Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
See what plans you qualify for in less than 2 minutes
Appliances Typically Covered by a Home Warranty
Home warranties are designed to protect your budget when major appliances break down due to normal wear and tear. Across major 2026 providers, most standard and combination plans cover the following built-in appliances:
| Appliance | Typically Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | ✅ Yes | Icemaker often included; second fridge may need an add-on |
| Dishwasher | ✅ Yes | Standard on most plans |
| Oven / Range / Cooktop | ✅ Yes | Core kitchen coverage across all major providers |
| Built-in Microwave | ✅ Yes | Must be built-in; countertop units excluded |
| Clothes Washer | ✅ Yes | Included in appliance or combination plans |
| Clothes Dryer | ✅ Yes | Included alongside washer coverage |
| Garbage Disposal | ✅ Yes | Covered by most providers |
| Built-in Exhaust Fan | ✅ Yes | Built-in kitchen exhaust fans commonly included |
| Garage Door Opener | ✅ Yes | Frequently included on appliance plans |
| Installed Hot/Cold Water Dispenser | ✅ Yes | Listed as covered by major providers like AHS |
The key qualifier across all these items: coverage applies to mechanical breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. If your refrigerator stops cooling due to a failed compressor, that's covered. If it was damaged in a flood, hit by a power surge, or misused, that's not.
For a broader look at everything a home warranty protects, see our complete home warranty coverage guide.
What Appliances Are Excluded from Home Warranty Coverage
Understanding what's not covered is just as important as knowing what is. Home warranties are not catch-all protection policies. Here are the most common appliance-related exclusions in 2026:
Portable and Countertop Appliances
Freestanding or countertop items are almost universally excluded. This includes:
- Countertop microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, and blenders
- Portable air conditioners and fans
- Standalone freezers and mini-fridges (unless specifically added)
- Wine chillers
Cosmetic Damage
Scratches, dents, rust, broken handles, and aesthetic imperfections are never covered. Home warranties protect functionality, not appearance.
Normal Wear and Component-Level Parts
Individual parts that wear out through routine use are typically excluded, even on an otherwise covered appliance. Common examples:
- Oven racks, door glass, and interior lights
- Dishwasher racks and door gaskets
- Washer drum paddles and agitators
- Refrigerator shelving and drawers
- Knobs, handles, and trim
Damage From External Events
Failures triggered by lightning, power surges, floods, fires, or pest infestations are excluded across nearly every 2026 provider. These events are generally addressed by homeowners insurance, not your warranty.
Be sure to review our dedicated guide on home warranty exclusions to avoid surprise denied claims.
Appliance-Only Plans vs. Combination Plans
When shopping for home warranty coverage, you'll encounter three main plan structures. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right level of protection for your needs and budget. In 2026, the average home warranty costs about $73 per month, with prices ranging from roughly $28 to $191 per month depending on plan type. Appliance-only plans average around $62 per month, while combination plans (systems plus appliances) average closer to $87 per month.
Appliance-only plans are ideal for newer homes where systems like HVAC and plumbing are unlikely to fail soon, but you want financial protection for kitchen and laundry appliances. Combination plans offer broader value for older homes where multiple systems and appliances are at risk of breaking down.
See a full breakdown in our home warranty options guide.
Coverage Limits Per Appliance
Coverage caps vary significantly between providers. Here's how major companies compare on per-appliance payouts in 2026:
| Provider | Typical Per-Appliance Limit |
|---|---|
| American Home Shield ShieldGold | Up to $2,000 per appliance |
| American Home Shield ShieldPlatinum | Up to $4,000 per appliance |
| AHS ShieldComplete (Real Estate) | Up to $7,000 per appliance |
| First American (top-tier plan) | Up to $7,000 per appliance |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Pinnacle | Up to $2,000 per appliance |
| Industry Standard | $2,000 to $4,000 per appliance |
You'll also pay a service fee of $75 to $125 per claim (averaging around $108 in 2026), on top of your monthly premium.
How Warranties Handle Repairs vs. Replacements
When you file a claim, the warranty company dispatches a technician to diagnose the issue. From there, the company decides whether to repair or replace the appliance using a process that includes:
- Cost comparison. If the repair cost approaches the appliance's current value, replacement may be authorized.
- The 50% rule. If repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost and the unit is more than halfway through its expected lifespan, most providers lean toward replacement.
- Parts availability. Older or discontinued models may be harder to repair if parts are no longer manufactured.
Important to note: when a replacement is issued, the warranty company typically reimburses at the functional equivalent value, not necessarily the cost of a brand-new matching model. This means you may receive a cash payout or a comparable unit that doesn't match your existing appliances in brand or finish. For a deeper look at how a single appliance like your fridge is handled, see our refrigerator coverage guide.
Brand, Model, and Smart Appliance Limitations
Most home warranties don't explicitly exclude specific brands, but there are real limitations to know:
- High-end or luxury appliances like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Viking may be covered, but the reimbursement cap often falls well short of actual repair costs for these models. Replacement is usually based on fair market value for a comparable item, which can leave premium-brand owners thousands of dollars short.
- Commercial-grade appliances installed in residences are typically excluded by most providers, though a few make exceptions if the unit isn't used for commercial purposes.
- Smart appliances are covered for mechanical and electrical failures, but software glitches, Wi-Fi connectivity issues, app failures, and firmware problems are usually excluded. For broader protection, check out our smart home device warranty guide.
- Energy-efficient appliances are generally covered for mechanical breakdowns but replacements typically default to a functional equivalent, not a like-for-like green upgrade. Learn more in our energy-efficient appliance warranty guide.
- Second or specialty appliances like a second refrigerator or wine cooler typically require an optional add-on.
Age Restrictions and Old Appliances
Good news for owners of aging homes: most major home warranty providers do not have hard age cutoffs for appliance coverage. American Home Shield explicitly states no appliance is too old, and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers similar age-blind coverage. The catch is that the appliance must be in good working condition at the start of your coverage period. Pre-existing conditions remain one of the single most common reasons claims are denied in 2026.
Some policies include age-related component restrictions in the fine print, so it pays to review contract details carefully. For a deeper look, check out our home warranty guide for older homes.
Keeping Your Appliance Coverage Valid: Maintenance Requirements
Your home warranty coverage can be voided or your claim denied if an appliance breakdown is attributed to neglect or lack of proper maintenance. Across 2026 consumer guidance, lack of maintenance ranks as one of the top causes of denied claims, alongside pre-existing conditions, items not covered, and exceeded limits.
Key Maintenance Practices by Appliance
| Appliance | Recommended Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Clean condenser coils every 6 months; check door seals; keep interior at 35 to 38°F |
| Dishwasher | Clean filter basket monthly; run cleaning cycle monthly; clear spray arm clogs |
| Washer | Run cleaning cycles monthly; check hoses every 6 months for cracks or bulges |
| Dryer | Clean lint trap after every load; clean vent duct annually |
| Oven / Range | Keep burners and igniters clean; inspect gaskets |
| Garbage Disposal | Run cold water during use; avoid hard or fibrous foods |
While some providers like American Home Shield don't require maintenance records to process a claim, it is always in your best interest to document your upkeep. If a technician determines that grease buildup, clogged venting, or improper use caused the failure, your claim can be denied regardless of provider policy. The same goes for unauthorized DIY repairs, which most providers will use to void coverage on the affected item.
Also be aware of the 30-day waiting period that nearly every home warranty contract includes from the activation date. Breakdowns reported during this window are typically not covered. To understand the full claims process from start to finish, see our guide on how a home warranty works and the washing machine claim process for an appliance-specific example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home warranty cover all kitchen appliances?
Home warranties typically cover major built-in kitchen appliances including the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, range, cooktop, built-in microwave, and garbage disposal. Portable and countertop appliances like freestanding microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers are not covered. Coverage may vary by plan tier, with appliance-only plans including all of these and basic systems-only plans excluding appliances entirely.
Do home warranties cover old appliances?
Yes. Most major home warranty providers cover appliances regardless of age, as long as the appliance is in good working condition when coverage begins. Providers like American Home Shield and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty have no hard age cutoffs and require no maintenance records to enroll. Pre-existing conditions are always excluded, however, so reviewing your specific contract is essential.
How much will a home warranty pay to replace an appliance?
Per-appliance coverage limits in 2026 typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 per item on standard plans. American Home Shield's ShieldGold pays up to $2,000 per appliance, while ShieldPlatinum pays up to $4,000. First American's top-tier plan and AHS ShieldComplete reach up to $7,000 per appliance. If the replacement cost exceeds your limit, you are responsible for the difference.
Are washers and dryers covered by home warranties?
Yes. Clothes washers and dryers are covered under most appliance and combination home warranty plans. Coverage applies to mechanical and electrical failures due to normal wear and tear, but excludes cosmetic damage, drum paddles, and issues caused by overloading or improper use. Dryer claims are often denied if the vent duct hasn't been cleaned and lint buildup contributed to motor failure. See our dryer coverage guide for more.
What voids appliance coverage on a home warranty?
Coverage can be voided or a claim denied if the breakdown is caused by lack of maintenance, improper installation, misuse, pest damage, power surges, or a pre-existing condition. Cosmetic damage and normal wear components like racks, knobs, and gaskets are also excluded. Unauthorized DIY repairs or using a non-approved technician can also disqualify your claim from reimbursement.