Featured Partners
State availability: 46 + District of Columbia
Sample plan pricing: $44.42 - $47.75 per month
Service call fee: $75 - $100
State availability: 49 + District of Columbia
Sample plan pricing: $46 - $54 per month
Service call fee: $100
State availability: 48 + District of Columbia
Sample plan pricing: $29.99 - $79.99 per month
Service call fee: $75, $100 or $125
Repairs for furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps can be expensive — often costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. An HVAC home warranty gives you financial protection and peace of mind if your heating or cooling system breaks down.
Discover the best home warranty for HVAC systems to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Our picks
Select Home Warranty: Best for HVAC
American Residential Warranty: Best for frequent claims
Home Warranty Inc: Best for choosing your own contractor
America’s First Choice Home Club: Best for flexibility
American Home Shield: Best for comprehensive coverage
Cinch Home Services: Best for perks
The Home Service Club: Best for affordable add-ons
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: Platinum Care
Service fee: $75 to $100, depending on the length of the contract
Monthly fee: $47.75
Why we picked Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty offers significant value with its low monthly premiums, reasonable service call fees and impressive coverage for HVAC systems up to $3,000. This sets Select apart from competitors that cap HVAC coverage at less than $1,500.
However, Select Home Warranty caps most other systems, like plumbing and electrical, at $500 and add-ons at $400. This may not suit homeowners with older systems that need frequent repairs or replacements. Also, the company reserves the right to deny claims if you don’t have three years of maintenance records.
Who should use Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is an excellent fit for homeowners seeking ample coverage for potential HVAC breakdowns with newer appliances (that don’t need high coverage caps).
Pros and cons of Select Home Warranty
Pros
- Includes free limited roof leak coverage
- Covers manufactured/mobile homes, condos, townhomes, apartments, single-family homes and multi-family homes
- 90-day workmanship guarantee
Cons
- $75 cancellation fee may apply after 30 days
- May not approve claims if you lack maintenance records and pictures of damage
- Doesn’t cover tankless water heating systems, leaks and pumps
American Residential Warranty: Best for frequent claims
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: TotalMax
Service fee: $55
Monthly fee: $74.99
Why we picked American Residential Warranty
American Residential Warranty (ARW) stands out for its $55 service fee, significantly lower than the industry average of $75. It also offers the convenience of filing a claim online by submitting a form. Its TotalMax plan covers uncommon items like ice makers, humidifiers and ceiling fans. You can choose between two cheaper options that cover most essentials if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Unfortunately, canceling ARW’s service is a hassle. You must send a physical letter and a $49 cancellation fee. While the service fee is lower, its best HVAC plan costs around $75, higher than other providers. Also, its Systems plan won’t cover your washer and dryer by default.
Who should use American Residential Warranty
American Residential Warranty is a solid choice for homeowners with older HVAC systems that may need frequent repairs or replacement.
Pros and cons of American Residential Warranty
Pros
- A- BBB rating and 3.6 Trustpilot rating
- Low service call fee
- Allows you to pick your own technician
Cons
- Monthly fee is higher than competitors like Select, AFC Home Club and American Home Shield, despite a lower service fee
- $1,000 coverage cap for covered home systems like HVAC
- Must cancel service via mail
Home Warranty Inc.: Best for choosing your own contractor
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: Home Protection Plan
Service fee: $100
Monthly fee: $76
Why we picked Home Warranty Inc.
We appreciate Home Warranty Inc. for its flexible HVAC coverage. While the standard coverage cap is $2,500, customers can pay an additional $100 to extend it to $5,000. Its 24/7 live call answering service ensures you get help when you need it most — like when your AC or heater breaks down in the middle of the night.
However, its service and monthly fees are higher than those of other home warranty companies. Residents in Arizona, California, New York and Washington must pick another provider because they are outside Home Warranty Inc.’s service network.
Who should use Home Warranty Inc.
We recommend Home Warranty Inc. to homeowners who have a preferred local contractor for HVAC repairs. Already having a reliable contractor increases the chances of a job well done.
Pros and cons of Home Warranty Inc.
Pros
- BBB accredited with an A+ rating
- Offers a 14-month standard coverage (compared with the usual 12)
- Easily request service online 24/7
Cons
- Doesn’t cover manufactured/mobile homes, condos, townhomes and apartments
- Doesn’t serve four major states
- Workmanship guarantee is for only 30 days
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: Platinum Plan
Service fee: $75, $100 or $125
Monthly fee: $57 to $62
Why we picked AFC Home Club
We love America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club’s long workmanship guarantee. It stands by its work for as long as you’re a member. This vastly differs from other companies, which typically offer 30- to 90-day workmanship guarantees. Customers may get a discount if they buy a warranty on the phone instead of online.
Though AFC Home Club offers a generous workmanship guarantee, homeowners must file a claim as soon as they discover any breakdown to ensure coverage. Some have also complained about low coverage caps. For example, a customer on Consumer Affairs was unhappy with AFC’s AC policy, stating that while minor issues may be adequately covered, complicated breakdowns may exceed the coverage limit. Residents in California, Hawaii and Washington must use a different provider, such as Select Home Warranty or American Residential Warranty, as AFC doesn’t operate in the state.
Who should use AFC Home Club
Choose AFC Home Club if you prioritize an extensive workmanship guarantee. You can count on AFC to address issues with repairs or installations by its technicians as long as you remain a customer.
Pros and cons of America’s First Choice Home Club
Pros
- Workmanship guarantee lasts for the duration of the service agreement
- Covers manufactured/mobile homes, condos, apartments, townhomes, single-family homes and multi-family homes
- Services all states except for Hawaii
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews (1.9 rating on Trustpilot and 3.7 rating on Google)
- $75 cancellation fee may apply after 30 days
- Doesn’t serve California, Hawaii or Washington
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: ShieldGold
Service fee: $75, $100 or $125
Monthly fee: $30 to $36
Why we picked American Home Shield
American Home Shield has been in business for over 50 years, establishing itself as an experienced home warranty provider. Its coverage limits are among the most generous in the market, and it even covers unknown preexisting conditions without requiring a visual inspection. The monthly fee is also much more affordable than competitors.
Even though American Home Shield boasts low monthly fees, many customers on Trustpilot have complained that they have received poor customer service and the company has refused to cover repairs.
Who should use American Home Shield
American Home Shield can be especially beneficial if you have an older HVAC system. It covers these units regardless of age without requiring maintenance records. It’ll even haul away old, defective items at no cost if you need a replacement.
Pros and cons of American Home Shield
Pros
- Services all states except for Alaska and Hawaii
- High coverage limit of up to $5,000 for HVAC systems
- Covers unknown, preexisting conditions
Cons
- Low Trustpilot rating of 2.2 (based on 4,935 reviews)
- Workmanship guarantee lasts only 30 days
- No live chat option
Cinch Home Services: Best for perks
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: Complete Home
Service fee: $100, $125 or $150
Monthly fee: $49.99 to $61.99
Why we picked Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services excels at covering mechanical failures caused by corrosion, rust or sediment. Its standout feature is the $1,000 annual reimbursement for deductibles paid on covered repairs or replacements. Cinch’s workmanship guarantee is also longer than most, so you know repairs will stand the test of time.
While Cinch offers some fantastic perks, its service call fees are steeper than the industry average. You must also notify Cinch promptly in the event of an HVAC breakdown to ensure coverage. Lastly, unlike some providers like American Residential Warranty, Cinch doesn’t allow its customers to choose their own technicians for repairs and replacements.
Who should use Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services is the way to go if you want HVAC coverage with nice extras. It offers benefits like reimbursements of up to $1,200 for hotel stays if your AC or heat goes out, leaving your home unlivable for a day or more. You also get a $25 credit for AC filters to keep your system in shape.
Pros and cons of Cinch Home Services
Pros
- 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is longer than the typical 30 to 90 days
- Covers unknown preexisting conditions, corrosion and rust
- Offers a homeowners deductible reimbursement of up to $1,000 per 12-month period
Cons
- Low ratings on Trustpilot (3.6) and Google (2.8)
- Higher-than-average service call fees
- Add-ons are limited and are mostly pool and spa-related
The Home Service Club: Best for affordable add-ons
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Best HVAC Plan: Systems (Standard)
Service fee: $65 to $125
Monthly fee: $50.41
Why we picked The Home Service Club
The Home Service Club is a top choice for homeowners in all 50 states. In addition to reliable HVAC coverage, it offers affordable add-ons for miscellaneous systems like jetted bathtubs, freestanding freezers and water softeners. Unlike other home warranty companies, it doesn’t require maintenance records or home inspections.
Though The Home Service Club makes it easy for anyone to get coverage, it isn’t BBB-accredited. The low rating and pattern of complaints on Better Business Bureau’s website may give some customers pause. Also, its repairs are only guaranteed for up to 90 days. This is less than the 180 days or more that other companies may offer.
Who should use The Home Service Club
Consider The Home Service Club if you’re looking for more-than-decent HVAC coverage. With a wide variety of budget-friendly add-ons ranging from around $60 to $250 per year, you can tailor coverage to your needs.
Pros and cons of The Home Service Club
Pros
- Services 50 states
- 30- to 90-day workmanship guarantee
- Covers HVAC systems of all ages, makes and models
Cons
- C+ BBB rating with a pattern of complaints
- Not BBB-accredited
- Service call fee information not available on the website or during the quoting process
Our picks at a glance
Check out our handy table breaking down key information to compare our top HVAC home warranty picks at a glance:
|
Our score (out of 5 stars)
|
State availability
|
Top-value plan
|
Monthly fee*
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Home Warranty | 4.5 |
50 states |
Platinum Care |
$47.75 |
| American Residential Warranty | 4.4 |
50 states |
TotalMax |
$74.99 |
| Home Warranty Inc. | 4.3 |
46 states (not available in AZ, CA, NY or WA) |
Home Protection Plan |
$76 |
| AFC Home Club | 4.3 |
47 states (not available in CA, HI or WA) |
Platinum Plan |
$57 - $62 |
| American Home Shield | 4.3 |
48 states (not available in AK or HI) |
ShieldGold |
$30 - $36 |
| Cinch Home Services | 4.3 |
50 states |
Complete Home |
$49.99 - $61.99 |
| The Home Service Club | 4.2 |
50 states |
Systems (Standard) |
$50.41 |
*Prices gathered in April 2024 for a 2,000-square-foot home in Boise, Idaho.
What didn’t make the cut
While we focused on the best home warranty companies for HVAC, a few well-known providers didn’t make our list:
- 2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty: Has a great workmanship guarantee but doesn’t cover manufactured/mobile homes and charges a 9.5% processing fee on monthly premiums.
- Home Warranty of America: Offers nationwide coverage, but there’s a 30-day waiting period after your first payment before coverage kicks in.
- Elite Home Warranty: Boasts an A BBB rating and a 90-day workmanship guarantee but limits HVAC coverage for the first 90 days after signing up.
Why should you get a home warranty for HVAC?
- Financial protection: A home warranty helps cover the cost of unexpected HVAC repairs or replacements, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- Peace of mind: If your HVAC system breaks down out of the blue, you can get it fixed quickly with less stress.
- Access to qualified technicians: Home warranty companies work with a network of licensed and experienced HVAC professionals to ensure quality repairs.
- Convenience: Call your provider when you have an issue, and they’ll handle the rest.
What does an HVAC home warranty cover?
An excellent HVAC warranty covers the main components of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system:
- Air conditioner
- Ductwork
- Furnace
- Pipes
- Thermostat
Coverage usually includes repairs or replacements due to everyday wear and tear, mechanical failures and breakdowns.
Note that a home warranty for HVAC may not cover:
- Damage caused by improper maintenance, neglect or performance
- Portable appliances like AC window units or portable heaters
- Problems present before the warranty began
- Secondary damages, such as water damage caused by a leaking refrigerator
- Upgrades or modifications to improve efficiency or performance
HVAC home warranty vs. manufacturer’s warranty
The key differences between HVAC home warranties and manufacturer warranties are:
- Coverage period: Manufacturer warranties are usually limited to a specific timeframe (e.g., five to 10 years). With a home warranty, you can renew coverage annually.
- Eligibility: You get a manufacturer warranty when you buy a new HVAC system. Home warranties aren’t exclusively for new systems — you can buy them for new and older units.
- Scope of coverage: Manufacturer warranties often only cover specific parts or components. Home warranties provide more comprehensive coverage for your entire HVAC system and other essential appliances and systems in your home.
Ultimately, a home warranty complements a manufacturer’s warranty by providing extended coverage and protection against breakdowns due to normal use.
Comparison: HVAC repair costs vs. home warranty cost
On average, HVAC repairs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the issue and your system type.
For example, fixing a refrigerant leak might cost a few hundred dollars, while replacing an entire AC unit can run upwards of $10,000. In contrast, the annual cost of a home warranty that covers HVAC typically falls between $300 and $600, with a service call fee of around $75 to $150 per incident.
If your HVAC system is older or prone to breakdowns, the right home warranty could provide significant savings over paying for repairs out of pocket. But if your system is new and in good condition, the warranty cost might outweigh the potential benefits.
Methodology
To determine the rankings for Best Home Warranty Companies, the CNN Underscored editorial team analyzed 21 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by a variety of metrics and subcategories, including:
