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Need a Repair? Your Home Warranty in 3 Easy Steps
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  4. Need a Repair? Your Home Warranty in 3 Easy Steps
Home Warranty 101
Article
6 minutes

When and How to Request Service from AHS

AHS Logo
AHS Editorial Team
August 27, 2026

When a covered home system or appliance breaks down, submitting an AHS service request is how you put your home warranty to work. Here's what you need to know about when to request service, how to submit a request, and what happens next. Explore AHS home warranty plans to see what's covered before an issue comes up.

Expert leaving home

In this article:

Understand your coverage

When to request service (and when not to)

How to place a service request

What to expect from your service request

Key takeaways

  • Review your plan agreement before something breaks

  • Request service for covered breakdowns due to normal wear and tear

  • If you have a ShieldGold or ShieldPlatinum plan, consider using video chat first for faster guidance

  • You can submit a service request 24/7 via the AHS app, MyAccount, or by phone

  • AHS backs every completed repair with their 30-day workmanship guarantee

Understand your coverage before you need it

Your AHS plan agreement is the definitive guide to what's covered, what's excluded, and what the coverage limits are for each system and appliance. The more familiar you are with it before something breaks, the smoother the service request process will be.

Here's what to review:

Not an AHS member yet? Explore coverage.

When should I request home warranty service?

Submit an AHS service request whenever a covered system or appliance breaks down due to normal wear and tear, improper installation/repairs, or lack of maintenance. Don't request service for known, pre-existing issues, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by misuse, as those fall outside your coverage.

Here are some real-world examples by plan type. Keep in mind that being listed as an example below doesn't guarantee coverage; your specific plan agreement determines what's actually covered.

ShieldSilver
Do request service if… Don't request service if…
Your AC stops cooling You need your HVAC filter changed
Your main breaker is blowing fuses or malfunctioning regularly A switch plate is cracked but the switch is still functioning.
Your toilet is leaking and you can't identify the source A pipe froze and burst during the winter

 

ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum 
Everything in ShieldSilver plus:
Do request service if… Don't request service if…
Your dishwasher has standing water that won't drain There is a dent or scratch on the door of the dishwasher that doesn't impact the use of the item.
Your oven won't reach pre-set temperatures Your oven light bulb burns out
Your refrigerator has stopped cooling You need to adjust your refrigerator's temperature setting
Your clothes aren't drying despite a clean lint filter and clear exhaust The dryer vent is clogged with lint and needs to be cleaned out.
Your garbage disposal hums but won't grind with a free flywheel Your garbage disposal has a bad odor
Your water heater stops working You would like your water heater flushed as annual maintenance

One important note: Your home warranty coverage begins 30 days after you sign up. You won't be able to place a service request until that waiting period has passed. Learn more about the AHS waiting period.

Not sure what's covered under your specific plan? Check your agreement in MyAccount or review our guide to home repairs covered by a home warranty.

Should I video chat an Expert first?

If you have a ShieldGold or ShieldPlatinum plan, video chat is available to you as a member benefit at no extra cost. Before submitting a service request, it's worth considering whether a quick video chat could help.

Using the AHS app, you can connect with a live repair Expert who can see exactly what you're seeing via your phone camera. They can help you assess the issue, walk you through basic troubleshooting, and determine whether a service request is the right next step, potentially saving you time.

Video chat is not a service request, and it's not part of your warranty coverage. It's a diagnostic tool that can help you make a more informed decision. Learn more about AHS video chat and how it works.

Video chat hours are from 8AM–9PM CST, 7 days/week. Subject to change. Video chat available as a member benefit with select AHS plans.

A cool way to beat the buzzer

When your AC starts leaking or stops working altogether, you don’t have to guess what’s wrong. With the benefit of video chat. ShieldGold™ and ShieldPlatinum™ members can connect with a vetted repair Expert in real time for step-by-step guidance.



Video chat available as a member benefit with select AHS plans. Video chat hours are from 8AM - 9PM CST, 7 days/week. Subject to change.

Learn more about Video Chat

Using video chat to diagnose home oven

How do I place a service request?

Placing a service request with AHS is straightforward. You can submit one 24/7 through three channels:

When you submit your request, you'll describe the issue and select the type of system or appliance involved. Once submitted, you'll pay your preset service fee—the fixed amount you agreed to when you purchased your plan.

Request service with the AHS app

Submitting a service request is easier than ever. Download the AHS app to submit and track service requests, pay your Service Fee, connect with your Pro, and manage your coverage.

Download the app

What should I expect from my service request?

After you submit a service request and pay your Service Fee, a Pro will be contacted within 48 hours to schedule an in-home visit.

Scheduling

After you submit a service request and pay your Service Fee, AHS will assign a Pro from our network. That Pro will be contacted within 48 hours to schedule an in-home visit. You'll receive the Pro's contact information in case you need to reschedule.

Diagnosis

When the Pro arrives, they'll assess the issue and report their diagnosis. AHS will verify whether the problem is covered under your plan.

Repair or replacement

If the issue is covered, the Pro will complete the repair. If the item can't be repaired, it will be replaced per your plan's coverage terms.



See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.

Next steps and exceptions

Sometimes repairs take longer. Common reasons include parts that need to be ordered, supplier delays, or issues that require additional diagnosis. If any of these apply, the Pro will walk you through next steps. If repairs exceed your coverage limits, AHS will inform you of any out-of-pocket costs and get your approval before proceeding.

Does American Home Shield provide a workmanship guarantee?

Yes. AHS stands behind every completed repair with their 30-day workmanship guarantee. If the same issue recurs within 30 days of your completed service, contact AHS and a Pro will return to your home at no additional cost.

Ready to request service?

When a covered system or appliance breaks down, AHS makes it easy to get help fast. Submit a service request online in minutes, pay your Service Fee, and we'll. connect you with a qualified, repair Pro.

Request Service

man with "it's a good day to warranty" on his coveralls
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AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach AHS customer service by calling 1-800-858-1922, logging in to MyAccount, or using the in-app chat feature under the "Help" section of the AHS app. Service requests can be submitted 24/7 online or through the app without waiting on hold.

Yes. You can submit a service request 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the AHS app or MyAccount. Phone support is also available around the clock at 1-800-858-1922.

No. AHS does not place a limit on the number of service requests you can submit for covered items. However, individual coverage limits and exclusions may apply depending on your plan. Review your plan agreement in MyAccount for the specifics.