Your furnace is an essential part of your home, and when it breaks down, you need to know that you can rely on your home warranty to get it replaced.
However, many people don’t realize that their home warranty may not cover the cost of a new furnace.
If you’re wondering how to get a home warranty to replace your furnace, read on for some tips.
In What Situations Will Home Warranty Cover the Cost of a New Furnace?
Furnaces last 20 to 30 years, but this can vary depending on the make and model and how well they’ve been maintained.
Most home warranties will only cover the cost of a new furnace if it breaks down due to normal wear and tear.
So if your furnace is more than ten years old, it’s likely that your home warranty won’t cover the cost of a replacement.
However, there are obviously some exceptions to this rule. For example, some home warranties will cover the cost of a new furnace if it breaks down due to a manufacturer’s defect.
Additionally, some home warranties have an “age limit” for coverage. This means they will only cover the cost of a new furnace if it’s less than a certain age (usually 10 years).
Finally, it’s essential to remember that not all home warranties are the same.
Some may have different rules and coverage limits, so it’s important to read your policy carefully before assuming you’re covered.
Also Read: Who Pays For Home Warranty: Buyer Or Seller?
The Process of Getting a New Furnace Through Home Warranty
If you’re covered by a home warranty, the process of getting a new furnace is relatively simple and requires 5 steps:
- If your furnace breaks down, the first thing you’ll need to do is contact your home warranty company.
- The company will send a technician to your diagnose the problem.
- If the technician finds that the furnace is beyond repair, they will recommend replacing it.
- You will have to submit a request to your home warranty company for a new furnace.
- The company will review your request and, if approved, will provide you with a list of qualified contractors to install the new furnace.
It’s important to make sure that you may have to pay a deductible or service fee when getting a new furnace through a home warranty.
Additionally, you may be required to use a contractor from the company’s list of preferred vendors.
Why A Home Warranty Company May Not Cover On A Furnace?
The policies of each home warranty company differ, so you should know the terms and conditions to determine in what conditions will a home warranty company not cover a furnace.
However, some reasons for not covering a furnace common to all may include:
- If your furnace is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Damages done to furnace due to misuse, negligence, improper installation, natural disaster, etc.
- Damages made to the small components in the heating system.
What Should You Do If Your Home Warranty Won’t Cover the Cost of a New Furnace?
If your home warranty doesn’t cover the cost of a new furnace, you can consider a few options.
First, you can, of course, try and negotiate with your home warranty company.
If your furnace is less than 10 years old, the company may agree to cover the replacement cost if you pay an increased deductible or service fee.
Another thing is to purchase a separate insurance policy that will cover the cost of a new furnace.
This is known as “equipment breakdown insurance” and can be purchased from most homeowners insurance companies.
Finally, if you think you were misled about your home warranty coverage, you can file a complaint with your state’s attorney general or the Better Business Bureau.
How To Maintain Your Furnace?
Furnaces are expensive to get repaired or replace and so here are some tips that will help you maintain your furnace:
- Lessen the need for heating: To avoid straining your heating system, ensure that there is less need for heat. For this, make sure that you seal the gaps in your windows and doors. Also, use your thermostat when you are awake or inside your home.
- Clear out the vents: If your heating system is blocked, then it will strain itself more to work properly. Thus ensure that there is enough space for air to circulate and clear out any furniture or boxes that may be in the system’s way.
- Clean & replace the filter: Make sure you clean the filters properly and replace them when needed so that your furnace can work properly.
- Keep a check on the blower motor: The blower motor is an essential component in a furnace as it allows the movement of air in your house. If this motor is not maintained properly, then it can disable the entire system.
- Clean the vents and the ductwork: Timely cleaning of the vents and ductwork is essential. This will not only allow the air to move swiftly but will also offer you cleaner air.
How to clean your Furnace?
What To Consider Before Filing A Warranty Claim?
Here are things that you should know before filing a warranty claim for your furnace or any other appliance or system:
- Know what coverage cap your home warranty company offers to avoid surprises when the repair or replacement of a certain item goes out of the coverage limit.
- Read your home warranty policy carefully and understand the terms and conditions to avoid getting any claims denied.
- Make sure you are aware of the service fees associated with your home warranty, as you will have to pay it every time a repairman comes to your house. A service fee could range from $50-$125.
Final Thoughts
Getting a new furnace can be costly and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a home warranty, you may be covered for the cost of a replacement.
However, it’s important to understand your policy and what it covers before assuming you’re covered.
FAQ’s
What does a home warranty cover on a furnace?
Most home warranty companies cover the following on a furnace:
- Forced air
- Hot water components
- Ductwork
- Electric baseboard heaters
Why is it important to have a home warranty that covers you furnace?
Many people commit the mistake of assuming that their home insurance company would cover the furnace, but that’s not the case at all. A home warranty company can help you with this.
Repairing or replacing a furnace can dig a hole in your pocket; thus, having a home warranty for it can offer you peace of mind and eliminate the unexpected expense.
Do all home warranty companies cover furnace?
No, different companies offer different types of coverage, and not all of them cover furnaces.
So make sure to read the terms and conditions, coverage offered, etc., while signing up for any home warranty company.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.