A warranty is a guarantee or promise by a manufacturer or other similar entity in which exchanges or repairs have minimal to zero costs if the product in question doesn’t function as described initially. Several devices, such as your computer or TV, will naturally have warranties. Warranties aren’t exclusive to electronics, however, as you can also get a warranty for your home.
You should know what the coverage offers so you can get the most value out of this guarantee. Continue reading to learn more about the home warranty and what this policy should include.
Home Warranty, What Is It?
A home warranty covers the costs of exchanges and repairs on registered appliances, technologies, and systems that might get damaged from age or wear and tear. Some of these devices include washing machines, dish dryers, furnaces, and water heaters.
Each home warranty provider offers different coverage plans for their customers. For example, if you opt for Select Home Warranty, the company offers free roof coverage, which tends to be not included in many similar plans. If you’re looking to take advantage of this firm’s home warranty policies, consider searching for Select Home Warranty reviews first.
Also, don’t confuse home warranty with homeowners’ insurance. The former helps household members cover the cost of unintentional damages to specific items around the house.
Homeowners’ insurance, on the other hand, lets an insurance firm pay for the damages and losses caused by uncontrollable forces, such as natural calamities, wrought to sections of the property. For example, if a tree falls and crashes into your garage, then a homeowner’s insurance policy takes effect.
Now that you know the difference between home warranties and homeowners’ insurance, it’s time to understand what to include in your home warranty coverage plans.
What to Include in the Coverage?
Appliances, technologies, and systems have life spans. Age, continuous use, and uncontrollable forces may shorten the life of your devices. Thankfully, you can exchange or repair the faulty gadget without paying expensive charges with a home warranty plan.
But, you need to read the coverage plan carefully. This way, you can ensure that specific appliances are in the guarantee. Otherwise, your plan might not offer coverage for the repairs and replacements of certain appliances and systems around your home.
Consider the following systems, along with their respective devices, when shopping for a home warranty:
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Plumbing Systems
A home’s plumbing system is a complex network of devices that transmit water to and from the property. The devices included in the system are:
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- Drains
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Showers
- Bathtubs
- At-home water supply containers
Now, imagine going home after a busy day at school or work. Perhaps the only thing on your mind at this moment is a hot shower. But, you have no choice but to use cold water because something seems to be wrong with your water heater.
If your water heater and other devices related to your home’s plumbing system have damages, a home warranty helps reduce the amount you need to pay for repairing or replacing the equipment. Thus, you can be at peace, knowing that you can save cash from expensive plumbing repairs or replacements.
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Electrical Systems
A home’s electrical systems may include:
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- Power lines
- Wall switches
- Lighting fixtures
- Main and sub-panels
- Power outlets
This system is akin to an intricate maze, and it can be challenging to find the leading cause of faulty electrical networks. Troubleshooting can help discern the root of a particular problem, but it can still be a tough endeavor to rectify the concern.
For example, a section of the home lost power. Checking the circuit breaker tells you that the problem might be in the electrical wiring hidden behind walls. You may need to destroy a section of these walls to fix the issue, and the entire operation may cost a pretty penny.
Consider protecting your finances by applying for a home warranty plan that covers the different electrical systems in your home. The policy you choose might only cover a portion of the total costs, but it’s better than spending for the entire repair operation with the money in your pocket and bank account.
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Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
HVAC systems help deliver appropriate indoor temperatures for any season. Turn the temperature up if you need extra heat in winter. Otherwise, activate your home’s AC during the sweltering summer months.
But, HVAC units can be susceptible to damages that may reduce or eliminate their effectiveness. Some of these issues include:
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- Dirty filters
- Faulty ignition
- Mechanical wear and tear
- Unknown noises and smells
- Blown fuses
- Damaged condensers or evaporator coils
Some of these problems may not cost a lot of money. However, part repairs and replacements for HVAC systems can be expensive, especially if the damage done to your home HVAC unit is extensive.
Home warranty plans may help cover the charges for part repairs and replacements on your HVAC system. Furthermore, some firms may have connections with HVAC repair companies to help give you a better-than-average deal to use their services.
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Additional Coverage
Aside from the systems mentioned above, reliable home warranty providers may offer additional coverage for appliances and systems. These offerings may depend on specific homeowners needs, such as:
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- Roofs
- Septic systems
- Grinder pumps
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
The best way to know the things covered in a home warranty coverage plan is to read the document thoroughly. Make sure to read the fine prints as these lines of text might save you from embarrassment when you’re about to make a claim.
However, a good rule of thumb when looking at home warranty plans is whether these guarantees tend to cover the mechanical parts of appliances or systems. Hence, if the handle on your washing machine becomes broken, the policy won’t give you financial assistance to replace that part.
Closing Thoughts
The coverage offered by home warranty policies differs for each provider. But, several of these plans tend to cover different systems such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC units. Some firms may also provide additional protection plans, depending on the needs of the policyholder. Consult a reliable home warranty provider today for further information about their offered plans.
