6 Things to Know About Using a Home Warranty for HVAC Repairs
Paying to replace or repair the HVAC system in your Deptford, New Jersey home can be overwhelming. However, if you have a home warranty, you may be able to get help. Comprehensive home warranties cover both systems and appliances. Also known as service agreements, they limit the financial burden that consumers face when age-related wear causes things to break down. Following are six things that every consumer should know about using these agreements when heating and cooling problems arise.
1. Check With Your Warranty Provider Before Scheduling HVAC Repairs
Before scheduling HVAC services, be sure to contact your home warranty provider. Some home service agreements require homeowners to only work with HVAC companies that are within their networks of approved partners. It’s also important to make sure that your repair issue is covered. Home warranties only cover wear-related damages. Other HVAC issues such as those that are caused by fires or floods may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance instead.
2. You Can’t Submit HVAC Repair or Replacement Requests Right Away
If you’ve just purchased your home warranty agreement, you’ll likely need to wait a while before submitting your first service request. Nearly all home warranties have mandatory waiting periods. More often than not, these last just 30 days. Warranty providers have instituted waiting periods to ensure that consumers are not acting in bad faith. The best time to purchase a home service agreement is well before you actually need the protections it provides.
3. Your Service Contract Will Tell You What’s Covered and What Isn’t
Home warranties or home service agreements are mutually binding. Thus, when purchasing home warranties, consumers are given detailed contracts that outline the provisions their warranties will make and list their responsibilities. If you want to find out which types of HVAC repair services are covered by this agreement, you should start by referring to this contract.
Many warranty providers reserve the right to make certain exclusions. For instance, some companies may cover your HVAC equipment but might not cover the related ductwork. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to contact your warranty provider.
4. Staying on Top of HVAC Maintenance Is a Must
Staying on top of HVAC maintenance is incredibly important when you have a home warranty. Warranty companies do not pay to repair maintenance-related issues. Insufficient maintenance or outright negligence could result in your warranty being terminated. Your contract documents will list the minimum maintenance required for fulfilling your obligation and may detail which companies can perform this maintenance.
5. Coverage for Replacements May Be Conditional
Just like repair requests, requests for HVAC equipment replacements must be submitted to home warranty companies and approved before any work is scheduled. In addition to determining which HVAC companies you can and cannot work with, your warranty provider may have firm spending limits for these projects. For example, if your HVAC equipment has reached the end of its lifespan and must be replaced, your warranty company may require your next heater or air conditioner to be comparable in price to your old one. If you decide to upgrade to a more modern and efficient model, you will have to cover the price difference.
Keep in mind that it may be necessary to share your maintenance records when submitting repair or replacement requests. Many companies want to verify that damages are solely wear- or age-related rather than being the result of negligence or oversight. One easy way to keep these documents up to date is by signing up for a preventative maintenance plan.
6. Not All Warranties Provide HVAC Coverage
Most home warranties cover both home systems and major home appliances. These are known as systems and appliance warranties. However, appliance-only warranties do not cover HVAC systems. Although many companies and consumers refer to HVAC systems as home appliances, warranty companies do not.
HVAC systems are included in these agreements as home systems along with electrical and plumbing systems. If you have yet to purchase a home warranty, it’s important to keep this in mind while shopping. A comprehensive warranty might cost a bit more, but it will provide the best level of protection for your heating and cooling equipment.
Since 1986, JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning has been a trusted provider of HVAC services throughout the Deptford, New Jersey area. We also offer sheet metal, ductless mini-splits, and preventative maintenance agreements. If you need HVAC system maintenance, repairs, or installation, call us today.
