When you see that your home has a warranty, you might assume that the policy covers everything. However, that is not always the case. Coverage will depend on your specific policy and your past maintenance history.
Home Warranties and HVAC Systems
As you may already know, HVAC systems are very expensive. When something goes wrong, you want to ensure there are no out-of-pocket costs for a repair. With a home warranty, the policy might cover the costs associated with the repair or replacement of an HVAC system.
Home warranties are designed to cover maintenance costs and the typical wear and tear of appliances and home systems. In most cases, these policies will cover components that do not fall under the coverage provided by a homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance usually repairs damage caused by weather, fire, or accidents.
You never want to assume that everything is covered under a policy. Some warranties will cover only appliances, such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Others will cover entire home systems, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. A few warranties will combine those two policies, covering everything under your roof. If you have an HVAC policy, you will want to select a warranty package that offers full coverage.
Check Your Home Warranty Policy
Before you sign the final paperwork for your warranty, find out what parts and components are covered. Many HVAC warranties will include heating systems, central air conditioning units, and water heaters. The best home warranties will also cover the system’s pipes and ductwork. These warranties should also protect the system’s operating components, such as the thermostat.
Home warranties often will not cover any portable appliances. If you have a window air conditioning unit, there is a good chance that the warranty will not cover maintenance or repairs for that appliance.
Will a Home Warranty Cover HVAC Repairs?
Home warranties usually last for a year. You can decide whether to make a monthly payment or one annual premium. Before paying for the insurance, you will want to read the contract. Some warranties will include routine maintenance. You will want to schedule visits regularly if the policy covers those service calls. Often, the technician can discover minor problems during routine maintenance work. With that, the technician will repair these problems before they lead to more significant issues and hefty bills.
You will want to reach out to the home warranty company when you have a problem. Some companies even have an online portal where you can file a claim. After that, the warranty company will send a technician to inspect your HVAC system. The technician can determine the problem and make the appropriate repairs. All of those services are included in a flat service fee.
Sometimes, the system fails and cannot be repaired. In those situations, the technicians will recommend replacing the HVAC system with one that has equal value and power. Some companies may offer the option to upgrade an old system, but the homeowner has to pay the price difference. Remember that the home warranty company will cover the replacement up to the set coverage limits. Also, the home warranty company often decides who performs the maintenance and repairs on the HVAC system. Plus, they will make the determination as to whether the component will be fixed or replaced.
Remember that carrying a warranty doesn’t allow you to call your local contractor and replace parts without informing the company. However, some home warranty companies will allow you to have the flexibility to choose your own repair technician for a service call. Once again, you need to review the terms of your policy. If your company allows you to select your own technician, all the work will need to stay under the coverage maximums. These home warranty companies use complex formulas to balance the costs of the parts and repairs against the condition and age of the HVAC system.
Home Warranty Plans Will Not Cover All Scenarios
Home warranties will cover most replacements and HVAC system maintenance, but there are a few exceptions. These exclusions can be frustrating for homeowners. Many home warranty companies will have a waiting period between the date papers were signed and the policy’s effective date. With that, the home warranty company can prevent homeowners from signing a policy and immediately requesting coverage for a massive repair. The waiting period protects the warranty companies from paying thousands of dollars in claims the homeowners did not make in good faith. However, it can also mean the policy will not cover some problems that occur during the grace period.
In some cases, failing to maintain an HVAC can cause the company to deny a claim. For example, if the ducts have not been cleaned in years, causing the fans to stop operating, the home warranty company can refuse to pay for any repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance visits will make sure that your system is running efficiently. For most policies, there are certain conditions that you must meet, including scheduling routine maintenance for your HVAC system.
Also, home warranties do not cover failures or damages from anything other than normal wear and tear. For example, the home warranty will not pay expenses if a pipe bursts in your home and destroys the HVAC unit. Instead, you will need to turn to a homeowners insurance policy to cover the costs.
Home Warranties Can Help With Budgeting
Once you have purchased the warranty, you can budget for routine maintenance and make those immediate repairs. This will allow you to extend the life of the HVAC system. A technician will check on the components and change the filters. These professionals will refill fluids and inspect all of the parts.
You do not have to worry about a massive bill if something needs to be replaced or repaired. Your home warranty should be able to cover all of the costs up to the maximum limits. This reason alone makes most home warranties worth the fees. When you own a home, any additional costs can put a strain on your budget. While a home warranty is another expense, you can also prevent any of those unexpected repair bills down the road.
Home warranties are not too expensive for many people. In some cases, you can expect to pay a set service fee between $75 and $125 for each visit. You could recover the cost of the warranty with just a few visits. Plus, you can enjoy significant savings if you need to replace a component or an entire system. If you were to replace an HVAC system out of pocket, you would expect to pay between $4,000 and $8,000. When you compare your annual policy premium to those prices, you are better off signing up for a home warranty.
Home warranties can help cut down on high repair bills. When you need a reliable and trusted HVAC company, we are here to help. You can count on Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning when you need HVAC services in St. Peters and the surrounding areas. Our team is trained to assist with maintenance visits, repairs, replacements, and installations. We can also help with other home systems, such as water heaters, indoor air quality tests, thermostats, and zoned systems. If you want to learn more about our outstanding services in the St. Peters area, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a visit today!
