Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
See what plans you qualify for in less than 2 minutes
What HVAC Components Does a Home Warranty Cover?
Home warranty HVAC coverage typically spans the four core pillars of your climate-control system: heating, cooling, ductwork, and thermostats. Most mid-tier and premium plans bundle all four, though entry-level plans sometimes split heating and cooling into separate add-ons. Understanding what's covered component-by-component helps you pick the right plan before your system fails, not after.
Heating System Coverage
Comprehensive home warranty plans cover the most common heating components, including:
- Gas furnaces, including burners, heat exchangers, gas valves, and ignitors
- Heat pumps, both heating and cooling modes
- Hydronic/hot water heating systems, including circulator pumps and zone valves
- Electric heating elements and coils
- Forced-air system components like blower motors and fans
Some providers, like American Home Shield, go a step further by covering malfunctions caused by rust, corrosion, or even lack of maintenance, a notable advantage over competitors. For a deeper dive into furnace specifics, see our home warranty furnace coverage breakdown.
Cooling System (Air Conditioning) Coverage
Central AC units get the most attention in home warranty marketing, and for good reason. HVAC replacement costs between $5,000 and $22,000, with an average of $7,500 based on unit type and home size, and average HVAC replacement costs run between $7,500 and $15,500 in 2026. Standard covered components include:
- Central air conditioning condensers and compressors
- Evaporator coils and blower motors
- Evaporative coolers
- Geothermal/water-source systems (usually with a lower cap)
Note: Portable window AC units are generally excluded from base plans, though some providers like Liberty Home Guard include them. For more on AC-specific coverage, see our home warranty air conditioner coverage guide.
Ductwork Coverage
Most comprehensive plans cover leaks, breaks, blockages, and centrally ducted ventilation systems. Ductwork is commonly overlooked, yet a single duct failure can render your entire system inefficient or inoperable. If ductwork coverage matters to you, confirm it's explicitly listed in your contract before signing.
Thermostat Coverage
Nearly all plans include thermostats, covering manual, programmable, and smart thermostats that control both heating and cooling systems.
HVAC Coverage Limits by Company: 2026 Comparison
Coverage limits determine how much the warranty company will pay toward a repair or replacement. Here's how the top providers stack up in 2026:
| Company | HVAC Limit Per System | Refrigerant Covered? | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $5,000 per covered HVAC system | Unlimited (ShieldPlatinum only) | $50,000 total agreement cap; covers rust/corrosion |
| Old Republic | Mid-range per-system caps | Varies by plan | State-specific contract details |
| First American | Low-to-mid thousands per system | Mid/premium plans | Often higher on systems than appliances |
| Choice Home Warranty | ~$1,500–$3,000 per system | Up to plan limit | Budget-friendly pricing |
| Liberty Home Guard | ~$1,500–$2,500 per system | Up to plan limit | Includes window AC; multiple add-ons |
| ARW (American Residential) | $1,000 (systems <10 yrs) | Via Deluxe add-on | Coils also covered via add-on |
American Home Shield currently markets a $50,000 total limit per agreement term on ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum, with $5,000 per covered HVAC system per agreement term. For more on how caps work across providers, see our home warranty coverage limits explainer, and for a full breakdown of what these companies cover beyond HVAC, see our complete home warranty coverage guide.
For more detail on how providers handle dollar caps in practice, see our home warranty payout limits breakdown.
When Home Warranties Repair vs. Replace Your HVAC
Understanding the repair vs. replacement decision is critical because it directly impacts your out-of-pocket costs. Our home warranty repair vs replace guide walks through this in detail.
When Repairs Are Authorized
Home warranties cover repairs when an HVAC component fails due to normal wear and tear and when fixing the part is economically viable. Common covered repair scenarios include:
- Faulty thermostats or failed control boards
- Broken compressors or failed fan motors
- Refrigerant leaks (in plans that include refrigerant)
When Replacement Is Triggered
Replacement is authorized in specific situations:
- Repair-to-value threshold exceeded. When repair costs approach or surpass a set percentage of the system's replacement value, the provider opts for replacement instead.
- Major mechanical failures. Burned-out compressors or cracked heat exchangers frequently make repairs uneconomical.
- Parts no longer available. If a component is discontinued, replacement of the entire unit may be approved.
- Age of system. Very old or severely degraded systems may be authorized for replacement if repair isn't feasible.
Refrigerant Coverage and the 2026 A2L Mandate
Refrigerant is one of the most misunderstood elements of home warranty HVAC coverage, and the rules just changed. Any new split system installed after January 1, 2026, must use refrigerant with a GWP less than 700, which has pushed the industry toward A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.
Here's the important update: The EPA finalized a rule update allowing older HVAC unit installations that use R-410A refrigerant until existing supplies of these HVAC units are depleted, with the rule becoming effective July 27, 2026. That means existing R-410A systems can still be repaired, but new full-system replacements will generally use A2L-compliant equipment.
American Home Shield's New HVAC Program includes new units that use low-GWP and energy efficient A2L refrigerants, like R-32 and R-454B.
- American Home Shield typically covers refrigerant at $10/lb on ShieldSilver and ShieldGold (within the $5,000 HVAC limit), with unlimited AC refrigerant on ShieldPlatinum.
- First American covers refrigerant recharges in mid and premium tiers, with window AC refrigerant available in top plans.
- Choice Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard include refrigerant up to their plan limits.
- ARW includes refrigerant and coils only via the Deluxe Advantage add-on.
Always confirm refrigerant coverage before purchasing, especially if your system uses newer A2L refrigerants, which require certified technicians and can add cost to any service call.
Age Limits, Maintenance Rules & Best Companies for HVAC Coverage
HVAC Age Limitations
Age is one of the biggest factors affecting whether your home warranty will cover an HVAC claim. Here's what to expect:
| System Age | Typical Coverage Outcome |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years | Full coverage (up to plan limits) |
| 10–15 years | Coverage varies; depreciation may apply |
| Over 15 years | Often excluded or limited; some providers still cover with caps |
Most home warranties set cutoffs at 10 or 15 years. Beyond those thresholds, coverage may be excluded, depreciated, or limited to repair-only scenarios. HVAC lifespans vary: furnaces can last 15 to 30 years, central AC units 15 to 20 years, and heat pumps 10 to 15 years.
That said, some providers explicitly market no-age-restriction plans. American Home Shield, for example, is frequently cited as not setting age limits on covered systems. If you have an older home, look specifically for plans that call out coverage for aging systems. Our home warranty for old homes guide covers strategies in depth.
Preventive Maintenance Requirements
Home warranties almost universally require that you maintain your HVAC system properly. Warranty providers expect homeowners to follow routine maintenance, and failure to do so is one of the most common reasons claims are denied. Standard maintenance requirements include:
- Monthly filter replacements. Dirty filters cause preventable wear on motors and coils.
- Annual professional servicing. Most providers recommend (and some require) yearly tune-ups by a licensed technician.
- Manufacturer maintenance guidelines. Not following the manufacturer's upkeep schedule can void claim eligibility.
If you've had a professional HVAC tune-up in the past year, keep the receipt. It can be your best defense if a warranty company tries to deny a claim for "lack of maintenance." For a complete maintenance compliance checklist, visit our home warranty maintenance requirements guide. Be aware that pre-existing conditions, unauthorized repairs, and policy home warranty exclusions are other major reasons claims get denied.
Best Home Warranty Companies for HVAC Coverage
Based on coverage limits, refrigerant inclusion, and overall plan flexibility, here are the top picks for 2026:
- American Home Shield, best for clearly published $5,000 per-system cap, unlimited refrigerant on ShieldPlatinum, and no age restrictions
- First American Home Warranty, best for higher-than-average per-system HVAC caps
- Old Republic, best for mid-range coverage with strong contractor networks
- Choice Home Warranty, best budget option with solid HVAC coverage at lower monthly premiums
For more detail on plan structures, inclusions, and exclusions beyond HVAC, visit our complete home warranty coverage guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home warranty cover HVAC replacement?
Yes, most home warranties will cover HVAC replacement when a repair is deemed economically impractical, for example when repair costs approach the value of the system itself, or when parts are no longer available. The payout is subject to your plan's per-system coverage limit, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 for most major providers in 2026. Some companies also apply age-based depreciation, meaning your actual payout toward a new unit may be less than the full replacement cost. Always review your contract's replacement clause before purchasing a plan.
Does a home warranty cover air conditioning refrigerant recharge?
Refrigerant coverage depends heavily on the provider and plan tier. Base plans from most companies either cap refrigerant at a low per-pound amount (American Home Shield uses about $10/lb on ShieldSilver and ShieldGold) or include it within the overall HVAC cap. Premium plans like American Home Shield's ShieldPlatinum include unlimited refrigerant. With the EPA's shift to A2L refrigerants in 2026, confirm that your provider covers newer R-32 or R-454B systems, as these require specially certified technicians.
Will a home warranty cover an old HVAC system?
Some companies will, and some won't. Most providers set age thresholds of 10 to 15 years, after which coverage may be reduced, depreciated, or excluded entirely. American Home Shield is frequently cited as not setting strict age limits on covered systems, making it a top pick for older homes. If your HVAC system is older, look for plans that explicitly state no age cap, and be prepared to show proof of regular maintenance.
Is ductwork covered by a home warranty?
Yes, ductwork is included in most comprehensive home warranty plans. Covered duct issues typically include leaks, breaks, blockages, and failures in centrally ducted ventilation systems. Ductwork coverage is not universal though, since some budget plans exclude it or require a separate add-on. Always check the specific plan contract to confirm ductwork is listed as a covered item before enrolling.
Do home warranties require HVAC maintenance to keep coverage valid?
Yes, virtually all home warranty providers require that you maintain your HVAC system to remain eligible for claims. Skipping filter changes or going years without a professional tune-up is one of the most common grounds for claim denial. Most providers recommend monthly filter replacements and annual professional servicing by a licensed technician. Keep documentation of all HVAC maintenance work performed, as this can protect your claim if a provider disputes eligibility.