When your 20-year-old refrigerator springs a leak, what do you do? Your first instinct may be to decide between a costly repair and an even costlier replacement.But if you have a home warranty policy, a repair could be free.Bankrate can help you find the lowest available mortgage rate.Home warranty policies are a perk of many home purchases. They cover repairs on specific home elements, such as built-in appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, and plumbing."A home warranty contract promises to keep working items working for a certain time period, usually one year," says Carl Knighten, CEO of HMS Tri-Region, a 30-year-old home warranty company based in Fairfax, Va.Learn the detailsTwo types of home warranties are available: The cost of the warranty is included in the price of the home. Builder warranty policies typically cover up to 10 years of structural defects; one year of coverage on items such as stucco, drywall and paint; and two years of coverage on HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

Appliances are typically covered for about six months. Companies also sell policies to purchasers of existing homes. In most cases, a home seller or real estate agent pays for these policies -- which typically cost a few hundred dollars -- as part of the sale of the home. These policies usually cover one year of repairs on various appliances in the home, along with its furnace, air conditioning and plumbing.Many home warranty policies have a deductible of around $100 or the cost of a repair, whichever is less. air conditioner window unit troubleshootingThe deductible applies to each repair that occurs.ac window unit noiseHome warranty policies also are available directly to homeowners and homebuyers, who may purchase them in certain circumstances -- such as after buying a foreclosure, Knighten says."portable ac better than window unit

Banks do not typically pay for a home warranty on a foreclosure or short sale, so homebuyers can purchase one for these homes if they wish," he says.However, Knighten says that less than 1 percent of his business comes directly from homeowners. 30 year fixed refi 15 year fixed refi 10 year fixed refi Net worth of the Clinton, Trump kids The 5 most expensive prescription drugsHomes of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton7 things that could offend homebuyersGet the 411 on VA loans Best states to retire if you're tired of politicsNet worth of 9 political commentatorsThe 6 most dependable SUVs11 celebs scammed by Bernie Madoff7 warning signs that a flip is a flop Mortgage rates for Friday, September 30 If you're purchasing or refinancing, it's a great time to lock in a rate.No membership or credit card requiredDrywall RepairMovingNo thanks, I'm not quite ready.Will American Home Shield replace my AC? Any good home warranty companies? July 13, 2009   Subscribe

Can I expect American Home Shield or any other home warranty company to replace my A/C when it dies? Are there any other good, reliable home warranty companies out there? My current contract with AHS is about to run out. I have a 25+ year old A/C unit that probably doesn't have much time left. I also have a 12 year old water heater. After reading many reviews like these I am wondering if AHS will actually pay for a new unit. The warranty is supposed to cover these items, but it seems like most people either get excuses or are blamed for poor maintenance. Have you ever actually gotten a unit like this replaced? Should I renew my contract? It looks like pretty much all the other reviews for home warranties are just as bad. Are there any home warranty companies that are actually good? HVAC Warranty & Registration Our heating and cooling warranty programs offer years of worry-freeAsk your American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer about the specific HVAC warranty plan that fits your situation.

Base Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty Your new equipment leaves our factory with an American Standard Heating & Air conditioning base limited warranty that represents our confidence in the quality of our home comfort solutions. limited warranty terms can be found in your Owner’s Manual. View limited warranty terms and conditions Registered Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty For additional coverage, products installed on or after May 1, 2009, are eligible for Registered Limited Warranty terms if the product is registered within 60 days of installation. can be completed online or by calling 1-855-260-2975. If the product is not registered within 60 days of installation American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s Base Limited Warranty terms will apply. Registered Limited Warranty Transfer Option Your reliable American Standard system may help you sell your home. During either the 60-day Product Registration Period or within ninety

(90) days following the sale of the home (if such 90 day period is still within the Registered Limited Warranty period) you have the Warranty to be transferred to a subsequent homeowner. more information on this option, please call 855-260-2975 or the new homeowner must notify American Standard of the transfer within ninety (90) days of the home sale for the transfer to beFailure to complete the limited warranty transfer by such notification within 90 days of home sale will result in the limited warranty expiring on the date of home sale. restrictions may vary by state. for parts and labor, please contact your installing American Standard section to learn more about American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning family of products. With plans to fit every budget and home, you're never far away from award-winning service. Every plan from American Home Shield can help protect your budget because: You do not pay for the actual repair or replacement cost for items covered by your home warranty

Your contract will cover repair or replacements of covered items, regardless of age, make or model. Home Warranty Plans in Your Area Our most popular plan, the Combo Plan provides coverage for many of your primary home systems and appliances. It includes everything in the Systems Plan and the Appliance Plan. Save an average of $14 a month over purchasing the Appliance Plan and Systems Plan separately. Get exactly the coverage you need with this flexible option. Simply select 10 or more items from our list of covered items in your home and get the coverage that is most important to you. This plan covers the replacement or repair of the components of these key home systems: Air conditioning, including ductwork Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers The following everyday household appliances are covered in this plan: Didn't see something specific on the lists above? You can always add coverage for each of the following to your plan (additional cost per item):