How old can my HVAC system be to qualify for home warranty coverage?

Most home warranty companies, including Liberty Home Guard, do not have age restrictions for HVAC systems. What matters more is that your system is in good working condition at the time you purchase coverage. Systems that are already malfunctioning typically won't be eligible until repaired.

Will a home warranty cover my HVAC system if it's over 20 years old?

Yes, many warranty providers will cover older HVAC systems regardless of age. However, be aware that very old systems may have components that are no longer manufactured, which could affect replacement options. Your warranty company should work with you to find suitable solutions if parts are obsolete.

Do I need a maintenance record to get coverage for my old HVAC system?

While not always required at signup, many warranty companies may ask for proof of maintenance if you file a claim. It's good practice to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year and keep those records. Some policies explicitly require regular maintenance to keep coverage valid.

What HVAC issues are typically NOT covered by home warranties?

Most home warranties don't cover problems caused by improper maintenance, pre-existing conditions, or cosmetic issues. Duct work might be excluded or have limited coverage. Known manufacturer defects or recalls are typically handled by the manufacturer, not the warranty company.

Is there a waiting period before my HVAC coverage begins?

Most home warranty companies have a waiting period of 30 days before coverage begins for existing homeowners. If you're purchasing a warranty during a real estate transaction, coverage often begins at closing without a waiting period.

What's the difference between a manufacturer's warranty and a home warranty for HVAC?

A manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period after purchase (usually 5-10 years for HVAC equipment). A home warranty covers breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, often including labor costs, and can be renewed annually regardless of the system's age.

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Expert-Reviewed Content: Guided by Editorial Standards

Written By Clint Bird

Published 04/23/25

Home Warranty Plans

Do Home Warranties Cover Old HVAC?

Home Warranties Cover Old HVAC

Along with plumbing and electrical, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of a home’s most critical infrastructural components. The effects of a failing HVAC system can be more severe than just discomfort in the heat or cold. An improperly ventilated or climate-controlled house can stress building materials, promote mold and dust, and prematurely wear home appliances and systems.

HVAC systems are as complex and expensive as they are important. With average replacement costs ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 according to recent industry reports, This leads many homeowners to invest in a home warranty with HVAC coverage to ensure prompt and affordable maintenance and repair. The availability of HVAC home warranty coverage is a given for newly built or renovated homes, but buyers of homes with older HVAC systems often wonder if they are eligible for coverage.

Fortunately, HVAC systems for homes of all ages can be protected with home warranty coverage.

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Will Home Warranty Cover Old HVAC?

Yes, you can find home warranty coverage for older HVAC systems. Liberty Home Guard will not refuse coverage because of the age of your HVAC system or any other appliances or system, for that matter. When searching for warranty coverage, the age of the appliance or system is usually less important than its current condition. Let’s take a closer look at the home warranty process to better explain why this is.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

A home warranty is sometimes better thought of as a service contract. The homeowner pays a monthly or yearly premium, and the warranty provider agrees to maintain, service, repair, and even replace covered items in return. A detailed policy from a trustworthy provider will save the homeowner money over time.

Warranty providers like Liberty Home Guard will cover almost any of your home systems and appliances, be they large or small. It’s common for a policy to cover a home’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and major kitchen and laundry appliances. More thorough plans can include electronics protection and home maintenance services, such as gutter cleaning.

The age of your appliances, devices, or systems usually does not matter. It’s also fine if your appliance’s manufacturer’s warranty has already expired in fact, home warranties are more useful after that point. What can affect coverage eligibility is the condition of your appliance or system. If something you own is already broken or has a preexisting condition, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find coverage until the issue is fixed. In other words, don’t expect to purchase a home warranty to cheaply repair your refrigerator after it has stopped working correctly.

Does Home Warranty Cover AC Unit Repair?

Not all homeowners have all-in-one HVAC systems. Many people, of course, use AC window units or wall-mounted appliances.

Some homeowners wonder if AC units can be covered by home warranty plans, since units are often less expensive and not usually built into the structure of the home. Even if some people understand that new AC units are eligible for coverage, they’re still left wondering: Does home warranty cover old AC unit repair and maintenance?

Rest assured, Liberty Home Guard can cover your AC units, even if they’re a few years old. With the average lifespan of most AC units being 10-15 years, coverage can be especially valuable as your unit ages and becomes more prone to issues. As is the case with other appliances and systems in your home, home warranty air conditioner repair is a great way to save time and money.

What to Look for in HVAC Warranty Coverage

When selecting a home warranty for your HVAC system, consider these important factors:

1. Service Call Fee Structure: Look for transparent pricing with reasonable service fees, typically ranging from $75-$125 per visit.

2. Coverage Limits: Understand the maximum payout for HVAC repairs or replacements. Quality providers offer coverage between $1,500-$3,000 per system annually.

3. Response Time: The best warranty companies offer 24-48 hour response times for HVAC emergencies, especially critical during extreme weather.

4. Contractor Network: Ensure the warranty company works with licensed, insured HVAC professionals with positive reviews and proper certifications.

5. Maintenance Requirements: Some policies require proof of regular maintenance to keep coverage valid. Know these requirements to avoid claim denials.

Protect Your HVAC System With Liberty Home Guard

Don’t let the age of your appliances and systems scare you from pursuing home warranty coverage. Liberty Home Guard will not deny you a warranty because your home equipment is too old. With a 5.0 perfect score on NerdWallet, Liberty Home Guard offers comprehensive coverage options tailored to your home’s specific needs, regardless of your HVAC system’s age.

Give us a call at (833)-544-8273 to learn how a warranty can protect your assets and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old can my HVAC system be to qualify for home warranty coverage?
Most home warranty companies, including Liberty Home Guard, do not have age restrictions for HVAC systems. What matters more is that your system is in good working condition at the time you purchase coverage. Systems that are already malfunctioning typically won't be eligible until repaired.
Will a home warranty cover my HVAC system if it's over 20 years old?
Yes, many warranty providers will cover older HVAC systems regardless of age. However, be aware that very old systems may have components that are no longer manufactured, which could affect replacement options. Your warranty company should work with you to find suitable solutions if parts are obsolete.
Do I need a maintenance record to get coverage for my old HVAC system?
While not always required at signup, many warranty companies may ask for proof of maintenance if you file a claim. It's good practice to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year and keep those records. Some policies explicitly require regular maintenance to keep coverage valid.
What HVAC issues are typically NOT covered by home warranties?
Most home warranties don't cover problems caused by improper maintenance, pre-existing conditions, or cosmetic issues. Duct work might be excluded or have limited coverage. Known manufacturer defects or recalls are typically handled by the manufacturer, not the warranty company.
Is there a waiting period before my HVAC coverage begins?
Most home warranty companies have a waiting period of 30 days before coverage begins for existing homeowners. If you're purchasing a warranty during a real estate transaction, coverage often begins at closing without a waiting period.
What's the difference between a manufacturer's warranty and a home warranty for HVAC?
A manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period after purchase (usually 5-10 years for HVAC equipment). A home warranty covers breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, often including labor costs, and can be renewed annually regardless of the system's age.