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 varies depending several factors - the state you live in, size of your home, and the type of coverage you need — systems coverage, appliance coverage, or both, and if you choose any additional coverage options. Before you let your home warranty plan expire, you should make sure you’re taking full advantage of your plan’s coverage and benefits.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if you should renew your home warranty:.

HVAC System and Ductwork

Can you rely on your HVAC system and ductwork? How old is your system? HVAC issues can be one of the most expensive repairs or replacements that a homeowner has to make, 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 breakdown is going to occur. 

American Home Shield® home warranties cover your AC, heating 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 and save money in the process. 

American Home Shield can also help prevent HVAC breakdowns by offering seasonal HVAC tune-up services. We’ll send a local HVAC Pro out to inspect and service your AC in the spring and heating system in the fall to make sure everything is working properly so you can avoid unexpected breakdowns in the middle of the season, when you need your HVAC the most. 

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's 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. All three of our home warranty plans cover water heaters.

Electrical 

Problems with your interior electrical lines can be serious and put you at risk for an electrical fire. Know how old your home’s electrical wiring is and check for signs of potential trouble, like frayed or gnawed wiring, warm wall sockets, flickering lights, blown fuses, and smells of smoke or warm plastic. All three of our home warranty plans cover electrical systems as well. 

Appliances

You should know how old your appliances are and how well they have been maintained before you let your home warranty expire. Our ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum home warranty plans cover your appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washer and dryer, and more - plus your home systems for comprehensive coverage. Your home warranty will even cover duplicates of the same item, like that extra fridge you have in the garage.

Built-in Pool and Spa Equipment 

American Home Shield offers additional coverage options like pool and spa equipment coverage, as well as coverage for well and septic pumps. Check the condition of these items, as well as your guest house, roof, and electronics before renewing your home warranty. 

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 electronics coverage for an unlimited number of eligible electronics that protects your devices. 

Home warranty coverage gives you  peace of mind 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 to do in MyAccount.

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