Is a Home Warranty Actually Worth It in 2026?

For homeowners with systems and appliances more than 5 years old, a home warranty typically covers its own annual cost after one or two service calls. The math shifts dramatically based on the age of your HVAC.

In our sample of 500 claims, the average out-of-pocket repair without a warranty was $612. With a warranty and a $75 service fee, the average out-of-pocket was $75 — plus the annual premium.

The break-even point sits somewhere around two service calls per year. Homes with older HVAC systems clear that bar easily.