Home Warranty Questions
Q: What is a home warranty?
A: A home warranty is an agreement between you and your home's manufacturer to cover certain repairs and replacements for major components, such as appliances, systems, and parts.
Q: What types of homes are eligible for home warranties?
A: Typically, home warranties are designed for homeowners who own single-family homes or apartments with standard plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as some newer construction projects.
Types of Home Warranties
There are several types of home warranties available, including:
- Career Protection Warranty: Covers labor costs for major repairs and replacements.
- Extended Manufacturer's Limited Warranty (EMLW): Provides coverage for parts, labor, and other expenses related to standard warranty periods.
- Total Protection Plan: Offers comprehensive coverage for all systems and appliances, including those not included in the EMLW or Career Protection plans.
Covered Systems and Appliances
When choosing a home warranty plan, consider which systems and appliances are essential to your home's functionality and safety. Typically, the following components are covered:
- Plumbing: Water heater, pipes, water shut-off valves, etc.
- HVAC: Furnace, air conditioning unit, ducts, etc.
- Electrical: Receptacles, circuit breakers, wiring, etc.
- Draft Control Systems: Air conditioning filters, humidifier, etc.
- Garbage Disposal and Sewer Systems
Prioritization and Cost-Effectiveness
When choosing a home warranty plan, consider prioritizing your essential systems and appliances based on their importance to your home's functionality and safety. You can also factor in the cost of replacement or repair by calculating the total cost of ownership versus the premium paid for the warranty.