Does a Home Warranty Cover Air Conditioning Units?
August 10, 2021
Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and it doesn’t come without its concerns. For example, you may find yourself burdened by financial drains like faulty wiring, appliances, plumbing, or air conditioning units.
Air conditioning is one of the most essential appliances in your home. But, unfortunately, as temperatures rise, the risks to our health and well being increase.
It’s not always possible to prevent appliances from breaking down. That’s why so many people purchase home warranties to help cover unexpected costs and ease financial stresses.
However, many people are still wondering – does a home warranty cover AC? Let’s find out.
Home Warranties Explained
Home warranties offer a safety net against unforeseen repairs in your home. They’re not confused with home insurance, which usually covers major events like fires, floods, and property crimes.
Home warranties are a contract between a homeowner and a warranty company. The company agrees to repair or replace damaged appliances in the home at a discounted rate.
Depending on the type of warranty you select, this may also cover large appliances like swimming pools, dryers, and refrigerators. They can also cover other things excluded from home insurance policies like plumbing.
Typically, there are three main types of warranty that you can choose from. These are:
- One that covers a specific appliance
- One that covers a variety of appliances
- One that covers several appliances/critical systems in your home
The good news is that most home warranties do cover air conditioning units. However, you should remember that you are responsible for maintaining your air conditioning.
Most warranties cover general wear and tear and damage. Still, if your conditioning unit breaks and the company determines that a lack of maintenance caused it, you may not be covered.
What Types of Air Conditioning Are Covered By Home Warranty?
A home warranty will usually cover the major components of your A/C system.
These are:
- Compressors
- Blower motors
- Evaporator coils
- Geothermal systems
- Mini-splits
- Ducted central electrical split/package systems
- Ductwork coverage (this can include leaks and breaks)
Typically, most warranties will not cover A/C units that have pre-existing conditions.
The rules on what is and isn’t covered can also vary with each provider, so you’ll need to be careful when selecting the right home warranty provider for you.
For example, suppose your air conditioning unit is damaged due to a power surge from the electrical grid. In that case, some companies will not repair your system.
Home Air Conditioner Warranty Coverage
There’s a range of different air conditioning units on the market, so you need to make sure your warranty provider covers yours. The most common types are:
- Built-in electrical wall units
- Centrally ducted systems
- Water-source systems
- Evaporative coolers
- Geothermal systems
Remember: This is not an exhaustive list. The conditions of each warranty provider vary widely, so you may find that some of these options are not covered.
This is also a list of the most common A/C units, so there may be others covered that aren’t listed here.
For example, coverage for stand-alone units is not always guaranteed. Many home warranty providers will not include coverage under your plan. Likewise, if you have an A/C system that’s not ‘up to code,’ it’s unlikely that this will be covered either.
Your home is subject to local building codes and different regulations that dictate the standard of wiring, plumbing, HVAC installations, and more.
Failure to adhere to these codes means you could be breaking the law and putting yourself, and others, in danger. In addition, these installations need to be up to code to be covered under an AC home warranty.
To ensure your system’s up to code, consult a professional.
How Do I Maintain My Air Conditioning Unit?
To maintain your air conditioning, you should do the following:
Change your air filters at least once a month: This way, you can avoid dirt and debris building up in your unit. An excess build-up can prevent your system from working correctly.
Keep condenser coils clean: Coils help the refrigerant absorb heat and keep your home cool. Make sure you keep your coils clean by removing debris and dampening the coils.
Check coil fins and condensate drains: You can use a ‘fin comb’ to prevent coils from bending out of place and blocking airflow. Bypassing a wire through the condensate drain, you can remove debris that generates excess moisture.
The Benefits of Home Warranty
If you choose a plan that covers your air conditioning, you can benefit in several ways, including:
Peace of Mind: You can guarantee your system will be replaced by a top professional every time.
Cost Efficiency: Most plans are cost-effective. The average cost ranges between $25 to $50 a month, which can be significantly lower than paying for repairs separately.
Multi-Appliance Coverage: When you select a warranty that covers AC, you’ll usually find that other major household appliances are covered too.
Not only does this improve the cost-efficiency of your warranty, but you’ll benefit from greater peace of mind, too.
You’ll rest easy knowing your repairs are covered by professionals, and you won’t have to search through the weeds yourself to find reputable repair companies.