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Best Home Warranty for HVAC Coverage

We at the MarketWatch Guides team named Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield as the best warranty providers for HVAC protection based on extensive research of the top home warranty companies in the nation.
Key Takeaways
  • Choice Home Warranty is our top pick for home warranty provider with HVAC coverage.
  • Average service fees for home warranty providers range from $75 to $125.
  • In our February 2025 survey of 1,000 home warranty policyholders, air conditioning was the most common add-on coverage.
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Our Top Pick
Best value for coverage
4.4
Offer
$50 off + 1 month free
Most Experienced
4.2
Offer
50% Off Select Plans
Best for add-ons
4.1
Offer
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection
Best for budget shoppers
4.0
Offer
40% Off Home Warranty Plans

Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage

Based on quotes we’ve gathered from providers across the country, the average home warranty cost for a plan with HVAC coverage is $66 per month. Keep that figure in mind as you compare monthly costs from our top home warranty companies in the table below.

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The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.

Our Top Pick
Company Service Fee Best For Monthly Cost BBB Rating
Choice Home Warranty
EXPLORE PLANS on Choice Home Warranty’s website
$100
Best Value for Coverage
$47-$55
B
EXPLORE PLANS on Choice Home Warranty’s website
American Home Shield
EXPLORE PLANS on American Home Shield’s website
$100 or $125
Most Experienced
$23-$95
B
EXPLORE PLANS on American Home Shield’s website
$85
High Coverage Limits
$57-87
A+
Home Warranty of America (HWA)
EXPLORE PLANS on Home Warranty of America’s website
$75-$100
Best for real estate professionals
$46-$60
B-
EXPLORE PLANS on Home Warranty of America’s website
Cinch Home Services
EXPLORE PLANS on Cinch Home Services’ website
$100–$150
Best for extra benefits
$55-$73
A+
EXPLORE PLANS on Cinch Home Services’ website
First American Home Warranty
EXPLORE PLANS on First Home Warranty’s website
$50 to $125
Best for Appliance Coverage
$49-84
B+
EXPLORE PLANS on First Home Warranty’s website
Company BBB Rating Service Fee Best For Monthly Cost
Choice Home Warranty
EXPLORE PLANS on Choice Home Warranty’s website
B
$100
Best Value for Coverage
$47-$55
EXPLORE PLANS on Choice Home Warranty’s website
American Home Shield
EXPLORE PLANS on American Home Shield’s website
B
$100 or $125
Most Experienced
$23-$95
EXPLORE PLANS on American Home Shield’s website
A+
$85
High Coverage Limits
$57-87
Home Warranty of America (HWA)
EXPLORE PLANS on Home Warranty of America’s website
B-
$75-$100
Best for real estate professionals
$46-$60
EXPLORE PLANS on Home Warranty of America’s website
Cinch Home Services
EXPLORE PLANS on Cinch Home Services’ website
A+
$100–$150
Best for extra benefits
$55-$73
EXPLORE PLANS on Cinch Home Services’ website
First American Home Warranty
EXPLORE PLANS on First Home Warranty’s website
B+
$50 to $125
Best for Appliance Coverage
$49-84
EXPLORE PLANS on First Home Warranty’s website
No results were found.

*The Better Business Bureau ratings for the home warranty companies listed above are accurate as of October 2025.


Best Home Warranty for HVAC Coverage

Choice Home Warranty is our top pick for a home warranty with HVAC protection. The list below shows the best of the rest, informed by our in-depth review of 27 providers.

Choice Home Warranty Logo
Best value for coverage

Choice Home Warranty

4.6
Pricing: 4.7/5
Coverage: 5.0/5
Trustworthiness: 3.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.1/5
Choice Home Warranty Review
BBB Rating B
Average Monthly Cost $55
Service Fee $100
  • High $3,000 coverage cap: Choice Home Warranty provides $3,000 in coverage for electric and forced-air HVAC systems, floor furnaces, wall-mounted units and other systems.
  • Limited Basic Plan coverage: While the company’s Total Plan covers air conditioning and heating systems, the Basic Plan only provides coverage for heating. Both plans cover ductwork.
  • Coverage exclusions: Choice Home warranty excludes items and services such as window air conditioning units, costs associated with legally mandated diagnostic testing and parts covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. While HVAC coverage extends to ductwork with each of the company’s two plans, it excludes collapsed or clogged ducts.

Choice is our top recommendation for HVAC protection because the company offers a $3,000 coverage cap for heating and cooling systems. You also get a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs. This is longer than many of the providers we examined in this review.

Pros

Offers $3,000 in coverage for HVAC systems

Includes one free month of coverage with all new policies

Provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs

Cons

May offer a payout based on an item’s current value rather than an equal replacement

The cheapest plan does not include air conditioning coverage

Plan options: Choice’s Basic Plan includes coverage for heating, while the company’s Total Plan includes heating and air conditioning. The company assigns a flat-rate service fee of $100, which you will pay to your technician at the time of repairs.

Cost: The average price of the Total Plan, which provides total HVAC coverage, is $56 a month, which is cheaper than the national average cost of $66 a month. If you only opt for the heating system coverage provided by Choice’s Basic Plan, which excludes your air conditioning, you can expect to pay around $47 monthly.

Air conditioning: The Total Plan from Choice protects your air conditioner. It also covers all components and parts of ducted, central, split and package, forced air and electric air conditioning systems.

Heating system: Both of Choice’s plans include all components and parts related to your heating system. However, plans exclude portable units, chimneys, pellet stoves and wood stoves, even if they are the only heating sources.

Note that Choice Home Warranty is currently subject to pending legal action in Arizona. However, this is not uncommon across the industry. Eleven of the 27 national home warranty companies we’ve researched have had lawsuits filed against them in the past.

We reached out to Choice Home Warranty about the above-mentioned litigation and received the following response from Jim Mostofi, the company’s CEO:

“There is no merit to the 5-year-old litigation brought by the former attorney general in Arizona. Choice Home Warranty is the most comprehensive and cost-effective home warranty in the U.S. and our position will be vindicated when the matter is finally decided on the merits.”

Most Experienced

American Home Shield

4.2
Pricing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Trustworthiness: 3.8/5
Customer Experience: 4.2/5
American Home Shield Review
BBB Rating B
Average Monthly Cost $50
Service Fee $100 or $125
  • Generous $5,000 coverage cap: While some home warranty providers offer plans excluding HVAC coverage, American Home Shield (AHS) offers up to $5,000 for air conditioning and heating units with all three of its plans.
  • Includes refrigerant and HVAC tuneups: AHS’s ShieldPlatinum plan provides unlimited refrigerant and one free HVAC tuneup, which can help keep your unit in working condition.
  • Coverage exclusions: Window or portable air conditioning units are notable HVAC exceptions to AHS coverage. The company also limits its coverage to $1,500 for specific heating and air conditioning systems, such as glycol, hot water and steam circulating.

American Home Shield has over 50 years in the home warranty industry, making it the most experienced provider in our review. AHS offers $5,000 in HVAC coverage with all three of its plans. With the company’s highest tier of home warranty coverage, you also get an annual tuneup for your system. That can help you comfortably get through seasonal extremes in your state by ensuring your home stays temperate.

Pros

Provides $5,000 in HVAC coverage in all three plans

Does not require past maintenance records for coverage

Offers unlimited refrigerant and free HVAC tuneups with its highest plan tier

Cons

Limited add-on options available

Highest coverage tier is more expensive than other providers in this review

Plan options: All three of AHS’s plans cover heating and air conditioning systems. You will have your choice of a $100 or $125 service call fee that you pay when you need a repair or replacement.

Cost: A home warranty plan with HVAC coverage from AHS could cost you between $23 and $95 per month, on average, depending on your plan. The overall average cost of $50 per month for an AHS plan is 24% less than the national monthly average of $66, making it one of the cheapest home warranty companies we’ve reviewed.

Air conditioning: AHS policies cover a variety of air conditioning (AC) systems, including ducted central and electric split and package units, geothermal, evaporative coolers, wall air conditioning units and mini-splits. While refrigerant is free and unlimited under the highest plan tier, AHS includes a covered item limit of $10 per pound of refrigerant for all other policies.

Heating system: All AHS plans cover forced air, geothermal, wall-mounted, electric baseboard heating systems and more. The company does not protect grain, pellet, coal or wood heating units.

Best for high coverage limits

Old Republic Home Protection

4.4
Pricing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Trustworthiness: 4.2/5
Customer Experience: 4.3/5
Old Republic Home Protection Review
BBB Rating A+
Average Monthly Cost $71
Service Fee $100-$125
  • High HVAC coverage limits: Old Republic Home Protection has a $6,500 coverage cap for heating and air conditioning systems, including $1,000 for ductwork repairs.
  • Offers two free seasonal tuneups: The company provides two yearly HVAC tuneups if you buy the Elite Plan. You can buy this service as an add-on to a lower-tier plan.
  • Coverage exclusions: Old Republic excludes gas air conditioning units, portable heating and cooling units, smart vents and freestanding or window units. If your system is the wrong size relative to the square footage of your home, the company will exclude your home from all heating and cooling coverage.

High coverage limits for HVAC components put Old Republic on our list of home warranty providers. The company offers $6,500 in HVAC unit protection and $1,000 for repairs to ductwork. Old Republic is also the only company in this review that covers smart thermostats.

Pros

Offers $6,500 in coverage for HVAC systems

Covers smart and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats

Provides two free seasonal system tuneups

Cons

Only available in 25 U.S. states

Excludes air conditioning coverage in its lowest plan tier

Plan options: Old Republic offers two plans with complete HVAC coverage — Deluxe and Elite. The company’s Basic plan does not protect air conditioners, but for an added cost, you can buy the coverage as an add-on. The company offers service call fee options of $100 or $125.

Cost: The average price of an Old Republic plan is $71 per month, which is almost 8% more than the average home warranty cost of $66 per month calculated by our team across hundreds of policies. We also found that its Basic plan, which excludes air conditioning coverage, costs an average of $57 per month.

Air conditioning: While Old Republic’s cheapest plan excludes air conditioning coverage, the Deluxe and Elite plans cover all components that affect your system’s heating and cooling operations, including smart and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats. The company limits refrigerant coverage to $20 per pound if you buy the Basic or Deluxe Plan.

Heating system: All three of Old Republic’s home warranty plans include coverage for your heating system. However, the company sets a coverage limit of $1,500 for diesel, oil, hot water, geothermal and other specific types of heating units.

hwa-logo
Best for real estate professionals

Home Warranty of America (HWA)

4.3
Pricing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 4.5/5
Trustworthiness: 3.8/5
Customer Experience: 4.5/5
BBB Rating Not Rated
Average Monthly Cost $59
Service Fee $50-$100
  • High $5,000 coverage cap: Home Warranty of America provides $5,000 in coverage for heating and air conditioning units. However, the company also has a yearly $15,000 aggregate limit, which is the most it will pay out to you annually.
  • Offers HVAC coverage upgrade: Besides its standard HVAC coverage, you can secure a premium upgrade with the Select Plus plan, which protects window air conditioning units, filters, heat lamps and more.
  • Coverage exclusions: Some exclusions from Home Warranty of America’s HVAC coverage include portable heaters, gas heat pump systems and improperly sized air conditioning units.

Home Warranty of America offers standard home warranty plans and coverage designed specifically for real estate professionals. The company provides up to $5,000 in protection for HVAC systems, along with add-on coverage options for filters, window AC units and other components you might not find in a typical home warranty policy.

Pros

Provides $5,000 in coverage for heating and air conditioning units

Allows you to request service online or via phone

Offers a premium coverage upgrade that levels up your HVAC coverage

Cons

Has aggregate and per-item coverage limits

Only covers air conditioning units with its top-tier policy

Plan options: Home Warranty of America only offers two policies, and its top-tier plan provides coverage for air conditioning units. Our research showed that the company’s average service fee is $75, which is on the lower end of the average in the industry.

Cost: A Select Plus plan from Home Warranty of America starts at $60 a month. A Select Plan starts at $46 per month but does not cover conditioning units.

Air conditioning: You will find air conditioning coverage exclusively through Home Warranty of America’s highest plan tier. This covers all components and parts except for geothermal and water source heat pumps and exclusions as outlined in policy terms.

Heating system: Home Warranty of America offers heating system coverage with both of its home warranty policies. The company includes all components and parts necessary for the system’s operation under coverage, with exclusions outlined in your contract.

Best for Extra Benefits

Cinch Home Services

4.3
Pricing: 4.0/5
Coverage: 4.1/5
Trustworthiness: 4.9/5
Customer Experience: 4.4/5
Cinch Home Services Review
BBB Rating A+
Average Monthly Cost $63
Service Fee $100–$150
  • Longer-than-average workmanship guarantee: Cinch Home Services provides a 180-day workmanship guarantee on all HVAC repairs. If a repairperson fixes your HVAC system incorrectly and it needs more work, Cinch will take care of follow-up repairs at no cost for up to 180 days.
  • Covers multiple HVAC units: Cinch is the only provider in this review offering coverage for more than one heating and cooling unit. This could offer value if you have a larger or multi-story home.
  • Coverage exclusions: Cinch excludes window air conditioning units, portable heating units, and grain, pellet and wood heating units — even if they are your home’s only heating source.

Cinch features a 180-day workmanship warranty for all repairs, which is the longest of any provider in this review. The company also offers a $500 credit toward a homeowners insurance deductible with its comprehensive plan and an air conditioner filter credit with all its plans.

Pros

180-day workmanship guarantee for all repairs

Top-tier plan provides a $500 credit toward your homeowners insurance deductible

Covers up to two heating and two air conditioning systems

Cons

Applies aggregate and individual coverage limits to all plans

Does not offer HVAC tuneups, unlike some other providers in this review

Plan options: Cinch has two plans that cover HVAC systems — the Built-in Systems plan and the Complete Home plan. With each plan, you can pick a service fee ranging from $100 to $150.

Cost: According to data gathered by our team through secret shopping efforts, a home warranty with Cinch costs $63 monthly on average. This is on par with the national average price of a home warranty policy with HVAC coverage ($66).

Air conditioning: Cinch offers separate plans for appliances and systems alongside a comprehensive plan, and you’ll only find coverage for your air conditioning through two of its three policies. Coverage extends to all components of up to two ducted central electric units, geothermal units, wall air conditioners and mini-splits. The company also offers an air conditioner filter credit of $25 with all plans.

Heating system: Like Cinch’s coverage for air conditioning, two of the company’s three plans provide heating coverage for up to two units. The company protects all components of forced air, geothermal systems, wall-mounted units, floor furnaces, heat pumps, mini-splits and other systems.

Best for appliance coverage

First American Home Warranty

4.2
Pricing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 3.9/5
Trustworthiness: 3.9/5
Customer Experience: 4.4/5
First American Home Warranty Review
BBB Rating B+
Average Monthly Cost $66
Service Fee $50 to $125
  • No specified HVAC coverage caps: First American Home Warranty is the only provider featured in this review that does not specify monetary coverage limits for HVAC systems in its terms and conditions. While the company excludes ductwork repairs from standard HVAC coverage, you can buy this protection as an optional upgrade.
  • Offers HVAC upgrades: The company offers what it calls a First Class Upgrade, which provides additional coverage for heating, air conditioning, ductwork components and fees associated with equipment to service rooftop HVAC units.
  • Coverage exclusions: Some items excluded from HVAC coverage include auxiliary space heaters, cable heat and grain, pellet, stove or wood heating units. It also excludes gas air conditioners and window units.

First American puts no monetary coverage caps on heating, air conditioning and ductwork repairs. Although the company’s base plan doesn’t have coverage for AC units, First American’s higher-tier policies feature a First Class Upgrade that includes extra coverage for filters, window AC units and other systems.

Pros

Only provider in this review with no HVAC coverage caps

Covers window air conditioning units through its highest plan tier

Provides an add-on for preseason HVAC tuneups

Cons

Lowest-tier plan does not have air conditioning coverage

Not available in all U.S. states

Plan options: First American’s base policy does not include coverage for air conditioning units, only heating systems. The company’s mid-tier and comprehensive plans protect heating and cooling systems, with the top-tier policy including registers, grills, filters and window air conditioning units. You get more upgrades with the Premium plan. Service call fee options range from $75 to $125.

Cost: The average price of a home warranty from First American is $66 per month, which is right on par with the overall average cost of a home warranty with HVAC coverage calculated by our research team. If you purchase additional HVAC-related upgrades, note that your overall plan costs will increase.

Air conditioning: While First American’s Basic plan does not include air conditioning coverage, it covers heating systems. However, you can buy air conditioning coverage as a stand-alone add-on.

Heating system: First American includes heating system coverage with all three plan tiers. The company does not cover all components, and covered items vary by plan. Some covered parts include the heat pump, radiator, thermostats and hydronic circulating pumps.


Best Home Warranty Companies by State

Did you not find the right home warranty with HVAC coverage? Click here to find the best home warranty company in your state.


Is HVAC Coverage Included With a Home Warranty Plan?

Yes, many plans from reputable home warranty companies include HVAC coverage, but some entre-level plans only cover heating and require an upgrade to cover air conditioning. If your heating or air conditioning system fails because of normal wear and tear, a home warranty can cover labor and parts associated with the repair of your unit. A home warranty can even provide a replacement HVAC unit if yours is deemed irreparable by a licensed technician.

When researching home warranties with HVAC coverage, you will likely find that companies provide you with a list of covered and excluded components related to HVAC systems. While exclusions vary by provider, some common ones our research team encountered when reviewing sample contracts included portable units, window air conditioners, air filters, belts, collapsed or clogged ductwork, and improper installation or maintenance. We encourage you to read through a home warranty provider’s related HVAC coverage terms located in online sample contracts.


How Much Does an HVAC Home Warranty Cost?

The average home warranty cost with HVAC coverage is $66 monthly or $737 annually. We arrived at these figures by using an API (application programming interface) to gather cost data directly from provider websites using specific home details like square footage, ZIP code and home warranty plan type.

Our research showed that the average service fee ranges from $75 to $125, although you’ll find a few providers with fees outside this range. Note that the exact cost of a home warranty with HVAC coverage will depend on your location, home size, chosen policy and more.


Home Warranty Cost Calculator

To help you better estimate how much an HVAC home warranty could cost you, we developed a calculator that determines your projected annual costs based on home warranty type, estimated number of yearly claims and your chosen service fee. However, the best way to determine how much a policy will cost you is to get quotes directly from reputable providers.

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Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Type of Home Warranty Plan

Comprehensive plans cover both appliances and systems.

Claims Per Year

According to our survey, 1 of every 3 policyholders file at least one claim per year.

What Service Fee Are You Comfortable With?

Service fees typically range from $75-$150. Choosing a lower service fee will result in higher monthly costs.

Your Annual Cost Estimate

The results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect the actual pricing of your quote.

To determine home warranty costs, MarketWatch Guides mystery shopped quotes for each plan type from 28 different home warranty providers. The results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect the actual pricing of your quote.


Is a Home Warranty Worth It for HVAC?

A home warranty for HVAC coverage alone is likely worth it if you have an older system with a higher likelihood of frequent issues. HVAC breakdowns can result in some of the most expensive home repair bills, with average costs ranging from $130 to $2,000 depending on the issue. Home warranty coverage can help mitigate these costs by saving you from paying out-of-pocket for unexpected breakdowns.

Only you can decide if a home warranty is worth it for HVAC coverage, and selecting the right plan depends on your individual needs. We encourage you to gather quotes from the providers featured in this review and compare overall coverage, costs, monetary coverage caps and plan exclusions to choose the right policy for your home.


Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties for HVAC

A home warranty is not required by law, and deciding to purchase one is optional. A home warranty plan is not the same as homeowners insurance. Home warranties cover repair and replacement costs for household appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear, such as a failing dishwasher. Home insurance covers major structural damage caused by unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, vandalism or theft. Having a home warranty in addition to a homeowners insurance policy can provide robust protection for your home.

A manufacturer’s warranty is not the same as home warranty coverage. While a manufacturer’s warranty is included with the purchase of new systems and other household items, a home warranty is optional coverage you can buy for your whole home. However, you do not need both coverages simultaneously. If you have a brand new home, you may have manufacturer’s warranties on many of your new appliances and systems, including your HVAC. After a manufacturer’s warranty expires, you can protect those items with home warranty coverage.

Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before plans become effective. Some companies may offer warranties that go into effect immediately, while others could have longer waiting periods. Read the fine print of the sample warranty contract when you request a quote to determine how quickly you can file a service request.

You can typically get HVAC coverage with a home warranty but age limits depend on your provider. American Home Shield is a good option for homeowners who have an older or under-maintained HVAC since the company extends coverage regardless of a system’s age.

Many plans cover the main components of permanent systems such as compressors, condensers, coils, air handlers, motors, thermostats and refrigerant replacement, but exclude portable or window units, mismatched systems, clogged or collapsed ductwork and damage from poor maintenance. Coverage for mini‑splits or very old units may require an add‑on or may be limited.


Methodology: Our System for Rating Home Warranty Companies

We at the MarketWatch Guides team have developed a comprehensive rating system to evaluate home warranty providers based on objective criteria. Our researchers assess each company by directly communicating with representatives, reviewing sample contracts and analyzing consumer feedback. Additionally, we have conducted surveys and focus groups to gather valuable homeowner insights.

We assign scores to each provider based on the data collected, focusing on key factors such as pricing, coverage, trustworthiness, and customer experience. Below is the breakdown of how we score home warranty companies.

  • Pricing (30%): We analyze home warranty pricing in relation to overall value by considering monthly plan costs, average service fees, upcharges for after-hour and weekend repairs, and how companies handle depreciation. We also consider customer responses to our latest home warranty survey about pricing and general satisfaction.
  • Coverage (30%): Companies that offer transferable plans, have high coverage limits and have shorter waiting periods score highly in this category. We also take into account each provider’s individual coverage limits, repair requirements and coverage exemptions for major systems and appliances.
  • Trustworthiness (20%): We consider factors such as years in business, company size, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot ratings, and service guarantees in this rating category. We also analyze whether or not a company has any active or past lawsuits against it.
  • Customer Experience (20%): The more streamlined a provider’s customer experience is, the higher it scores in this category. We look at the availability of online sample contracts, available plan information, online quote tools, claims response times, cancellation policies and more. We also consider responses centered around general and claims satisfaction in our latest survey.
Our review methodology for home warranty companies is intended to provide a thorough overview of the best providers nationwide. To learn more, you can read our full home warranty methodology.  

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email our team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.

Meet the Team

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Learn more about Alex Carver

Catey Hill is the managing editor for MarketWatch Picks. Catey is the author of two personal finance books, “Shoo, Jimmy Choo!” and “The 30-Minute Money Plan for Moms.” She previously held positions at the New York Daily News, Meredith and SmartMoney.

Learn more about Catey Hill
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