Things to Know/Check BEFORE Your Home Warranty Expires

Do you have a home warranty that’s  expiring soon? Maybe it came with your home when you purchased it. Maybe you bought one but haven’t filed a claim yet and aren’t sure if you need to renew. Maybe you’re asking yourself, “How much is a home warranty renewal? Is it worth it? What does a home warranty cover, anyway?”

The cost of a home warranty plan will vary depending on what kind of coverage you need — whether you just want home systems coverage, appliance coverage, or both, and whether you want additional coverage for a guest unit, pool or spa.  Before you let your home warranty expire, you need to make sure you’re taking full advantage of your plan’s benefits and that you know what it covers. Here are some things you should check before you give up your coverage.

HVAC System and Ductwork

Can you rely on your HVAC system and ductwork? How old is your HVAC system? An HVAC breakdown can be one of the most expensive repairs or replacements that a homeowner has to make. Typically, costs for cooling units range anywhere from $135 to $3,919 while heating units range from $120 to $4,000. And it’s not like your HVAC system is going to send you a text letting you know it’s about to break down — at least, not yet. Your system might be fine right now, but you never know when a failure is going to occur. 

American Home Shield® home warranties cover unexpected breakdowns and failures of most components of your HVAC system and ductwork. You might go for months or a whole year without filing a claim on your home warranty plan, but you’ll be glad you have it when your HVAC system fails and you’re able to get it fixed quickly and easily, saving thousands in the process. 

American Home Shield can also help prevent unexpected HVAC breakdowns with the HVAC tune-up programs we offer to our members. As an American Home Shield member, you can get a Pre-Season A/C System Tune-Up in the spring and a Pre-Season HVAC System Tune-Up in the fall for just $75 each. We’ll send a local HVAC technician out to inspect and service your A/C and furnace at the appropriate times each year, so you can identify hidden issues and avoid unexpected breakdowns in the middle of the season, when you need your HVAC to be working properly.

Smoke Detectors

There’s a reason smoke detectors are required by law in most jurisdictions — they save lives! Smoke detectors sound an alarm that wakes you up when there’s a fire, so you have time to get out of the house. 

Before you let your home warranty expire, check your smoke detectors to make sure that they are working. American Home Shield provides smoke detector coverage for hard-wired and battery-operated models in our Combo and Systems Plans. If necessary, we’ll send out a service contractor to diagnose and repair your smoke detector issue.

Water Heater

A water heater replacement can cost hundreds of dollars. Before you let your American Home Shield home warranty expire, check your water heater to make sure it is in good shape. Drain and flush your water heater and check the water for sediment. Check your water heater’s anode rod for signs of corrosion. If your water heater has a lot of sediment in it or the anode rod is very corroded, that’s a sign it hasn’t been maintained well or that it might need repairs soon.

If you have an older water heater that might need to be replaced in the coming year, you should probably keep your home warranty coverage. Our Combo and Systems Plans cover components of both tankless and conventional water heaters.

Electrical Wiring

Problems with electrical wiring can be serious, and they can put you at risk for an electrical fire. Know how old your home’s electrical wiring is and check it for signs of potential trouble, like frayed or gnawed wiring, warm wall sockets, flickering lights, blown fuses, and smells of smoke or warm plastic. American Home Shield home warranties cover electrical wiring on D/C currents, built-in exhaust and attic or ventilation fans, and lighting fixtures. Make sure you know what shape your electrical wiring, fans and fixtures are in before you let your home warranty expire.

Appliances

You should know how old your appliances are and how well they have been maintained before you let your home warranty expire. American Home Shield Appliances and Combo Plans cover the repair and replacement of all large appliances, including built-in microwaves and freestanding ice makers, garage door openers and built-in food centers. You can even get old or duplicate appliances serviced. If there’s any chance that one of your major appliances may break down, you should keep your home warranty.

Pool and Spa

American Home Shield offers pool and spa coverage, as well as coverage for well and septic pumps. Check the condition of your pool and spa pump and filtration systems before you let your home warranty expire.

Electronics

How many TVs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and other electronics do you have in your home? How much do you rely on them? American Home Shield can help you out with coverage for an unlimited number of eligible electronics that protects your devices no matter how old they are. Check the age and condition of your electronics. If you think you might need a new TV, tablet, laptop or game console this year, it’s worth keeping your home warranty and adding on electronics coverage if you don’t already have it.

Home warranty coverage gives you the peace of mind of knowing you’re protected when the unexpected and unpredictable happens. Letting your existing home warranty expire could leave you and your family facing big expenses down the road. If you have yet to invest in your home with a home warranty, get a quote today. If it's time to renew your American Home Shield warranty, it’s quick and easy with MyAccount.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.