operate in every state, and your manufacturer coverage may vary depending on the brands available to you.

Bradford Cuthrell is a meticulous researcher and writer specializing in pet and home finance topics. He’s surveyed thousands of pet owners and homeowners, listened to hundreds of customer service calls from various home service companies and spoken with dozens of industry experts to understand homeowners’ common pain points and needs. When he’s not helping his readers make informed decisions, he’s reading a book a week, planning a camping trip or working on his novel draft.

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.