Protection Plan vs Warranty vs Home Insurance: What's the Difference?
Protection Plans

Protection Plan vs Warranty vs Home Insurance: What's the Difference?

March 28, 2025·6 min read·Fortify Canada

When an Ontario homeowner's furnace breaks down in February, the first call is usually to their insurance company. The second call, after learning HVAC mechanical failure isn't covered, is to a contractor for an emergency repair estimate. Understanding what each coverage type actually provides can save you thousands.

Home Insurance: Not What You Think

Standard Ontario home insurance covers sudden and accidental damage, burst pipes, fire, storm damage. It does NOT cover mechanical failure of HVAC equipment due to wear and tear, age, or lack of maintenance. If your furnace simply stops working, insurance won't pay a cent.

Manufacturer Warranty: Limited and Time-Bound

New HVAC equipment comes with a warranty, typically 5 to 10 years on parts only. Labour is rarely included after year one. Warranties require registration, proper use, and documented annual maintenance. Many claims are denied for lack of proof of service.

Protection Plans: The Gap Coverage You Need

An HVAC protection plan covers what insurance and warranties miss: parts AND labour for breakdowns on older equipment, regardless of cause. A good plan includes your annual tune-up, the preventative maintenance that keeps equipment running and maintains manufacturer warranty coverage.

What Does a Fortify Canada Plan Cover?

  • All parts and labour for covered equipment breakdowns
  • Annual HVAC tune-up (included in all plans)
  • No deductibles on service calls
  • Priority booking for plan members
  • 24/7 emergency line for Premium members

The Math: Is a Protection Plan Worth It?

The average Ontario furnace repair costs $680. A standard tune-up runs $140 to $180. That's $820 to $860 in a year with one repair. Fortify Canada's Standard Protection plan is $69.98/month. For any year where something breaks, you come out significantly ahead, with peace of mind every month in between.

Protect Your HVAC Before It Breaks

Fortify Canada plans cover parts, labour, and annual tune-ups, starting at $39.98/month. No surprise bills, no emergency call fees.

View Protection Plans

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