Do home warranties cover A/C systems?

• What a home warranty covers on an A/C system
• When an A/C system is not covered under a home warranty
• Reasons to have a home warranty for an A/C system
  
  

Basics of a home warranty

Do you know what a home warranty is? In essence, your household appliances (microwave, refrigerator, washer and dryer) and your home systems (A/C, plumbing, heating etc.) sometimes stop working. A home warranty plan is a monthly payment that you make so that when this happens, it won't have to come solely out of your pocket to repair or replace these covered items.

When you have a home warranty plan, you'll know exactly who to call if your A/C stops working. With a company like ours, Cinch Home Services, you'll have direct access to a network of certified professionals who will be standing by to assist.

For some, a warranty plan is simply something that is purchased when buying a new A/C. This is more commonly known as an ?extended warranty plan.? This basically gives you protection for a year; so if your A/C stops working within 12 months of your purchase date, they will replace it or send a part that's needed for you to repair it. However, when you purchase home warranty protection with Cinch, you'll have protection on your A/C system for as long as you desire if you continue to sign up and pay your low monthly fee.

What is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?

Home insurance, or ?homeowners insurance? as it is more frequently called, is something that most homeowners get, although it is not necessarily a requirement. This kind of insurance protects your home and belongings from damage that occurs under certain circumstances. Usually, this means catastrophic events such as wind, fire, lightning or theft.

A home warranty, on the other hand, protects you when your appliances and systems in your home stop working. This is the repair or replacement of things such as your dishwasher, oven, refrigerator and more.

Here's a fun and easy way to remember the difference between the two. Home insurance is needed when an unexpected catastrophic event such as a flood or fire happens. A home warranty is needed when an appliance or system that you rely on such as your refrigerator, microwave or A/C system breaks down.

What does an A/C home warranty cover?

A home warranty provides coverage for air conditioning system parts and components when they break down due to normal wear and tear.

A home warranty will usually include all the components of a covered A/C system, including:

• Ducted central electrical split or package systems
• Geothermal system
• Mini-splits
• Evaporator coil
• Compressor
• Blower motor
• Ductwork coverage (including leaks or breaks in the ductwork, plenums, dampers and damper-only controls)

No matter what your home warranty coverage stipulates, your items may be deemed ineligible if they are not properly maintained. This means that it is important to regularly assess whether your A/C system is running at full efficiency.

A home warranty also provides protection for other components within a home, but this will depend on the type of coverage and the home warranty company used.

In general, a home warranty will repair or replace a covered item if normal wear and tear is the cause of the malfunction. The items a standard home warranty will cover include:

Most major home systems, such as your home?s:

• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
• Dishwasher
• Water heater
• Washer and dryer

Additional items can range from ceiling fans to garbage disposals and pools.

When an air conditioning system is not covered under home warranty

When it comes to A/C coverage, it is important to understand the root cause of the problem as that will help determine which coverage might apply.

For example, if you purchased a new A/C system and it had faulty wiring, then you would look into your manufacturer?s warranty. When it comes to A/C coverage, it is important to understand the root cause of the problem as that will help determine which coverage might apply.

If the A/C system failed before the home warranty coverage went into effect, it would not be eligible for coverage under a home warranty company.

This also applies to accidental or environmental damages to your HVAC system or air conditioner. If your air conditioning system?s electrical connection is fried because of a power grid surge, then your homeowners insurance would be able to determine whether coverage can be applied or not.

Since there are several different types of air conditioning systems, it is important to note that not all types can be covered under a home warranty. For example, stand-alone air conditioner units are not usually covered under your standard home warranty plan. Additionally, a home warranty company might not be able to cover an older HVAC system or an A/C system that is not up to code because the parts may be out of production.

Please note that there are some components of an air conditioning system that are exempt under home warranty coverage. A home warranty company may not be able to cover repairs when the HVAC system needs to be updated to the code if it has rust or if it hasn?t been properly maintained.

A/C warranties FAQ

In this section, let?s review some questions related to an A/C home warranty. Hopefully this provides the insight you need to feel confident about your decision to add home warranty protection.

Will my 20-year-old A/C unit be covered under a home warranty?

Yes, an A/C unit this old is often covered by home warranty as long as it is in good working order at the time coverage begins. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask questions.

Does home warranty cover air conditioner replacement?

When your A/C stops working, your home warranty company will likely attempt to fix the issue before suggesting a replacement. In fact, it may take more than one repair for them to even consider it. A/C systems malfunction often, and the technicians that are sent out for repairs will make every attempt to fix your A/C unit before replacing it.

So, when does an A/C replacement happen? Well, if you notice that your unit keeps malfunctioning and stops working after a few repairs, it may be time. Here's a tip that you should keep in mind. An A/C replacement won't happen by simply filing a claim. You'll need a technician to come out and do an assessment. Once the technician informs your home warranty company that your system is beyond repair, you'll get approved for a replacement.

There's one more thing that we should cover. Even though your home warranty company will replace your air conditioning system, you will still be responsible for a deductible and a service call fee. This fee can range from anywhere from $100 to $400 or more. If you have a preferred technician that you've been working with before, feel free to request that technician, although it's not guaranteed.

How does the A/C home warranty claims process work?

This process works like any other claims process with a home warranty. You file a claim for damages, wait for an in-person assessment with a quality technician, and then decisions are made to repair or replace your system.

What are the different types of air conditioners?

Here?s a list of the different A/C types:

• Central Air Conditioner
• Window Air Conditioner
• Smart Air Conditioner
• Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
• Portable Air Conditioner
• Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
• Geothermal Air Conditioner
• Evaporative Air Conditioner

What should I do if my A/C is making a weird noise?

It depends on what kind of noise it?s making. There are several steps you can take to diagnose the problem, as outlined here. If nothing works, know when to call a professional.

How should I take care of my A/C?

Start by replacing your filters often. This will help you regulate the air and keep your A/C running efficiently.

How long should my A/C last?

The average life span of an A/C is 10-15 years.

Do I need air conditioner covers for winter?

No. A/C units are built to withstand a wide range of weather conditions.

Is Freon covered under a home warranty?

In some cases, freon is covered. Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions or ask a customer service representative for clarity.

How much does an air conditioner cost, and what are my options?

The national average replacement cost for HVAC is $7,000, with a typical range of $5,000 to $10,000.

Why does my A/C smell, and how can I fix it?

You can fix this by inspecting the unit, cleaning it and replacing the filters as a start. Learn more here.

How often should I change my A/C filter?

You should change it every few months. Learn more here.

Common A/C problems

Here?s a list of some common air conditioner issues you may face as a homeowner and the things you can do to solve them.

Exposure to direct sunlight: If your A/C is in a window that gets direct sunlight, it will have to work harder to cool your space. It's recommended to move it to a shadier spot or use shades or curtains to block the sun.

Warm air leaking in: Ensure that the seals around your window A/C are intact to prevent hot air from entering and cold air from escaping. Reseal with weather stripping if necessary.

Vibrating window A/C: If your window A/C is vibrating, it might have been installed incorrectly. Ensure that it?s securely placed in the window and review the installation instructions.

Thermostat issues: Ensure the thermostat is on the right setting and not exposed to direct sunlight, which might cause it to register the wrong temperature.

Blocked registers: For forced-air systems, it's essential to vacuum the registers regularly to remove dust buildup and ensure that furniture or other objects aren't blocking the airflow.

Plants crowding the compressor: The outdoor compressor for central air needs adequate airflow. Ensure there's sufficient space between it and any plants or structures.

Improper installation and maintenance: Issues can arise from faulty installation, poor service procedures and inadequate maintenance. Problems include leaky ducts, low airflow and an incorrect refrigerant charge.

Refrigerant charging problems: The refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) might not match the manufacturer's specifications, impairing the unit's performance and efficiency.

Compressor issues: If a central air conditioner's compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch might have tripped. It may be resettable by pushing a button located in the compressor's access panel.

These are some of the common problems homeowners face with their central air systems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure the efficient functioning of the system. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's advisable to consult with a professional HVAC technician.

Reasons to have home warranty coverage for an air conditioning system

While a home warranty provides optional coverage, there are a number of reasons why a home warranty can protect you and your family from facing expensive HVAC repairs. With a home warranty that includes air conditioner warranty coverage, you can rely on the service contract with your warranty provider for fast and reliable service.

As a homeowner, it is nearly impossible to be prepared for all the accidents, repairs and maintenance that a home goes through. With a home warranty, you worry less about fronting the financial cost alone.

Here are some of the benefits of having home warranty coverage for your A/C system:

• Affordable: Often the cost to repair or replace a home system or appliance can be too expensive. A home warranty plan can help offset this cost with an affordable yearly plan and a nominal service fee at the time of service.
• Qualified service: Your home warranty company is connected to qualified service technicians in your area, which you can use even if your warranty coverage does not apply.
• Knowledgeable company: Your home warranty company will be familiar with the ins and outs of many popular brand-name appliances and home systems. They can clue you in on when a repair is needed or identify a potential issue.

Having both homeowners insurance and a home warranty in place will help protect your home and your systems and appliances from costly out-of-pocket repairs.

How to properly maintain your home A/C system

Understand how your air conditioner works: Familiarize yourself with the basic parts of your A/C system. Most central air conditioners have two main components: an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator). Knowing how these parts function can help in maintaining them.

Fix fins in the condenser: Bent or crushed fins can be realigned using gentle pressure from a plastic knife. Ensure not to insert the knife more than half an inch.

Keep it clean: Before the cooling season starts, clean your air conditioner. Vacuum the fins of your A/C unit with a soft-bristle brush. Note that these fins are fragile and can be easily damaged.

Fix a sinking home air conditioner pad: Over time, the concrete pads under home air conditioner units can settle. Ensure the unit remains dry and level. If the pad continues to sink, it might need fixing.

Get a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures for different times of the day, helping you save energy and money.

Conduct seasonal checks: As the seasons change, ensure that shrubs, trees, and other vegetation do not encroach on your central A/C's outdoor unit. This can affect the efficiency of the condenser. Also, clean indoor grills and filters monthly.

Turn up the temperature: Raising the thermostat by just one degree can reduce cooling costs by 3 percent.

Call in the pros: Annually, have a licensed professional inspect your air conditioning units. This inspection should include cleaning and flushing the condenser coils, draining the pan and drainage system, vacuuming the blower compartments, and checking the refrigerant and mechanical parts.

Regular maintenance of your central air conditioning system can extend its lifespan, improve its efficiency and save you money in the long run. If you're unsure about any maintenance steps, it's always best to consult with a professional HVAC technician.

How to determine what your home warranty package will cover for your A/C system

Each home warranty plan will vary from company to company. However, a service contract is required for your home warranty agreement to be valid. Therefore, the home warranty company must provide you with a service contract and the terms and conditions of your warranty plan.

To determine what your home warranty package will cover, you should first view your terms and conditions. You should have a hard copy on file, but this might also be emailed to you or provided to you on a dashboard associated with that company. If you cannot find the terms and conditions, then be sure to reach out to your home warranty company to obtain one. You should feel comfortable asking your home warranty provider about your warranty coverage.

If you have questions about your service contract, then a knowledgeable home warranty company, like Cinch Home Services, will gladly provide you with the necessary information that you need.

Cinch Home Services provides flexible home warranty coverage suited to every budget. Contact Cinch today and secure your home with the best home protection plan for you and your family.

A/C and your home warranty contract

Once you sign up for a home warranty plan, it's important that you take your time and thoroughly read through the Terms and Conditions. Here are some things that you should pay attention to:

Important dates: When does your coverage begin and end? The last thing you want to do is think that you're covered and you're really not when your appliances stop working.

Coverage specifics: If you're not sure if certain things are covered by your plan, make sure that you pay close attention to your coverage details. For instance, at Cinch Home Services there are different plans that you can choose from based on what you need most. By paying attention to what's excluded, you can help decide what plan is best for you.

Terms and conditions: The terms and conditions are often overlooked as there are lots of coverage details. Do yourself a favor and spend some time reading it. You don't want to run into surprises where you'll be charged more for one month or continue your plan for longer than you anticipate.

Discounts: Do yourself a favor and don't leave money on the table. See if you're eligible for any special offers that could save you money and make managing your budget easier.

Remember, each home warranty differs in its coverage. It's essential to consult with your warranty provider to know what?s included and what's not regarding your A/C system. If you're unsure of the specifics of your warranty, don't hesitate to ask questions and get clarification. Knowing how your home warranty works can help save you time and money in the long run.