A home is more than just four walls and a roof. It offers residents comfort and convenience, which requires the help of many support systems and appliances. From washing machines and dryers to plumbing and electrical systems, these crucial features help to power everyday life, so when something goes wrong, it can cause serious problems. Read on to find out about home warranties, how they work, and what’s covered.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is an agreement between a homeowner and a warranty company in which the homeowner pays a monthly premium in return for protection for covered appliances and systems. When something goes wrong, the homeowner simply calls the warranty company and requests service, then pays a small service fee to the contractor. This arrangement gives homeowners the peace of mind of knowing that no matter what happens, their most essential appliances and home systems will be covered.
What Do Home Warranties Cover?
The exact details of what home warranties cover vary by company and by plan. Homeowners that have home systems coverage, for example, will be able to call the warranty company for help with their plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, while those who have only the basic home warranty plan will not get complete home coverage.
The most affordable type of home warranty plan covers only kitchen appliances. Homeowners can pay less than $20 a month for a plan that covers their ovens, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators. If these essential appliances break down as a result of normal wear and tear, the repairs or replacements will be covered.
What About Other Appliances?
Homeowners who want coverage for other appliances will need to either personalize their plans or sign up for whole-home coverage. It’s possible to find home warranty plans that cover every major appliance in the house, plus all of its essential systems. Those appliances can include:
- Kitchen appliances
- Washers and dryers
- Thermostats
- Plumbing pumps and pressure regulators
- Supply lines for water- or gas-using appliances
- And more
With the most comprehensive plans, homeowners can anticipate having all of their appliance repair and replacement needs met. Just keep in mind that it may be necessary to take out extra coverage if there are additional appliances in the home. Refrigerators are a good example. Many households have two refrigerators, in which case only the first will be covered unless the homeowner personalizes the warranty plan.
Shouldn’t Breakdowns Be Covered by Extended Warranties?
The extended warranties offered by manufacturers are different from home warranty plans. Typical warranties cover appliances for one year. Extended warranties stretch that period to three years. Though they’re most frequently offered by car companies, extended warranties may also be available for certain household appliances.
The problem is that most appliances don’t break within the warranty period. They start to require repairs as they reach the end of their usable lifespans, at which point they will no longer be covered. With a home warranty plan in place, that won’t be a problem.
Request Details Today
Want to make sure all of the home’s appliances and essential systems are protected? It’s time to reach out to a home warranty company to discuss the details of different plans. Just make sure to find a reputable company that offers not just competitive pricing but also comprehensive coverage and guaranteed service and read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
