AHS, American Home Shield I have been made a Victim of American Home Shield ,Do NOT Use this company Memphis Tennessee

Consumer Reports says that some warranties are not necessary. I agree. I had a heat pump on my home for 11 years. Never had any preventive maintenance performed on it except monthly filter changes. To maintain the warranty, the company wanted me to have it serviced twice a year (at about $50 per). Over the 11 years, I would have paid about $1100. It finally failed (plugged expansion valve). Cost of repair by a reliable tech: $475. I spend about $225 on three other techs to fix the problem - they couldn't because of their ineptitude.

Heat pumps and A/C units are sealed units. Unless they leak, they should never need refrigerant; but most techs want to add a little for a charge. The servicing should be a general cleaning of the evap fins and condenser fins and maybe lube of the blower motor.

I take what I would spend on warranties and extended service plans for my A/C, TV, computer, water heater, stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, car and car parts and every other thing I buy and save the money. That money I would use for repairs if or when needed. Buying an extended warranty is a bet you are making. You are betting you're going to collect, the warranty company is betting you're not. In either case, you loose. They have your money and they can deny your claim. You're actually paying for a repair or replacement that may never be needed.

AHS is promoted by many realtors. This need to stop, AHS reflects poorly on realtors.

I have since found a very reputable company. When looking for a new company, look for the following:

1) A company that uses repairmen certified for the unit they are working on. For example, if you have a Lennox air conditioning unit, make sure the repairman is Lennox certified. AHS sends out service people who have signed up with them. Many of these service people are not certified and make their money by finding reasons to deny service. They collect their $55 and move on to the next sucker. they only have to do 5 or 6 of these a day to make good money.

2) Check the Terms and Conditions. There are two phrases typically used under 'Items not Covered' that have totally different meanings. They are:

a) Product not maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.

or

b) Breakdown caused by failure to maintain according to manufacturer's specifications.

It sounds like AHS is using terminology similar to the first phrase to deny your claim. This means that even if your breakdown is not caused by a maintenance issue, if they can find any example of poor maintenance, they will deny your claim.

If AHS used the second method of claims adjustment, they would see the bent fin did not cause the breakdown, but the age of a twelve year old compressor is the cause of the breakdown. Since age is not one the NOT COVERED list, your item would be covered.

I now use a company this adjusts claims using the 2nd method and they have been very fair to me over the years. Don't give up, if you choose the right company you will be well taken care of.