Many homeowners invest in an HVAC maintenance plan and believe they have coverage if something goes wrong with their system. They quickly learn that most plans of this type include basic tasks. They may get a small discount on repairs or replacement, but they remain responsible for most repair and replacement costs.
The HVAC maintenance plan only covers this one system in the home. They must work with other contractors for their plumbing and electrical systems and more. As more people realize how little the HVAC maintenance plan covers, they are choosing to move to a home warranty plan offered by 2-10.com instead. What are the benefits of doing so?
What Does an HVAC Maintenance Plan Cover?
HVAC maintenance plans provide homeowners with annual or semi-annual inspections of their HVAC systems and discounted parts and labor on repairs or replacement of the system. The homeowner chooses who will provide this maintenance and signs up for an agreement with that provider. HVAC maintenance plans offer several benefits.
The maintenance plan fee includes cleanings and inspections. These cleanings and inspections help keep utility bills down, which homeowners are certain to appreciate. In addition, these plans are very affordable, with some costing as little as $150 a year. However, the company charges service fees with each visit, and the homeowner remains responsible for most repair and replacement costs. The plan only provides a discount.
A homeowner might choose this option because they want to develop a relationship with a local provider. They choose which provider to sign with. In addition, the plan typically gives customers priority status, which can be of help during periods of extreme heat or cold. However, there are several drawbacks seen with HVAC maintenance plans.
Why an HVAC Maintenance Plan May Not Be Enough
HVAC maintenance plans aren’t a perfect solution for homeowners. They may find they never need service above and beyond annual cleanings and inspections. They are paying more than they must for the service. Furthermore, this plan only covers the HVAC unit.
Why You Need a Home Warranty
A home warranty covers the HVAC unit and other major household systems, such as the plumbing and electrical systems. The warranty also covers many major household appliances. Coverage varies by the provider, however, so read the contract carefully before signing with a company to ensure you understand what coverage you will have and what appliances and systems the plan you are considering excludes.
The home warranty also covers the cost of repairs or replacement up to the policy limit. When something goes wrong with the system, you only pay the service call fee. The warranty provider covers the rest, again up to the policy limit. A homeowner might find they don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. If they do, it will be a smaller amount thanks to the warranty they purchased.
A homeowner might feel they don’t need this warranty because the HVAC system remains covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, as are many other appliances and systems in the home. Nevertheless, the manufacturer’s warranty rarely covers the cost of labor. This expense falls on the homeowner. With a home warranty, the homeowner probably won’t have to pay anything to have the HVAC system repaired.
What Components Might Be Included in an HVAC Warranty?
The components covered in an HVAC warranty differ based on what type of system you installed in the home. If the house has a heating system, the warranty will usually cover a centrally ducted system, either gas or electric. The thermostat is usually covered along with interior gas supply lines. The warranty also covers any cooling system installed in the home. Warranty programs often cover a centrally ducted refrigeration system and heat pump. Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers may also be covered, and any thermostat connected to one of these systems is covered under the warranty. However, other components are not included under the warranty.
HVAC Warranty Exclusions
Water-source HVAC systems typically aren’t covered under a standard home warranty, and the same holds for high-velocity systems. Men and women who use coal- or wood-burning appliances will find these units aren’t covered under the standard warranty, and the same holds for freestanding and portable units. If the home is cooled by a zone-controlled or energy management system, speak with the warranty provider to learn what options are offered to cover these devices. The same goes for water towers, humidifiers, and chillers.
Furthermore, most standard home warranties don’t cover the ductwork in the home. The owner remains responsible for the repairs or replacement of any grills, registers, and filters. A standard warranty also doesn’t cover whole-house fans, roof jacks, or refrigerant recovery and recharge. Speak to the home warranty provider to learn if additional coverage may be purchased for these systems and components.
Reducing the Need for HVAC Repairs
While an HVAC warranty is a wonderful thing to have, homeowners must still maintain the system to reduce the need for repairs and extend the lifespan of the unit. Doing so will help to ensure the system performs optimally and energy bills remain low. Clean the registers regularly and replace the filter monthly. Speak with the technician to learn whether replacing the filter more frequently will be of benefit.
Individuals with allergies may need to replace their filters more often. The same holds for individuals with dogs and cats. Pet dander can get into the filter and clog it, leading to a decrease in the HVAC system’s performance. Keep the condensate drain line clear to help prevent problems as well.
Look into an HVAC home warranty today. Nobody wants to find their heating and cooling system isn’t working on the hottest or coldest day of the year. Sadly, that is when many breakdowns occur because the system is working hard to keep the home at the desired temperature. If the system does fail, you will have peace of mind knowing the warranty company will handle the repair or replacement of the unit, keeping the cost of home ownership down. You are certain to appreciate that.
