Home Warranty Protection
A home warranty covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances when they fail from normal wear and tear. Here is everything Ontario homeowners need to know.
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What Home Warranties Cover
Home warranties are different from home insurance. Insurance covers sudden events (fire, theft, storm). Warranties cover mechanical failure from normal use.
HVAC Systems
Furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, ductwork
Plumbing
Pipes, water heater, fixtures, sump pump
Electrical
Panel, wiring, outlets, ceiling fans
Appliances
Fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven
Garage Door Opener
Motor, springs, remote system
Water Heater
Tank, tankless, hybrid systems
Home Warranty vs Home Insurance
| Factor | Warranty | Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Mechanical failure from normal wear | Sudden/accidental damage (fire, theft, storm) |
| Example | Furnace stops working in January | Tree falls on your roof |
| Required? | No — optional protection | Yes — required by most lenders |
| Cost | $400–$800/year | $1,200–$2,000/year |
| Service fee | $75–$125 per service call | Deductible: $500–$2,500 |
| Best for | Homes 5+ years old with aging systems | All homes — non-negotiable |
When a Home Warranty Makes Sense
Good Fit
May Not Need It
Tarion Warranty for New Builds
Ontario new homes are covered by Tarion Warranty Corporation. This provides 1-year warranty on workmanship, 2-year on systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical), and 7-year on major structural defects. A separate home warranty plan is typically unnecessary for homes still under Tarion coverage.
Home Warranty Red Flags
Pre-existing condition exclusions buried in fine print
Many warranty companies deny claims for issues they determine existed before the policy started. Read the exclusions section carefully.
Cap on repair/replacement that is too low
If your furnace dies and the warranty caps at $1,500 but replacement costs $4,000, you pay the difference. Check per-item caps.
They choose the contractor, not you
Some warranty companies use the cheapest contractor available. Ask if you can use your own licensed pro or request a different one.
Long wait times for service calls
A warranty that takes 2 weeks to send someone when your furnace dies in January is worse than no warranty. Check service level agreements.
Aggressive upselling of premium tiers
If the base plan excludes critical items (water heater, AC), the company is using bait pricing. Compare total cost of what you actually need.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
Regular maintenance extends system life and is often required to keep your warranty valid. Here is the minimum annual schedule.
HVAC tune-up (heating before winter, cooling before summer)
Replace furnace filter
Flush water heater to remove sediment
Clean dryer vent (fire hazard if blocked)
Test sump pump before spring thaw
Inspect visible plumbing for leaks
Test GFCI outlets in kitchen and bathrooms
Clean gutters and check drainage
Find Ontario Contractors for Repairs
Whether covered by warranty or not, always use licensed and insured contractors. ProScore checks credentials where applicable and captures self-attestation with audit records elsewhere.