Does Home Warranty Cover AC Replacement? A Comprehensive Guide

Does Home Warranty Cover AC Replacement?

Yes, a home warranty can cover AC replacement, as long as the breakdown is due to normal wear and tear and the unit has been properly maintained.

Standalone or unmaintained air conditioners and those that break down for reasons other than routine wear and tear are not covered.

If the AC is still under a manufacturer’s warranty, that warranty would be used instead of the home warranty.

A home warranty covers a wider range of systems and appliances and is transferable among owners.

Key Points:

Home warranties can cover AC replacement if the breakdown is due to normal wear and tear and proper maintenance.
AC units that are standalone or unmaintained, or that break down for reasons other than routine wear and tear, are not covered.
If the AC is still under a manufacturer’s warranty, that warranty will be used instead of the home warranty.

Home warranties cover a wider range of systems and appliances.
Home warranties are transferable among owners.
AC replacement under a home warranty is subject to certain conditions and requirements.

Did You Know?

1. In some cases, home warranty plans do cover AC replacement, provided the unit was properly maintained and is not beyond its intended lifespan. However, coverage can vary between different warranty providers, so it’s essential to review the specific terms and conditions of your policy.

2. Home warranty plans typically cover the repair or replacement of major home appliances and systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. This coverage often extends to the AC unit, as long as the damage is not a result of regular wear and tear.

3. Home warranty coverage may usually kick in if the AC unit becomes inoperable due to mechanical failures, electrical malfunctions, or certain component breakdowns. However, policies generally exclude coverage for damage caused by lack of maintenance, improper installation, or external factors like accidents or natural disasters.

4. While home warranties may cover AC replacement, it’s important to note that most providers have a cap on the covered amount. This means that if the replacement cost exceeds the coverage limit, you may have to cover the remaining expenses out of pocket.

5. Some home warranty providers even offer optional add-ons or higher-tier plans that provide additional coverage for features like enhanced HVAC systems or increased replacement allowances. It’s worth exploring these options if you are seeking more comprehensive coverage for AC replacement or other specific needs.

Eligibility Requirements For Home Warranty Coverage

To determine if your air conditioning unit is eligible for coverage under a home warranty, there are a few requirements that must be met:

Proper maintenance: The unit must receive regular maintenance and upkeep, including changing air filters regularly and keeping debris away from the unit.

Normal wear and tear: The home warranty will only cover air conditioning units that have broken down due to normal wear and tear. If the unit malfunctions or breaks down for reasons other than routine wear and tear, it may not be covered. Examples of situations where coverage may be denied include damage caused by improper installation or neglect.
Not standalone or unmaintained units: A home warranty will not cover standalone or unmaintained air conditioners. This includes portable or window units that are not connected to a central air conditioning system. To qualify for coverage, the air conditioning unit must be a part of a centrally ducted system, geothermal system, water-source system, evaporative cooler, or built-in electrical wall unit.

Types Of Air Conditioning Units Covered By Home Warranty

A home warranty can cover a wide range of air conditioning units. The types of units that can be covered include:

Centrally ducted systems, which are the most common type of air conditioning system found in homes. These systems distribute cool air throughout the house through a network of ducts.

Geothermal systems, which use the earth’s natural heat to cool and heat a home. These systems are considered to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional air conditioning units.
Water-source systems, which use water as a heat exchange medium.
Evaporative coolers, which cool air through the evaporation of water.

Built-in electrical wall units.

It is important to check the specific coverage terms of the warranty to ensure that your particular type of air conditioning unit is eligible.

Proper Maintenance Tips For Ac Units

To ensure that your air conditioning unit remains eligible for coverage under a home warranty, it is essential to perform proper maintenance on the unit. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Here are some tips for maintaining your AC unit:

Change air filters regularly: Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. It is recommended to change filters every one to three months.
Keep debris away from the unit: Clear any vegetation, debris, or obstructions from around the outdoor unit. This will help ensure proper airflow and prevent damage to the unit.
Seek professional help for any issues: If you notice any strange noises, leaks, or performance issues with your air conditioning unit, it is best to contact a professional HVAC technician. They can diagnose and repair any problems before they escalate.

“By following these maintenance tips, you can increase the chances of your air conditioning unit being eligible for coverage under a home warranty and ensure that it remains in good working condition.”

Limitations Of Home Warranty Coverage For Ac Units

While a home warranty can provide coverage for air conditioning units, it is important to be aware of the limitations of this coverage. A home warranty will not cover air conditioners that have not undergone proper maintenance or those that have broken down for reasons other than routine wear and tear.

Additionally, if your air conditioner breaks down after a major hail storm, the homeowner’s insurance policy is likely to cover the breakdown rather than the home warranty. It is important to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered in such circumstances.

Furthermore, if your air conditioner is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, that warranty will be used instead of the home warranty. Manufacturer’s warranties typically last for one year, cover only the specific system or appliance, and are non-transferable. In contrast, a home warranty can cover a wider range of systems and appliances and is transferable among owners.

A home warranty will not cover air conditioners that have not undergone proper maintenance.
A home warranty will not cover air conditioners that have broken down for reasons other than routine wear and tear.
Homeowner’s insurance policy is likely to cover air conditioner breakdown after a major hail storm.

Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered in such circumstances.
If your air conditioner is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, that warranty will be used instead of the home warranty.
Manufacturer’s warranties typically last for one year, cover only the specific system or appliance, and are non-transferable.

A home warranty can cover a wider range of systems and appliances.
A home warranty is transferable among owners.

“A home warranty will not cover air conditioners that have not undergone proper maintenance or those that have broken down for reasons other than routine wear and tear.”

“If your air conditioner breaks down after a major hail storm, the homeowner’s insurance policy is likely to cover the breakdown rather than the home warranty. It is important to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered in such circumstances.”

“If your air conditioner is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, that warranty will be used instead of the home warranty. Manufacturer’s warranties typically last for one year, cover only the specific system or appliance, and are non-transferable. In contrast, a home warranty can cover a wider range of systems and appliances and is transferable among owners.”

Other Options For Ac Repair And Replacement Coverage

If you do not have a home warranty or if your air conditioning unit is not covered by your current warranty, there are other options available for AC repair and replacement coverage. One option is to purchase an extended warranty directly from the manufacturer. This extended warranty can provide coverage for repairs and replacements beyond the initial manufacturer’s warranty period.

Additionally, some homeowners choose to purchase supplemental insurance policies specifically for their air conditioning units. These policies often have more comprehensive coverage and may include coverage for events such as storm damage, power surges, and other unexpected breakdowns.

In conclusion, a home warranty can cover the costs to repair or replace a covered air conditioning unit if it breaks down due to normal wear and tear. However, proper maintenance is required for the unit to be eligible for coverage. It is important to understand the types of air conditioning units that can be covered and to perform regular maintenance on the unit to ensure eligibility for coverage. Homeowners should also be aware of the limitations of home warranty coverage and explore other options for AC repair and replacement coverage if necessary.

Other options for AC repair and replacement coverage:
Supplemental insurance policies

Extended warranty from the manufacturer

Check this out:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AC system covered under warranty?

The AC system’s warranty coverage depends on the age of the system and the specific terms of the manufacturer’s warranty. Typically, air conditioners come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, which would likely cover the AC compressor if the system is still within its warranty period. However, while the warranty should take care of the cost of the compressor, you would still be responsible for paying the HVAC contractor for their labor. It’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of your warranty to determine the extent of coverage for your AC system.

How to get warranty to replace AC unit?

To obtain a warranty replacement for your AC unit, you should first reach out to your warranty provider and inform them about the malfunction or breakdown. Upon contacting them, they will assign a technician who will visit your home to conduct a thorough inspection of your air conditioner. The technician will assess the issue and provide a recommendation to the warranty provider, who will then determine if a repair or replacement is necessary. If a replacement is warranted, the warranty provider will arrange for the new unit to be installed by a professional technician.

Do home warranties cover AC coils?

Yes, home warranties typically cover AC coils. AC coils are essential components of the air conditioning unit and are susceptible to wear and tear over time. By including coverage for AC coils, home warranties provide homeowners with the assurance that any potential breakdown or malfunction of these coils can be repaired or replaced without incurring exorbitant costs. This coverage proves to be particularly valuable, considering the increasing temperatures during summers and the potential inconvenience and financial burden of dealing with AC issues.

What is not covered under AC warranty?

While AC warranties often cover a range of components, it’s important to note that certain parts may not be fully covered. The compressor, blower motor, evaporator coil, and fan motor tend to fall under this category. It’s prudent to carefully review the warranty agreement for exclusions related to repairs or replacements, as these are common occurrences during the lifespan of an AC unit.

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