When homeowners purchase new furnaces, they’re typically excited to be rid of the old equipment that no longer worked as it should. Few think about what could happen several years down the line when the home heating system is no longer brand-new. Unfortunately, though, even the best equipment won’t last forever without any need for repairs, and all furnaces need protection. This article will introduce furnace coverage and how homeowners can make sure they have enough of it.

Short-Term Furnace Coverage

Every brand-name furnace will come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers damage due to defects in parts or workmanship. As long as the furnace was installed by a certified HVAC technician and no unlicensed person has attempted repairs, the coverage could last a year or more. However, manufacturer’s warranties will only cover product defects, not issues that come up due to poor operating conditions or general wear and tear. To ensure your home heating system stays in top condition, it’s crucial to understand furnace coverage. If you ever encounter issues, consider professional furnace repair services provided by experts.

Long-Term Furnace Coverage

Some smart homeowners already have transferrable coverage in place in the form of home warranties. If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry about what will happen when the new furnace isn’t so new anymore and it starts to cause problems. As long as the homeowner has a policy with furnace coverage, all they have to do when the unit breaks down is call the home warranty company to request a service call.

Is Furnace Damage Covered Under Homeowner’s Insurance?

Just about every family carries a homeowner’s insurance policy. Many assume that those policies will protect them if their heating systems break down, leaving the family stuck in the cold. In most cases, though, that won’t happen. Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to properties only under very specific circumstances. The policy will pay out if the home or its content are damaged due to natural disasters, accidents, or theft. The chances are good that if any of these situations apply to the heating system, homeowners have more to worry about than just repairing the furnace.

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money?

Extended appliance warranties are typically made available when homeowners make an initial purchase of a new furnace. An extended warranty for a furnace will cover repairs that occur during the warranty period, which could extend out to up to five years. However, they’re not always as comprehensive as people might think and aren’t always worth the money. Like the ordinary warranties offered with products, extended warranties don’t usually cover accidental damage. Companies often refuse to pay out on claims if the customers haven’t followed strict maintenance instructions, as well. Extended warranties may require furnace owners to use specific service providers if they have to get repairs, and shipping to get the appliances to those providers won’t be covered.

Why a Home Warranty Is a Better Option

A home warranty is almost always a better option than an extended warranty that covers only an individual appliance. A full-coverage home warranty won’t just protect the furnace, no matter how old it is and whether the manufacturer’s warranty is still in place. These types of warranty plans will also cover everything from kitchen appliances to electrical systems, and more.

How to Find a Home Warranty Company

Not all home warranties offer good value for the money. Instead of just looking at pricing, homeowners should also evaluate the level of coverage provided by each plan, what kind of customer service the company offers, and whether it is transparent about associated fees. Make sure to read through the service agreement before signing on the dotted line, as well.