A home warranty is a service contract covering several systems and appliances. Depending on the type of warranty you purchase, your service contract may cover your heating system, pipes, ductwork and thermostats. Some plans even include coverage for wall heaters, making them even more valuable.
Although home warranties have year-round benefits, they’re especially helpful in the winter, as they cover items that are susceptible to damage associated with lower temperatures. Learn more about how a home warranty can help you prevent costly winter repairs.
How Home Warranties Prevent Costly Winter Repairs
A home warranty may not prevent normal wear and tear, but it can help you avoid costly repair bills during the winter months. Here’s a glimpse at how a comprehensive home warranty can help you save money.
Coverage for Heating Systems
All home warranties offer some type of coverage for HVAC systems, giving you extra peace of mind during the winter. For example, if your 20-year-old furnace suddenly gives out during a cold snap, your home warranty may cover the cost of a replacement.
The exact amount of coverage available depends on the terms of your warranty. If your service contract has a low limit, you’ll have to cover some of the costs yourself. Even if you have to pay for part of the replacement, however, a home warranty reduces your out-of-pocket costs, making it a worthwhile investment.
Protecting Against Plumbing Issues in Freezing Temperatures
It’s possible to purchase an upgraded home warranty with extra coverage for plumbing issues, which may come in handy when the temperature dips below freezing. A comprehensive home warranty typically covers your water heater, plumbing drainage lines, water service line and sewer line. If one of your pipes freezes during a cold spell, your warranty may pay to repair or replace it, leaving you with more money in your pocket.
Types of Repairs Covered by Home Warranties in Winter Conditions
Remember, the amount of coverage you receive depends on the warranty plan you choose. A comprehensive plan covers a lot more than a basic plan, so choose your home warranty wisely. If you have a comprehensive plan, it might cover the following items:
- Water heater
- Ductwork
- Ceiling fans
- Washer
- Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Oven
- Plumbing lines
- HVAC components
- Refrigerator
Your climate zone has a big impact on the value of your warranty. For example, if you live in one of the New England states, you may need help paying for repairs associated with sleet, snow or freezing rain. Southern Arizona has a much milder climate, but you can still use a home warranty to deal with water heater problems, broken appliances or plumbing issues. It’s also possible for cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale to get frost during the coldest nights of winter, putting the pipes at risk of freezing.
Specific Advantages of Home Warranties in Winter
One of the main benefits of having a home warranty during the winter is that you don’t have to cover 100% of the repair or replacement costs if something breaks down when it’s cold outside. All you have to do is contact your warranty provider and follow their instructions.
Home warranties also have some psychological benefits. For example, knowing that you have warranty coverage can help you avoid anxiety and stress during the winter months. Your home warranty may also give you access to a trusted repair service, easing any concerns you have about finding someone to repair your heating system, water heater or plumbing lines when everyone in town is dealing with frozen pipes and other cold-weather problems.
Home Warranties vs. Homeowners Insurance
It’s common for homeowners to confuse home warranty coverage with homeowners insurance. As noted earlier, a home warranty is a service contract designed to cover home systems and appliances. In many cases, a warranty only covers items that stop working due to normal wear and tear. If you want coverage for other circumstances, you may have to pay for an upgraded plan.
In contrast, homeowners insurance covers specific perils, which are events that have the potential to damage your property. For example, fires, earthquakes and floods are common perils. If a covered peril occurs, your insurance company covers the cost of repairs.
Using Technology to Enhance the Benefits of Home Warranties in Winter
Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to keep your home comfortable and avoid costly winter repairs. One way to maximize the benefits of a home warranty is to pair it with smart home technology, such as a programmable thermostat. This type of technology performs certain actions automatically, reducing your energy costs without forcing you to sacrifice your comfort.
For example, if you install a smart thermostat, you can program it to turn up the heat 15 minutes before you get out of bed in the morning. When you’re ready to get up, your house will be at your preferred daytime temperature. You can also program your thermostat to turn down the temperature at night, eliminating the need to make manual thermostat adjustments. Using smart technology can help you avoid extra wear and tear on your heating system, making it the perfect way to avoid costly winter repairs.
Protect Your Most Important Investment
In the third quarter of 2024, the average sales price of a home in the United States was over $501,000. If you’re still making mortgage payments, it’s important to reduce your repair costs as much as possible. Consider purchasing a home warranty to avoid costly repair bills associated with extra strain on your HVAC system.
You might also be interested in: 9 Reasons to Invest in a Home Safe
