When it comes to protecting your home, it's always good to have a plan in place in case you face unexpected repairs. Planning and insurance are especially important regarding your heating and cooling system. HVAC problems are widespread in Texas, and repairs are getting increasingly expensive. As a result, many businesses and homeowners are signing up for HVAC protection plans to guard against these unexpected costs.
HVAC protection plans are special plans that help cover the cost of unexpected heating and cooling repairs and annual maintenance. While they have limits to what they cover, a protection plan for HVAC systems can save you thousands of dollars annually.
5 Things to Know About HVAC Protection Plans
Before choosing the best HVAC protection plan for your needs, you should first understand a little more about them.
What Components of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems are Covered?
HVAC protection plans are fairly comprehensive regarding heating and cooling repairs and issues. Most plans cover the major components of your HVAC system, including the following.
Internal and external components of your air conditioner
Internal and external parts of your furnace
Damage related to a power surge during the hot Texas summers
Internal components of your air handler
Most HVAC plans don't cover issues related to your thermostat, refrigerant leaks, or gas leaks. However, most of those issues are covered through an HVAC warranty or your homeowner's insurance.
Does a Heating and Cooling Protection Plan Cover Maintenance and Repairs?
The main focus of a heating and cooling protection plan is to provide coverage for expensive repairs and maintenance. Most protection plans cover annual maintenance checks for your heating and cooling system from an HVAC professional. More importantly, however, HVAC protection plans help pay for costly HVAC repairs. This includes air conditioning, furnace, and air handler repairs.
However, most protection plans will only pay for repairs if the damage is related to natural wear and tear. If your system gets damaged by a storm, flooding, or something you did wrong, you'll have to rely on insurance or warranties.
Do HVAC Plans Have Limits?
While HVAC protection plans are a great insurance plan in case of issues, most plans have annual spending limits. These limits vary from company to company but are usually between $1,000 and $2,000. However, in addition to paying for repairs, the best HVAC protection plan will offer additional coverage, including the following.
Lodging fees for when damage prevents you from living at home
Surge protection
Plumbing protection
Discounts on new heating and cooling appliances
Reimbursement for surge damage to electronics
Credit towards a new AC filter
You can get these benefits with an HVAC and surge protection plan from Rhythm Energy.
Are HVAC Protection Plans Different From Home Warranties?
HVAC protection plans and home warranties are similar in that they help compensate you for unexpected repairs. However, HVAC protection plans cover preventative maintenance and damage due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties, on the other hand, don't usually cover heating and cooling repairs or maintenance. Instead, they only assist you if you have to replace heating and cooling appliances.
What's the Best Way to Sign Up for an HVAC Protection Plan?
Traditionally, people could only sign up for HVAC coverage directly through an HVAC company. However, because Rhythm Energy is partnered with Cinch Home Services, you can sign up for an HVAC protection plan when you enroll in one of our electricity plans that uses renewable energy. These protection plans are available for a small, extra monthly charge, and offer protection for your heating and cooling system. Our HVAC protection plan also comes with built-in surge protection, which is extremely important during the hot Texas summers.