Are you being offered a homeowner warranty, but are hesitant to take one on because you do not know what it is for? This article will tell you all about homeowner warranties and how they work to your advantage.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a specific contract, or plan, covering the cost of repairs or replacements of electrical, plumbing, home appliances, and heating and air conditioning systems. This type of plan can be customized to add coverage for other house items that may need repairs and maintenance in the future. Although most home warranties last only for a period of one year from the date of purchase of the plan, they can be extended by renewing the plan for an additional cost. Investing in a home warranty does not guarantee, though, that your systems at home and your appliances are safe. But you do have the assurance that you have access to the best services when you need them.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
On average, a basic home warranty plan costs around $350 to $600 per year. A basic plan covers electrical and plumbing systems, and heating and cooling systems. Plans and coverage can be customized for an additional $100 to $500 per year for kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, outdoor units, and swimming pools. Prices may also vary depending on the size of your home and the services required.
What Do Homeowner Warranties Cover?
A basic home warranty plan covers appliances and systems.
Home Appliances
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Ceiling fan
- Kitchen refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Built-in microwave
- Oven/stove/range/cooktop
Home Systems
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Plumbing stoppages
- Air conditioning/cooling system
- Heating system
- Ductwork
- Water heater
A premium plan may include the following:
- Central vacuum
- Water dispenser
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Garage door opener
- Smoke detector
- Standalone freezer
- Icemaker
- Exhaust/attic fan
- Trash compactor
Among the add-ons for a customized plan include the following:
- Additional refrigerators
- Sump pumps
- Septic pumps/tanks
- Septic systems
- Pools/spas
- Well pumps
- Guesthouses
For large-scale home warranty coverage:
- Refrigerant recapture/disposal
- Haul away services
- Code upgrades
- Building permits
- Lifting equipment
Is It Worth Purchasing a Home Warranty?
Home systems and appliances tend to wear out and malfunction due to continuous use day after day. Even if you know the lifespan of each of these devices, you can never predict when they will fail.
Investing in a home warranty is a worthwhile asset. It will serve as protection for your home, especially against expenses on repairs and replacement of parts of appliances. Also, with a plan, you will have the best service from the right technician. The biggest benefit of homeowner warranties is your peace of mind in knowing that anytime the system or appliance fails, a professional technician is one call away to fix the problem. Whether you are prepared for the repair or replacement, your savings will not be affected. On the other hand, the plan also has its drawback since coverage excludes appliances and systems not properly maintained. Home warranties are the best solutions to any maintenance concerns. Be sure to know its cost, coverage, and limitations before you invest in it.
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here. 
