Home Warranty HVAC Coverage Compared
| Company | HVAC Coverage Limit | Refrigerant Covered? | Age Limit | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | No cap (full replacement) | Yes | None | $39–$89/mo |
| Choice Home Warranty | $3,000 per system | Yes | None | $46–$55/mo |
| Select Home Warranty | $2,000 per system | No | 15 years | $44–$48/mo |
| First American | $1,500 per system | Limited | None | $38–$78/mo |
| 2-10 Home Buyers | $5,000 per system | Yes | None | $19–$63/mo |
The average central air conditioning system replacement costs $3,500–$7,500. A furnace replacement runs $2,500–$4,500. A heat pump replacement: $4,000–$10,000. If your warranty caps HVAC at $1,500, you're paying the difference out of pocket on any full system replacement — potentially $2,000–$8,500. American Home Shield's unlimited coverage is the key differentiator for HVAC protection.
Most plans cover: compressors, capacitors, contactors, fan motors, thermostats, ductwork (leaks inside the home), heat exchangers, blower motors, and control boards. Common exclusions: refrigerant recharge (unless specified), ductwork outside the home, zoning systems, and geothermal systems. Verify refrigerant coverage specifically — a refrigerant recharge can cost $200–$600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard home warranty plans cover repairs and replacement — not routine maintenance or tune-ups. American Home Shield's ShieldPlatinum plan includes one annual HVAC tune-up. Other companies' basic plans do not cover maintenance — only breakdowns from wear and tear. For tune-up coverage, look for Platinum or premium-tier plans.
If your HVAC is beyond economic repair, the warranty company typically authorizes replacement. The coverage limit applies — if your plan caps at $3,000 and a new system costs $6,000, you pay the $3,000 difference. American Home Shield's unlimited HVAC coverage covers the full replacement cost regardless of system price.