Keeping your home at a comfortable, reasonable temperature is a necessity, especially for elderly homeowners or those who live in extreme climates. While most homeowners opt for a furnace and central AC, a heat pump can do the job of both with just one unit. They may be pricey, but they’re extremely energy-efficient, making them a handy system to have for your home. Because they’re usually more expensive than a furnace or AC unit, they can be pricey to repair or replace. If you’re looking to keep your heat pump in tip-top shape without breaking the bank, a home warranty plan may be a cost-effective option to protect it in case it malfunctions.
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I’ve researched the best home warranty companies for heat pumps and used Today’s Homeowner’s specific review criteria to rank these providers. While secret shopping, I’ve gotten warranty quotes from companies for a two-bedroom home in Orlando, thoroughly reviewed sample contracts, and scoured the internet to find the most accurate customer reviews. Read on to see what these companies have to offer homes with heat pumps and what you should know before you buy a policy.
Are you curious to learn more about what a home warranty is and how it works? If so, watch the video below from one of the best home warranties for luxury homes.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information. Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
78 companies reviewed
152 quotes collected
6 rating factors
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for Heat Pumps
Key Takeaways
- Heat pumps functionally act like a furnace or air conditioner in your home, but as far as legality is concerned, you should make sure that your home warranty company specifies that they cover heat pumps in their contract. Some companies exclude certain HVAC systems or HVAC components (like geothermal or water source heat pumps, which are a common exclusion) in the fine print, so you should always double-check that your policy covers heat pumps.
- First American Home Warranty is my top choice as the best home warranty for heat pumps because they don’t have any pre-set coverage caps for home systems, so they’ll theoretically cover the cost of repairs or replacements, no matter how much it is. However, Liberty Home Guard is my top choice in terms of overall service and customization, so if you value good customer service and plenty of add-on coverage options, they may be the better company for you.
- I recommend doing your own research online before getting on the phone with any companies, as many sales reps can be pushy or deceiving. In my calls with home warranty companies, many sales reps have made claims about their companies that are either exaggerated, half-truths, or straight-up incorrect. If you go in unprepared, you may end up believing whatever they say or feeling pressured to buy a policy.
What’s Most Important in a Home Warranty for Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are a type of HVAC system, so your HVAC coverage limits are very important to consider when getting home warranty coverage for your heat pump. These coverage limits dictate how much money you’ll receive toward a repair or replacement in the event of a malfunction, so they directly affect your payouts. Most companies offer anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for HVAC repairs, so be aware that this amount may not cover the entirety of the cost to fix or replace your unit. Others may have a replacement guarantee, where if they can’t fix it, they’ll replace your unit. These can be extremely helpful for expensive units, especially heat pumps since they’re traditionally more expensive than a furnace or air conditioning unit.
You should also pay attention to your home warranty’s exclusions, making sure that they don’t mention heat pumps. Most of the time, these exclusions are listed in the “limitations and exclusions” section of your home warranty sample contract. There will likely be certain components of heat pumps (like valves, knobs, exterior piping, etc.) and certain types of heat pumps (like geothermal or water source heat pumps) that your policy won’t cover. However, make sure the heat pump itself isn’t an exclusion, as this could make you pay out of pocket for repairs and defeat the entire purpose of having a home warranty in the first place.
Expert Recommendation: First American Home Warranty is my top pick as the best home warranty for heat pumps because they don’t have preset coverage caps for built-in systems. This means that if they can’t repair your heat pump, they’ll replace it for free, no matter what the total cost is, which gives customers peace of mind knowing they won’t ahve to pay out of pocket.
Home Warranty Companies for Heat Pumps I Don’t Recommend
I recommend all readers steer clear of Service Plus Home Warranty, formerly known as Total Home Protection. The company decided to rebrand after some bad press, but it’s debatable as to whether their deceptive techniques faded away with the old company name. In 2021, Total Home Protection was part of a class-action lawsuit and agreed to pay a settlement of $400,000 in restitution fees for their “deceptive marketing practices.” Their total charge was $750,000, divided the following way:
- $400,000 in consumer restitution
- $200,000 in costs
- $150,000 in civil penalties
However, the company hasn’t shaken off the bad habits of the past. Service Plus Home Warranty was faced with a class-action lawsuit in 2022 for their unlawful telemarketing calls. The BBB currently has an alert out for Service Plus Home Warranty, and I advise all readers to stay away from unreputable companies like them.
Home warranties rarely cover every component of an item, even if the item itself is covered by the policy. For example, many companies exclude valves, knobs, “smart” components, exhaust lines, and more from their policies, so read through your company’s exclusions before making any claims so you can know what to expect.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties for Heat Pumps
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Company
|
Rating
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Monthly Cost
|
Service Fee
|
Response Time
|
BBB Rating
|
Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Liberty Home Guard
Get Quote
|
$50-$60 | $75 | 12-48 hrs. | NR | Get Quote | |
 American Home Shield
Get Quote
|
$35–$75 | $100–$125 | 24-72 hrs | B | Get Quote | |
 Elite Home Warranty
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$44.99-$58.99 | $70 | 48 hours | A+ | ||
 Choice Home Warranty
Get Quote
|
$46–$55 | $85 | 24-48 hrs. | B | Get Quote | |
 Select Home Warranty
Get Quote
|
$52–$58 | $75-$85 | 24-48 hrs. | B | Get Quote | |
 AFC Home Warranty
Get Quote
|
$38–$62 | $75–$125 | 48 hours | B | Get Quote | |
 First American Home Warranty
Get Quote
|
$72–$87 | $75–$125 | 48 hours | B | Get Quote | |
 2-10 Home Warranty
Our Review
|
$17–$60+ | $65–$100 | 24 hrs | A- | Our Review | |
 Cinch Home Services
Get Quote
|
$28–$68 | $100–$150 | 2–24 hrs | B | Get Quote |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties for Heat Pumps
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard is one of my top choices as the best home warranty company for heat pumps because of their incredible customer reviews and industry-best customer service. The other companies on our list don’t come anywhere close to Liberty in terms of their ratio of positive reviews, which shows that, overall, customers are more satisfied with Liberty than they are with other companies. Along with their positive reviews, Liberty also has the highest claims process score on our list because their customer service representatives are helpful and efficient when it’s time for you to make a claim. Simply put, they help you get the repairs and replacements you need without any extra hassle or giving you the runaround.
On the negative side of things, Liberty’s main drawback for heat pump coverage is their coverage limits. Liberty offers a coverage limit of $2,000 per item, which is low for HVAC systems. Heat pumps are more expensive to install than a traditional furnace or air conditioner, so they’re likely going to be more expensive to repair and replace as well. $2,000 may be fine for repairs, but if you need a full replacement, it won’t get you very far. That being said, if your top priority is your payout amount, I’d choose First American Home Warranty instead because they have high coverage limits, and if they can’t repair an item, they’ll replace it for free. Liberty has a similar policy (as seen in the image below), but they don’t actually guarantee they’ll replace the system, just that they’ll find a solution. This could mean they’ll offer you a cash reimbursement based on the depreciated value of your item, which could end up being a fraction of the price of a new replacement. Still, if you value your overall experience and the level of service you’ll get with a home warranty company, I think Liberty is one of the best options for heat pump coverage.
My favorite things about Liberty Home Guard are their customization options and their customer reviews. Liberty Home Guard’s optional add-ons are the absolute best in the industry, and with 42 total options, there’s plenty to choose from. No other company offers anywhere close to this many add-ons, so if you’re thinking about customizing your coverage, Liberty is your best bet. Still, the main selling point for me is their customer reviews. Liberty has better reviews than any other company on our list, scoring nearly perfectly on sites like BBB, Trustpilot, and Google. Numbers aren’t everything, but their reviews are overwhelmingly positive, which shows that customers are happy with their service and that Liberty is a reputable and trustworthy company.
My main complaint about Liberty Home Guard is their low coverage limits for HVAC systems. While Liberty offers some of the best overall service in the industry, making them a great contender as the best home warranty company for heat pumps, their HVAC system coverage limits are less than desirable. Liberty has a $2,000 for each covered item, which means that even expensive items like HVAC systems only have a $2,000 payout. Heat pumps are expensive to repair and replace, and for some homeowners, $2,000 may not be enough of a payout to justify the annual cost of a home warranty policy. Many competitors on this list offer coverage limits of $4,000 or more for heat pumps, which is double what Liberty would pay out. If coverage limits are your top priority, you may be better off with another company.
Also, I’m disappointed that Liberty excludes coverage for geothermal and/or water source heat pumps. Most other companies on this list have limitations for these types of heat pumps as well (for example, American Home Shield limits coverage on geothermal and/or water source heat pumps to $1,500), but I don’t like that Liberty excludes them entirely.
Liberty Home Guard offers more add-ons than any other company on our list, which is why we gave them a perfect score for their plans and coverage. Liberty offers 42 add-on options, and while that may seem like overkill for some, it’s better to be spoiled for choice than to not have the option to cover one of your home’s essential items.
Liberty also offers three straightforward plans: one for appliances, one for systems, and one for both. While the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans are a bit overpriced for what they offer, the Total Home Guard plan is only $5 to $10 more a month and gives you full comprehensive coverage, making it my top choice from Liberty. Although you could get heat pump coverage on either the Systems Guard or Total Home Guard plan, the Total Home Guard plan is more economical, so I recommend readers start their search there. Be sure to check out Liberty Home Guard’s plans in more detail before purchasing, and read on to see the complete list of add-ons below.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65 – $125 | $200 off when you subscribe to emails (online)2 free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65 – $125 | $200 off when you subscribe to emails (online)2 free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65 – $125 | $200 off when you subscribe to emails (online)2 free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection |
*Liberty Home Guard’s service fees range from $65 to $125 depending on where you live, the service plan you choose, and the promotional deal you get.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Orlando, FL. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
The following add-ons are available for all plans:
- Additional spa: $9.99
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99
- Casita guest unit: $35.99
- Central vacuum: $8.99
- Ejector pump: $14.99
- Electronics protection: $19.99
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99
- Generator: $19.99
- Grinder pump: $14.99
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99
- Limited roof leak: $11.99
- Pest control: $14.99
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99
- Pool and spa: $19.99
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99
- Re-key: $9.99
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99
- Saltwater pool: $23.99
- Second refrigerator: $7.99
- Septic system pumping: $12.99
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99
- Sump pump: $8.99
- Swamp cooler: $14.99
- Trash compactor: $7.49
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99
- Water softener: $13.99
- Well pump: $12.99
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11.99
Liberty offers more add-ons than any other provider in the industry, but the additional fees add up fast, so be sure to consider your home’s most essential items before buying.
At first glance, Liberty Home Guard’s monthly rates may seem expensive because they start at $49.99 a month. However, they top out at $59.99 a month for their Total Home Guard plan, which is a great deal for comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Liberty’s rates are consistent throughout the entire country, which is very rare. Most companies will change their prices based on your location, which can give you better deals, but it can also give you extreme price hikes in certain areas. Liberty may not have the cheapest monthly rates, but they do have the most consistent prices, making them a competitive overall choice. Still, because the Appliance Guard plan starts at almost $50 a month, that negatively impacted Liberty’s score, bringing them down to a 7.8/10.
Liberty’s 7.5/10 customer experience score is one of their few weak points, and it’s mainly because of the long waiting period in their contract. Most home warranty companies have a waiting period of 30 days, but Liberty’s waiting periods can last up to 60 days, depending on your plan. This means that you could potentially have to wait two full months before you make any claims. If something breaks before then, you’ll have to pay out of pocket, which is a big letdown.
Liberty Home Guard has the best company reputation score on our list, mainly because they have a near-perfect score on their BBB, Trustpilot, and Google reviews. Their Yelp reviews are a bit of an outlier, which had a negative impact on their score, but overall, Liberty has some of the highest ratings in the industry. Most customers praise Liberty for their helpful customer service and their straightforward claims process. One customer on Google said:
“Filing a claim was easier on the phone than it is on the website. Scheduling was quick, and it was a pleasant experience with technician Ricky!”
Other reviews echo the claim that Liberty’s claims process is fast and simple, with another customer saying:
“My fridge went out. I placed my service order and the technician came out the very next day and was able to fix it. [Liberty had] fast service and friendly techs.”
Liberty has overwhelmingly positive reviews on most review sites, but their Yelp scores are a bit disappointing. Still, Liberty has a lower ratio of complaints than any other company on our list, which is impressive in its own right. Because their Yelp scores weren’t up to par, we lowered their company reputation score to 9.0.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR* (4.45 out of 5 stars) | 2,532 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 2,974 |
| 4.7 out of 5 stars | 11,977 | |
| Yelp | 1.4 out of 5 stars | 83 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (as of 6/20/24): Recently, the Better Business Bureau shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR” (Not Rated). We reached out to a representative from LHG for comment, and they shared this statement: “Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
Liberty Home Guard is the only company on our list to score a perfect 10 for their claims process, making them the most reliable home warranty company when it’s time for repairs. This high score is mostly because they have an average response time of 12 hours, which is a full 12 hours faster than the next-fastest competitor (Cinch Home Services). Liberty also offers emergency services, so they can help book a technician for your repairs when you need them most. The company also has some of the best customer reviews in the industry, with many reviews mentioning how painless their claims process was. However, it’s worth noting that Liberty excludes geothermal and/or water-source heat pumps, so if you own that kind of heat pump, a home warranty policy isn’t worth your while.
Liberty’s sample contract is easy to follow — it’s only nine pages long. It’s a quicker read than a lot of competitors’ contracts. All their exclusions are listed under section H: “Limitations And Exclusions.” However, the last five pages of their sample contract are filled with long bulleted lists without any charts to break up the text, which makes it difficult to skim through the document for important details, bringing Liberty’s score down to a still-respectable 9.3/10.
Exclusions
The following exclusions apply to all of Liberty’s plans:
- Any type of valve or leak
- Chimneys and exhausts
- Damage caused by improper installation
- Damage caused by natural disasters
- Damage caused by pests or mold
- Damage caused by rust or corrosion
- Disposal of old systems or appliances
- Glass parts
- Installation of systems or parts
- Known or unknown preexisting conditions
- Lighting
- Luxury, commercial-grade, or similar appliances
- Poorly maintained systems or appliances
- Routine maintenance
- Solar systems
- “Smart” components and parts
It’s worth noting that Liberty excludes geothermal and/or water-source heat pumps from their coverage, so they won’t cover any repairs or replacements for those systems. If you have a different kind of heat pump, you can disregard this exclusion, but if you have a geothermal or water-source heat pump, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
You’ll have to get Liberty’s approval before choosing the contractor you want, but Liberty allows customers to choose their own service technicians, giving them a perfect score when it comes to their flexibility in service providers. Getting approval before making repairs may be a hassle, but it’s still a huge benefit that Liberty gives customers the freedom to choose their own service provider.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
American Home Shield (AHS) is one of my top choices as the best home warranty for heat pumps because they offer HVAC coverage with $5,000 coverage limits for only $7.49 a month, making them the cheapest home warranty for heat pumps on our list. I can’t stress this enough — $7.49 for heat pump coverage is the deal of the century. No other company even comes close to this, so if you’re looking to get your heat pump covered on a budget, American Home Shield is definitely your best bet. However, it’s worth noting that AHS has limitations for geothermal and/or water-source heat pumps, lowering their coverage limits to only $1,500. Still, AHS has a policy that if they can’t repair an item, they’ll replace it for free (subject to limitations and exclusions), so you should still be covered in the event that you need a full replacement.
On the other hand, AHS has more negative reviews than the other companies on our list. Their Google reviews aren’t bad, scoring a 4.5/5 overall, but their reviews on Yelp, Trustpilot, and BBB are overwhelmingly negative. Because a lot of customers have complaints about AHS, specifically about their claims process and trustworthiness, it makes me a bit cautious. AHS tends to over-promise and under-deliver, so keep those negative reviews in mind when doing your research. Still, AHS has the absolute best prices in the market and great coverage limits for HVAC systems, so on paper, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Hands down, my favorite thing about American Home Shield is that they offer stellar heat pump coverage for under $10 per month. AHS has $5,000 coverage caps for HVAC systems on every plan — even the ShieldSilver plan ($7.49 a month). If your main priority is getting coverage for your heat pump and you don’t care about the rest of the systems in your house, you won’t find a better deal than this anywhere else. Additionally, AHS has a policy that if they can’t repair an item, they’ll replace it, which essentially means there are no predetermined coverage limits for replacements. There’s still plenty of room for loopholes with this policy, but it’s nice to know that you have the leverage to request a free replacement if they can’t repair your heat pump.
My main issues with American Home Shield are their mixed reviews and their inconsistent pricing. First, AHS has a higher ratio of negative reviews than the competition on most online review sites, which gives me some doubts about the quality of their service. Still, their overall Google review score is actually very impressive, so it makes it hard to pin down exactly how reliable their service is. Likewise, their monthly rates are just as inconsistent. AHS’ prices fluctuate a lot depending on where you live, sometimes by $40 or more for the same plan in a different area. While their rates are extremely affordable overall, they’re very expensive in some locations, making their pricing unreliable as well.
Also, AHS’ coverage limits for geothermal and/or water source heat pumps is only $1,500, which pales in comparison to their usual $5,000 HVAC coverage limits. If you have a geothermal or water-source heat pump, I recommend you look elsewhere.
American Home Shield’s plans are all reasonably priced, and they all offer $5,000 coverage limits for HVAC systems, making them a great choice for homeowners with heat pumps. The ShieldSilver plan (as shown in the image below) only covers home systems, but it starts at just $7.49 a month, which is the most affordable home warranty plan for heat pumps I’ve seen in all my research.
The ShieldGold and Shield Platinum plans cover a mix of home systems and appliances. My top overall pick for coverage is the ShieldPlatinum plan because it offers comprehensive coverage at $57.49 a month, which is extremely reasonable. Still, for affordable heat pump coverage, nothing beats the ShieldSilver plan at $7.49 a month.
However, American Home Shield only offers six add-ons, so, unfortunately, we lowered their score to a 9.0 for their plans and coverage.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee** | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $7.49 | $125 | $150.00 off a year (online) |
| ShieldGold | $27.49 | $125 | $150.00 off a year (online) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $57.49 | $125 | $150.00 off a year (online) |
*Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate ($150 off a year) offered at the time of writing.
**AHS offers two service fee choices: $100 or $125. The monthly costs shown in the table above are for a $125 service fee. Choosing the $100 option will raise your monthly rate.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Orlando, FL. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
The add-ons below are shown at monthly prices and are available with all plans except as noted:
- Electronics protection plan: $14
- Guest unit: $6.99
- Pool and built-in spa equipment: $18
- Roof leak repair limit (included in the ShieldPlatinum plan but available as an add-on for others): $10
- Septic pump: $5.00
- Well pump: $8.00
American Home Shield only offers six add-ons, so they’re tied with Cinch Home Services for the least add-on options on our list. However, the options they do have are very practical and reasonably priced, so they’re still worth considering.
American Home Shield is tied with Cinch Home Services for the lowest cost and affordability score on our list, but that number can be a bit deceiving. Surprisingly, AHS has some of the best monthly rates in the industry, making them the cheapest home warranty provider on our list. If this was the only factor to consider, they’d have a perfect score. However, their monthly prices vary greatly depending on where you live. The ShieldSilver plan can get as low as $7.49 a month in some areas and as high as $67.49 a month in others, which is a massive gap in cost for the same coverage. Sometimes, AHS is the best deal in the industry, and sometimes, it’s one of the worst. Because their pricing is so inconsistent, we gave AHS a 7.5 for their cost and affordability.
Despite any negative reviews, AHS ranks in the top half of our list for their customer experience score, mainly because they do a good job of reaching out to unsatisfied customers and offering to help with their claims. Here’s one of their responses to a negative review on Google:
“Thank you for the feedback. We’d like to apologize for not meeting your expectations. Do you still need assistance with an open claim? If so, please email us at socialmedia@ahs.com with your name, full property address, and the claim number. We’ll be happy to investigate this further.”
While this doesn’t negate AHS’ negative reviews, I was impressed that they actually seem to go above and beyond to fix any unresolved issues with their customers. Additionally, AHS offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee, as seen in the image below. Even though this guarantee is average for the home warranty industry, it’s nice to know that you have some peace of mind in case your repair fails. Because of these pros and cons, we gave American Home Shield an 8.1 for their customer experience score.
American Home Shield has the lowest company reputation score on our list at a 7.3/10, mainly because of their negative customer reviews. While their reviews aren’t all bad, AHS does have more complaints than the competition, most of which are about untrustworthy contractors and AHS’ claims process.
Like all home warranty companies, AHS has a mix of good and bad reviews. One Google reviewer expressed their disappointment with AHS’ contractors and claims process, saying:
“AHS denied every conceivable option, required us to get a second opinion, and still, no repairs were completed. We were told it was a preexisting issue with the coil. Every company that they sent out required us to replace the entire system or the whole air handler. We eventually called an independent AC company and they replaced the coil for half the price.”
On the other hand, AHS commonly receives praise for its high payouts and quick responses. One customer said:
“I placed my work order online on a Sunday. I received an email within an hour stating what company would be calling to come fix our issues. Everything went very smoothly, and the issue was fixed quickly. My parents had AHS, and now I see why. [I’m] very happy with this company.”
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 2.1 out of 5 stars | 10.923 |
| Trustpilot | 2.1 out of 5 stars | 5,405 |
| 4.5 out of 5 stars | 33, 543 | |
| Yelp | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 1,329 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
American Home Shield ranks in the middle of our list when it comes to their claims process, mainly because of their mixed reviews. AHS has above-average coverage limits ($5,000 for HVAC and $4,000 for appliances on the ShieldPlatinum plan), so you likely won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs as long as your claims are accepted. AHS also covers damages that many competitors exclude, like unknown preexisting conditions, rust, and corrosion, giving you fewer exclusions to worry about when making a claim. Still, there are always loopholes to look out for. One customer on Yelp said:
“I had them for years, and when my air-conditioning system went out, they claimed it was a [known] pre-existing condition, even though they had been out to fix the air conditioning system six months before. This is not a reputable company.”
Most of AHS’s negative online reviews involve their claims process, so that makes it hard to gauge their reliability for covering claims. On paper, their claims process seems simple and sweet, but some customer reviews tell a different story. Given their pros and cons, we gave American Home Shield an 8/10 for their claims process.
Despite being one of the longer contracts I’ve researched, AHS’s sample contract is still easy to follow because of how clearly they display the information. The charts on pages three to seven show what’s covered, what’s not covered, and what the coverage limits are for all systems and appliances, making it simple to refer to if you have any questions about your policy. However, since the contract is 14 pages long and could be overwhelming for new customers, we lowered AHS’s score to 9.4/10.
Exclusions
- Acts beyond our control (such as earthquakes, storms, mud, and fire)
- Flues, chimneys, fireplaces, and exhaust lines
- Hazardous materials
- Improper capacity
- Items covered by other insurance or warranty
- Known preexisting breakdown
- Manufacturer or government recalls
- Misuse or accidental acts
- Multimedia centers
- Outdoor kitchens
- Power and fuel sources
- Routine maintenance
- Smart home systems
- Special systems (radon mitigation systems, gas detection systems, etc.)
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
American Home Shield ranks in the middle of our list for their flexibility in service providers because they don’t let customers pick any technician they want, but they do let them pick from a pre-approved list of technicians. Not every contractor will be pleasant to work with, and some may even be deceitful or incompetent. Still, you have the freedom to find one that you like on their pre-approved list, so we gave AHS a 5/10 score for their flexibility in service providers.
AFC Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
AFC Home Warranty is one of my top home warranty providers because they offer a lifetime workmanship guarantee on all their repairs (as shown in the image below), making them an optimal choice for homeowners with heat pumps. Most other companies only offer guarantees for 30 or 60 days, but if the repair fails after that, you need to pay another service fee. With AFC, that’s not an issue. Just pay one service fee, and that repair is guaranteed for the rest of your contract term, making AFC one of the best options for heat pump repairs. AFC’s member benefits are also a big perk that can help you save money in the long run. These benefits are special connections to other brands that can help you get discounts or free services on auto insurance, home security, electronics protection, and more. No other company offers these kinds of benefits, so it’s a nice added perk for doing business with their company.
However, AFC does have some downsides. For HVAC systems five years or older, AFC uses a prorated amount based on age, which means that if you need a replacement, you may end up getting a lot less than you thought you would. If you have a newer model heat pump, this isn’t a problem at all, but if you have an older model, you could end up getting a disappointing check instead of a brand-new replacement. Also, AFC is the only company on our list that doesn’t offer emergency services, which is inconvenient. They do accept repairs from any licensed, insured technician, so you’re not totally out of luck in an emergency, but you still have to find and book a technician yourself, which can be stressful. With other companies, that’s not an issue.
I love that AFC offers a lifetime workmanship guarantee, which means that if one of your items breaks, AFC will cover the parts and labor for the entirety of your plan if the same issue happens again. There are some downsides to this because this guarantee only applies to the specific malfunction, not the covered item as a whole, but it’s still extremely beneficial, especially for plans with pricey service fees. Most other companies only offer a 30-day or 60-day guarantee, so AFC’s lifetime guarantee goes a long way toward ensuring your peace of mind after a repair. AFC’s member benefits are also a unique perk (shown in the image below) and can help you get discounts or free services for auto insurance, home security, and more. No other company on our list offers benefits like this. While these perks may not be as flashy as the deals that other companies flaunt, they’re both very beneficial in the long run, so I highly recommend checking out these features from AFC.
My biggest complaint is that AFC Home Warranty doesn’t offer emergency services. Every other company on our list offers emergency services, so it’s inconvenient that AFC doesn’t. It’s worth noting that AFC Home Warranty does accept repairs from any licensed, insured technician, so you’re not necessarily left to fend for yourself entirely. Still, you’lll have to find your own emergency technician and then hope that AFC will reimburse you, which is a hassle in and of itself. Another complaint I have is that AFC uses a prorated amount for HVAC systems older than five years old (as seen in the image below), which could give you less of a payout. While repairs may not be an issue, AFC may offer you a check for the depreciated value of your covered item in lieu of a replacement, which could be significantly lower than expected. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but if you have a heat pump that’s older than five years old, proceed with caution.
AFC Home Warranty is the only company on our list to offer four plans instead of three, which is a useful benefit as it gives you more coverage options to choose from. However, there aren’t many locations where both the Diamond Plan and the Silver Plan are available, so you may only have three options out of the four (as seen in the chart below). Regardless, the Silver plan doesn’t offer coverage for HVAC units, and the Diamond plan is extremely pricey, so the Gold and Platinum plans are the most practical options for homeowners with heat pumps. The Platinum Plan ($54.58) is my personal favorite, covering a mix of 18 major appliances and home systems (shown in the screenshot below).
For less than $60 a month, the Platinum Plan is a total bargain, especially for heat pump coverage, making it my top choice from AFC..
| Plan* | Monthly Cost** | Service Fee*** | Available Discounts |
| Diamond Plan | $89.17 | $75 or $125 | $250 off + free roof leak protection applied at checkout (online) |
| Platinum Plan | $54.58 | $75 or $125 | $250 off + free roof leak protection applied at checkout (online) |
| Gold Plan | $49.75 | $75 or $125 | $250 off + free roof leak protection applied at checkout (online) |
*Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing.
**AFC Home Warranty offers two service fee choices: $75 or $125, which you get to choose between as part of your quote process (as shown in the image below). The prices shown in the table above are for a $125 service fee. Choosing the $75 option will raise your monthly rate.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Orlando, FL. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing. The Silver Plan wasn’t available for a quote in Orlando, FL.
Available Add-Ons
AFC Home Warranty offers the following add-ons for all plans. The company’s add-ons are priced annually except where noted below.
- Central vacuum: $25
- Electronics coverage: $24.99 (monthly price)
- In-ground pool and spa: $150
- Roof leak: $0 (this is a limited-time promotion, but it’s typically $25 a year)
- Septic system: $50
- Stand-alone freezer: $25
- Sump pump: $35
- Well pump: $50
The electronics coverage is extremely useful for common items like laptops, TVs, and phones, but it’s also costly at $24.99 a month. Be sure to weigh the cost and potential benefits when deciding whether it’s worth the price.
AFC Home Warranty has the second-highest affordability score on our list at a 9.0/10, mainly because they have flexible service fees as low as $75, which is lower than the average industry service fee price of $100. AFC’s monthly rates are normally very reasonable, but they change based on your location, so they’re not always the best bargain, depending on where you live in the country. Also, the Diamond Plan is more than $30 more expensive than the Platinum Plan, so it’s not very practical or cost-effective, in my opinion.
AFC Home Warranty has the highest customer experience score on our list, thanks to their simple process for choosing your own technician. AFC isn’t the only company to offer this feature, but they do have a no-hassle process for claims (as seen in the image below), which gives them an edge over other companies that need approval before you can choose your own technician. However, AFC doesn’t offer emergency services, which is inconvenient for customers, so we gave them a 9.1/10.
AFC Home Warranty has far fewer reviews than the competition, with most sites not even breaking 1,000 customer reviews. Having a small number of reviews isn’t as bad as having a lot of negative reviews, but it does mean that there’s less information to judge the company by. Still, their reviews are about average, so the 8.0 score feels justified. Customers typically praise AFC for the ability to choose their provider and simple claims process. One customer commenting on Google said:
“When the tech got here, after diagnosing the problem, he called [AFC], and we got approval for the full amount. He did the work, I paid him, and they will be sending me a check for the full amount. So easy!”
However, most of AFC’s complaints were about denied claims and expenses. One customer on Trustpilot said:
“They don’t contact you asking for additional information, so you have to stay on top of the claim yourself! [It’s a] pain to deal with. [I] would NOT recommend [them] to anyone. Save your money in a home improvement [fund] instead.”
These complaints are valid, but overall, their reviews are decent, which brought their score up to an 8/10.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.98 out of 5 stars | 129 |
| Trustpilot | 3.0 out of 5 stars | 24 |
| 3.7 out of 5 stars | 1,661 | |
| Yelp | 1.8 out of 5 stars | 342 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
AFC Home Warranty has the lowest claims process score on our list because they’re the only company I’ve covered that doesn’t offer emergency services, which is a major inconvenience. However, AFC Home Warranty does accept repairs from any licensed, insured technician (as seen in the image below), so you could potentially get reimbursed if you find a third-party emergency technician to fix your issues. Still, it’s inconvenient that they don’t facilitate emergency services themselves, so we gave AFC a 6.0 for their claims process score.
AFC Home Warranty’s contract has a layout that’s very straightforward and easy to understand. AFC Home Warranty’s sample contract outlines their exclusions under the “Limits of Liability” section, which is easy to find. However, their contract is 13 pages long, which is wordier than most competitors, so we brought their score down to a 9/10.
Exclusions
- Accidents
- Acts of God
- Chemical or sedimentary build-up
- Collapsed ductwork
- Cosmetic defects or routine maintenance
- Electrical shorts or power surges
- Electronic or computerized energy management
- Failure due to excessive or inadequate water pressure
- Failure to clean or maintain as specified by the equipment manufacturer
- Fire, freezing, or electrical failure
- Hazardous or toxic materials
- Known or unknown preexisting conditions
- Lighting and application management systems
- Lightning, mud, or earthquake damage
- Missing parts
- Misuse or abuse
- Pest damage
- Repairs related to costs of construction, carpentry, or other incidental costs
- Rust or corrosion
- Structural changes
- Storms
- Secondary damage from a noncovered item
- Upgrades, components, or parts required due to incompatibility with the replacement system
- Water damage
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
AFC Home Warranty has a perfect 10/10 score for their flexibility in service providers because they allow policyholders to choose their own service technicians without going through any extra steps. Some companies let you pick your own technician after you get their approval, but with AFC, you just let your service rep know you’ll use your own technician when you make the claim.
First American Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
First American Home Warranty is my top pick as the best home warranty company for heat pumps because of their high coverage limits. Since heat pumps are more expensive to repair than an air conditioner or furnace, it makes sense to choose a home warranty policy with high coverage limits for HVAC systems. Luckily, First American has some of the best coverage limits in the industry — $3,500 per appliance and no predetermined limits for home systems. They’re not only one of the best home appliance insurance companies in the industry, but their limitless coverage for home systems also makes them one of the best for heat pumps since they’ll pay for all covered repairs no matter what the total cost is.
However, First American isn’t available in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, or Vermont, so if you live in these states, you won’t be able to get coverage with them. Also, like many companies in the industry, First American Home warranty limits coverage for geothermal or water source heat pumps to $1,500. These exclusions are common, but if you have one of these heat pump systems, be aware that your coverage caps won’t be limitless like they are for other HVAC systems.
First American Home Warranty is my number one choice as the best home warranty company for heat pumps because they don’t have preset coverage caps for built-in systems, which essentially means that as long the policy you purchased covers your heat pump, FAHW will cover your repairs, no matter how much they cost. On top of that, First American also offers a protection guarantee (as seen in the image below) that ensures that if they can’t repair your item, they’ll replace it for free. Most competitors have coverage limits between $4,000 and $5,000 for home systems, which is respectable, but FAHW’s limitless coverage for home systems is unbeatable for heat pump repairs and replacements.
My biggest issue with First American Home Warranty is that they’re not available in many states. If you live in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you won’t be able to get coverage with First American. Also, First American Home Warranty limits coverage for geothermal or water source heat pumps to $1,500, and they exclude mini-split systems (including heat pump versions), so a home warranty policy won’t be of much use if you have these types of heat pump systems.
First American Home Warranty offers three plans, but all three plans cover HVAC systems like heat pumps.
The Essential Plan is my top pick for heat pump coverage since it covers all major home systems and appliances for $57, which is an excellent rate for comprehensive coverage. However, if you’re only interested in home warranty coverage for your heat pump and don’t want coverage for the rest of your home, the Starter Plan is a great bargain at $42 a month. Also, First American offers 12 different add-ons, which are convenient for customizing your coverage. Because FAHW has plenty of plan options and add-ons, we gave them a 9/10 for their plans and coverage score.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| Starter Plan | $42.00 | $125 | None offered |
| Essential Plan | $57.00 | $125 | None offered |
| Premium Plan | $77.00 | $125 | None offered |
*First American Home warranty offers two service fee choices: $100 and $125. The monthly costs shown in the table above are for a $125 service fee. Choosing the $100 option will raise your monthly rate.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Orlando, FL. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
The following add-ons are available with all First American Home Warranty plans (prices are monthly):
- Additional refrigeration: $4.17
- Additional refrigeration 2: $4.17
- Additional refrigeration 3: $4.17
- Central air conditioning (electric): $8.33 (free with Essential and Premium plans)
- First American Advantage: $0 (comes only with Essential and Premium plans)
- HVAC tune-up: $2.08
- Limited roof leak: $8.33
- Pool/spa equipment: $20.83
- Pool/spa equipment 2: $20.83
- Septic tank pumping/system: $7.08
- Water softener: $7.08
- Well pump: $7.08
The add-on I find most useful for heat pump coverage is the HVAC tune-up option. It’s very affordable at $2.08 a month, and it can help prevent heat pump malfunctions in the future.
First American Home Warranty has the highest affordability score on our list at an 8.3/10. While they may not offer big discounts online like some of the competition, they do have reasonable everyday rates that give them their high score. FAHW also has flexible service fee choices of $125 or $100, which lets customers tailor their policy to fit their budget. First American also has very consistent rates throughout the country, much like Liberty Home Guard, making them one of the more reliable companies on our list when it comes to their prices. The Starter and Premium plans are a bit pricey for what they cover, in my opinion, but the Essential plan is a great deal at $57 a month for comprehensive coverage. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer who wants the best value for your dollar, I recommend starting there.
First American Home Warranty ranks in the middle of our list at a 7.8/10 when it comes to their customer experience score, mainly because their customer service and average response time could be improved. FAHW has some complaints about their customer service, citing confusion around claims, a lack of communication, and being unresponsive to service requests. They also have an average response time of 48 hours, which is tied with American Home Shield for the slowest response time on our list.
First American Home Warranty has the second-best score for company reputation on our list (an 8.7/10), and a lot of that is due to their Trustpilot review scores. While their reviews on other sites are about average, FAHW has some of the best Trustpilot reviews (4.2/5 stars) in the industry, giving them an edge over the competition. Most customers praised First American for their simple claims process.
One customer said:
“My first experience with First American Home Warranty was exceptional. It was easy to make a request online. I was contacted immediately concerning the problem and set up with a service company. That company followed -up with a contact, and my problem was fixed the next day. FAHW then followed up with me to make certain the service I received was acceptable. [They are a] very professional company.”
However, there are some complaints about the company’s customer service. One customer said:
“My refrigerator has been broken since September 2023 and it’s now January 2024. It’s absolute hell dealing with their representatives, since I have called them more than a dozen times and they never take any action. They blame everything on the local technicians, but when I call the local technician they say they need further instructions from First American.”
As with every company, there’s a mix of good and bad reviews. Still, First American has better customer reviews than most of the competition, so we scored them an 8.7.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.78 out of 5 stars | 1,851 |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 14,296 |
| 2.9 out of 5 stars | 2,759 | |
| Yelp | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 1,922 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
First American Home Warranty ranks in the middle of our list when it comes to their 8/10 claims score, but their coverage limits are some of the best in the industry, making them perfect for homeowners with heat pumps. FAHW offers $3,500 coverage limits for appliances and no predetermined limits for home systems, which essentially means there’s no coverage limit for heat pumps at all. Unlike a lot of other companies on our list, First American also covers rust, corrosion, sediment, and problems resulting from lack of maintenance, which is extra helpful for heat pumps because they’re installed outside in the elements, making them prone to rust and corrosion. However, their typical response time is around 48 hours, which is tied with American Home Shield as the slowest response time on our list.
It’s worth noting that First American Home warranty limits coverage for geothermal or water-source heat pumps to $1,500. They also exclude mini-split ductless systems (including heat pump versions). If you have these types of heat pump systems, be advised that they’re treated differently than standard HVAC units.
FAHW’s sample contract is only four pages long, and it’s extremely clear and concise, giving them the highest transparency and ease-of-use score on our list. However, I found multiple FAHW sample contracts online, which can be confusing to customers, so we brought their score down to 9.8/10.
Exclusions
First American Home Warranty has the following notable exclusions:
- Chimneys
- Collapsed or broken lines
- Cosmetic defects
- Damage from pests
- Damage from weather, theft, or smoke
- Glass doors
- Knobs
- Low-voltage electrical systems
- Plumbing stoppages caused by foreign objects
- Roots
- Rotisseries
- Solar systems
- Space heaters
- Water heater storage tanks
However, First American covers some of these exclusions (like knobs and dials) in their Essential and Premium plans.
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
First American’s flexibility in service providers score is one of their weak points, and they’re tied with Cinch Home Services for the lowest score on our list. This is because they don’t allow customers to choose their own service technicians. Instead, they assign technicians based on location and availability, which doesn’t give you any say in who comes to repair your items. This isn’t a dealbreaker since some technicians are trustworthy and efficient. Still, others aren’t, so when it comes to who’s assigned to your claim, it’s the luck of the draw.
Cinch Home Services
4.1
Our Rating
Cinch Home Services is the only company on our list to offer preventative maintenance benefits that actually reward customers for keeping their appliances and systems in good shape. For example, Cinch provides one free air conditioning and/or heating system maintenance visit for up to $100 if you don’t make any claims during your first year. Although paying for a home warranty policy without making any claims may seem like a waste of money, it’s better to have coverage and not need it than to need it and not have it. Plus, you could get a free heat pump tune-up, which is a nice perk for going with Cinch.
Unlike other companies in the industry, Cinch uses a $10,000 annual coverage limit instead of individual item limits, which is especially beneficial for homeowners with heat pumps because they’re notoriously expensive to repair and replace. While another company may set your HVAC coverage limit to $4,000 or $5,000, having the full $10,000 for the year leaves more money available for payouts, so you’re less likely to have to pay out of pocket.
Cinch doesn’t offer many add-ons, so if you’re looking to customize your coverage, I’d look at Liberty Home Guard instead. Likewise, Cinch’s customer service is one of their weaker points, so you should expect some long wait times or a lack of organization when it comes to claims. Still, Cinch has decent prices, high coverage limits, full heat pump coverage, and plenty of perks for customers, so I highly recommend them as one of the best home warranty companies for heat pumps.
My favorite thing about Cinch Home Services is their replacement policy. Cinch guarantees that if they can’t repair an item, they’ll replace it, and while they’re not the only company to offer this kind of deal, they are one of the only companies that doesn’t penalize you for having an old home system or appliance. Even if your home systems are decades old, Cinch offers the same replacement guarantee. Cinch also covers unknown preexisting conditions, which many companies neglect, giving you less to worry about during the claims process.
My main issue with Cinch Home Services is their high service fees. Cinch’s service fees range from $100 to $150, which gives them the most expensive fees on our list. These fees aren’t astronomically higher than the competition, but $150 for every repair can add up quickly, so choose your service fee wisely. Another fault I have with Cinch is that they only offer six add-ons. Most homeowners will be more than fine with Cinch’s standard plans, but if you need any extra coverage, there’s not much to add. If you have any specialty items that won’t be covered under Cinch’s three plan options, I recommend you look elsewhere.
Cinch Home Services has the lowest plans and coverage score on our list because they only offer six add-ons. However, their coverage is extremely straightforward, and their prices are very hard to beat. Cinch offers one plan for appliances, one for home systems, and one for both, giving customers simple choices for coverage. My top pick is the Complete Home plan since it offers comprehensive coverage for only $44.99 a month, which is the cheapest fully comprehensive plan on our list. It’s a shame that Cinch doesn’t offer more add-ons because if they did, they would have one of the highest plans and coverage scores out of all our providers.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| Appliances | $30.99 | $150 | Choose monthly billing and get your first two months free (online) |
| Built-in Systems | $35.99 | $150 | Choose monthly billing and get your first two months free (online) |
| Complete Home | $44.99 | $150 | Choose monthly billing and get your first two months free (online) |
*Cinch Home Services offers three service fee choices: $100, $125, or $150, which you get to choose between during your quote process. The prices shown in the table above are for a $150 service fee. Choosing the $125 or $100 options will raise your monthly rate.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Orlando, FL. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Cinch Home Services offers the following add-ons (priced monthly) for all its plans:
- Pool (heater included): $22.00
- Pool with spa (heater included): $22.00
- Premier upgrade package: $12.50
- Septic tank/pumping: $4.58
- Spa (heater included): $22.00
- Well pump: $12.50
Cinch’s add-ons are more expensive than most competitors, with some options adding more than $20 a month to your rate. With only six options to choose from, you may be better off going with a different company if customizable coverage is important to you.
Cinch Home Services is tied with American Home Shield for the worst affordability score on our list at a 7.5/10, mainly because of their high service fees, even though the company has more enticing monthly rates. Cinch has the most expensive service fees on our list, ranging from $100 to $150. The lower option of $100 is about average for the industry, but most companies only go up to $125 for their service fees, so $150 is quite pricey.
Cinch Home Services has the lowest customer experience score on our list (tied with Liberty Home Guard), and part of that is because their customer service could use some work. Cinch has numerous complaints about service reps being difficult to contact and claims getting dropped because of loopholes in the fine print of their contract. However, I’ve seen many examples of agents reaching out to unsatisfied reviewers online and fixing the issues with their claims. I wish their customer service problems weren’t present in the first place, but because Cinch’s agents do much more than some competitors to fix their customers’ issues, we raised their score to 7.5/10.
Cinch ranks in the middle of our list when it comes to their company reputation, mainly because their reviews are mixed. Cinch has a B+ with the Better Business Bureau, but the rest of Cinch’s reviews on other sites aren’t particularly impressive. Most customers praised Cinch’s quick responses and simple process for repairs and replacements. One Google customer said:
“My experience with Cinch has been nothing but amazing! I have always been assigned great technicians who were always thorough in their explanations of what the problem was with all of the appliances that needed service. Cinch has always followed through with making sure that my appliances were properly serviced, or if the appliance could not be repaired, it was replaced.”
On the other hand, most of the complaints were about their customer service, including long wait times and difficulty contacting the company. One Google customer said:
“I’ve asked to talk with a manager and I’ve been told they have to call me back. [At my] last request, no one called. I reported my problems to Cinch and asked for a different subcontractor, [but] they will not honor my request because two parts have already been shipped to my house.”
Cinch’s reviews are all over the map, but the good certainly outweighs the bad, so we gave them an 8/10 for their company reputation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+ / 1.12 out of 5 stars | 1,505 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 out of 5 stars | 3,281 |
| 3.2 out of 5 stars | 3014 | |
| Yelp | 1.4 out of 5 stars | 8 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Cinch Home Services has the second-highest claims process score on our list, mainly because of their high payouts. Cinch has a $10,000 annual coverage limit instead of limits for individual items (with some exceptions for certain items). This annual limit actually works in your favor if you only have a few claims a year because while your claim may exceed the individual limits that other companies set ($2,000 for appliances and $4,000 for systems on average), it likely won’t exceed $10,000. Cinch also covers unknown preexisting conditions, which is a helpful feature that not many providers offer. However, Cinch has more exclusions than the competition, lowering their score to 9/10.
Cinch has the second-best transparency score on our list at a 9.6/10, mainly because Cinch Home Services’ sample contract has a table of contents, which makes Cinch’s 11-page contract easier to skim through than some competitors. Cinch lists their exclusions under the “General Exclusions and Limitations” section, and while none of them are out of the ordinary, they do have a longer list than some competitors.
Exclusions
Cinch Home Services has the following exclusions on all its plans:
- Abuse
- Accidents
- Acts of God
- Animal, pet, and/or pest damage
- Casualty
- Fire
- Flood, smoke, earthquake, or freeze damage
- Improper installation
- Insurrection and riots
- lightning strikes
- Missing parts
- Misuse and/or neglect
- Mold, mildew, mycotoxins, fungus, bacteria, virus, condensation, and/or wet or dry rot
- Nuclear explosion, reaction, radiation, or radioactive contamination
- Power failure
- Power surge
- Structural and/or property damage
- Vandalism or intentional destruction of property
- War and acts of terrorism
Cinch also offers the following explanation on their website of what’s not covered by their policies:
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Cinch Home Services is tied with First American Home Warranty for the lowest flexibility in service providers score (a 2/10) because they don’t let customers pick their own technicians. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but there’s no guarantee that the contractors they assign you will be reliable (as seen in online customer reviews), so it could be a major hassle.
Calculate the Cost of Heat Pump Home Warranty
If you’re trying to figure out how much a heat pump home warranty will cost, Today’s Homeowner created a handy cost calculator to help you. Enter your monthly cost, service call fee, and expected number of claims below to estimate your annual home warranty cost.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home service contracts are never required by law, but they can be beneficial, especially for heat pump coverage. Many homeowners simply pay out of pocket when something breaks, but if you want more peace of mind, a home warranty can help take some of the stress out of paying for repairs or replacements.
The average cost of a home warranty for heat pumps is $49.26 a month, not including service fees, add-ons, or additional discounts. I got this figure by adding up all the plan costs in this article and dividing by the number of quotes I got (15) to determine the average cost of a home warranty plan with heat pump coverage. To find out more about the costs associated with home warranty coverage, check out our home warranty cost guide.
If you’re only interested in covering your heat pump, you may be able to save money by purchasing a systems-only plan for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other home systems, since these plans normally cost less than a comprehensive plan. However, if you want full home coverage that includes coverage for your heat pump, the best way to save money on your home warranty is to get quotes from multiple companies and talk to a representative from each one over the phone to see if their company can offer you any discounts.
A home warranty is worth it for heat pumps because, while energy-efficient, they’re notoriously expensive to install, maintain, repair, and replace. It can be difficult to know for sure if home warranties are worth it for your specific circumstances, but if you want security in the fact that you won’t have to pay out of pocket in the event of a malfunction, a home warranty may be just what you need.
Other Warranty Resources for Homeowners
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- Best Home Warranty Companies for Water Heaters
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