Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
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Types of Home Warranty Plans
Home warranty companies offer three main plan structures to fit different homeowner needs and budgets. Understanding these options helps you select coverage that matches your home's age and your financial priorities.
Systems-Only Plans focus exclusively on the mechanical systems that keep your home running. These plans cover HVAC (heating and air conditioning), electrical systems, plumbing, and water heaters. They're ideal for newer homes with recently purchased appliances or rental properties where landlords want to protect major infrastructure without appliance coverage. Systems-only plans typically cost $300-$450 annually, making them the most budget-friendly option.
Appliances-Only Plans provide coverage for household appliances without including home systems. These plans cover kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, microwaves, and garbage disposals, plus laundry appliances including washers and dryers. This option works well for homeowners with newer HVAC and plumbing systems but older appliances approaching the end of their lifespan. Expect to pay $250-$400 per year for appliance-only coverage.
Combination Plans offer the most comprehensive protection by covering both systems and appliances in a single package. These plans include everything from both categories above, making them the most popular choice for homeowners seeking complete peace of mind. Learn more about typical home warranty costs which range from $450-$700 annually, though premium plans with higher coverage limits can exceed $800.
What's Typically Covered by Home Warranties
Understanding what a home warranty actually protects is essential before purchasing coverage. Most plans cover systems and appliances that break down from normal wear and tear.
HVAC Systems
Home warranties cover central heating and cooling systems including furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning units, ductwork (when accessible), and thermostats. Coverage includes compressors, condensers, evaporator coils, blower motors, and other mechanical components that fail due to normal use. Most plans cap HVAC coverage at $5,000 per claim, though some premium plans offered by top warranty companies provide higher limits. Common HVAC repairs can cost $3,000-$8,000 without coverage, making this one of the most valuable protections.
Electrical Systems
Electrical coverage includes interior wiring, circuit breaker panels, switches, outlets, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and ceiling fans. When your electrical system experiences mechanical failure, the warranty covers diagnostic fees and repairs. However, upgrades required to meet current building codes are not included. Electrical problems can pose safety hazards and repair costs often exceed $500-$2,000, making this coverage particularly important for older homes.
Plumbing Systems
Plumbing coverage extends to supply and drain lines, toilet tanks and bowls, faucets, sink and tub drains, pressure regulators, and water shut-off valves. The warranty addresses leaks, clogs in accessible lines, and mechanical failures of plumbing components throughout your home. Emergency plumbing repairs can cost $500-$4,000 depending on the issue's severity and location.
Water Heaters
Most plans cover conventional tank and tankless water heaters up to a specified capacity (typically 40-50 gallons). Coverage includes heating elements, thermostats, gas control valves, burners, and tanks. Some plans limit coverage to one water heater unless you pay for additional units. Water heater replacement costs range from $800-$3,500, making this a valuable coverage component.
Kitchen Appliances
Standard coverage includes refrigerators (including ice makers and water dispensers), dishwashers, built-in ovens and cooktops, ranges, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, and trash compactors. The warranty covers motors, control boards, heating elements, pumps, and other mechanical components. Kitchen appliances fail at some point in every home, and replacement costs for a refrigerator alone can exceed $1,500-$3,000.
Laundry Appliances
Clothes washers and dryers are covered under most combination plans, though they may be optional add-ons in some plans. Coverage includes motors, belts, drums, timers, and control boards that fail from normal wear. A new washer and dryer set costs $800-$2,500, making coverage cost-effective for older units.
Garage Door Openers
Many plans include garage door opener motors and mechanical components. However, the door itself, springs, tracks, and panels are usually excluded unless you purchase additional coverage. Garage door opener repairs typically cost $150-$350, while full replacements run $200-$500.
Common Add-On Coverages
Beyond standard coverage, most providers offer optional add-ons for items not included in base plans. These additions typically cost $5-$15 monthly per item, allowing you to customize protection for your home's specific features.
Pool and Spa Equipment
Pool and spa add-ons cover pumps, motors, heaters, timers, and control systems for pools and hot tubs. This excludes the pool structure, spa shell, liners, and cleaning equipment. Given that pool pump replacements cost $700-$1,500 and heater repairs run $200-$800, this add-on provides valuable protection for pool owners.
Septic Systems
Septic system coverage protects septic tanks, pumps, and related mechanical components. Many homeowners with septic systems find this add-on valuable given the $3,000-$7,000 average cost of septic repairs and the $10,000-$25,000 expense of complete system replacement. This is one of the most popular add-ons in rural areas.
Roof Leak Repairs
Roof leak repair add-ons cover repairs for roof leaks up to specific limits ($1,000-$1,500 typically). Understanding the difference between warranties and insurance is important here—this doesn't replace roof coverage from homeowners insurance but addresses minor leak repairs not caused by storms or disasters.
Electronics and Smart Home Devices
Some companies now offer coverage for smart thermostats, doorbells, and other electronic systems, reflecting the growing integration of technology in modern homes. As smart home technology becomes standard, these add-ons gain popularity despite costing $10-$15 monthly.
Well Pumps
Well pump coverage protects homeowners with well water systems from expensive pump repairs and replacements, which can cost $500-$3,000. Homes relying on well water should strongly consider this add-on as pump failures leave you without running water.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump coverage prevents basement flooding costs by covering pump failures. With replacement costs of $400-$900 and potential water damage exceeding thousands of dollars, this add-on provides peace of mind for homes with basements.
What's NOT Covered by Home Warranties
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered to avoid claim denials and out-of-pocket expenses. These common exclusions appear in virtually all home warranty contracts.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Any problem that existed before your coverage began is excluded, even if you weren't aware of it. Home warranty companies may inspect your home or review home inspection reports to identify pre-existing issues. If you buy a home with an HVAC system that wasn't functioning properly at closing, that malfunction won't be covered. This is why timing matters when purchasing a policy.
Improper Maintenance
Coverage requires proper ongoing maintenance. Failure to change HVAC filters regularly, neglecting to flush water heaters, or allowing gutters to clog can void your coverage. Most contracts require you to maintain items according to manufacturer specifications. Keep maintenance records to protect yourself from claim denials based on alleged neglect.
Cosmetic Issues
Dents, scratches, rust spots, discoloration, and other aesthetic problems aren't covered unless they affect functionality. A refrigerator with a dented door remains uncovered, but a damaged door seal preventing proper closure would qualify for coverage. The key distinction is whether the issue impacts the item's operation.
Structural Problems
Home warranties explicitly exclude structural components including foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and roofing materials. These items fall under homeowners insurance or require separate coverage. Any structural damage must be addressed through insurance claims or contractor repair services.
Code Violations and Upgrades
If repairs require bringing systems up to current building codes, you'll pay those upgrade costs. For example, if your old electrical panel needs replacement but current codes require a larger panel, you'll cover the difference. Similarly, if HVAC ductwork modifications need code compliance updates, those expenses aren't covered.
Secondary Damage
When a covered item fails, the warranty covers repairing that item but not consequential damage. A leaking dishwasher repair is covered, but warped flooring from the leak is not. Similarly, spoiled food from a failed refrigerator isn't reimbursed. This is where homeowners insurance may provide protection that warranties don't.
Outdoor Items
Sprinkler systems, outdoor kitchens, detached structures, and items beyond your home's foundation are typically excluded unless specifically added. This includes fences, decks, patios, and landscaping irrigation systems which require separate coverage or insurance protection.
Known Issues
Problems you knew about before filing a claim are denied. Attempting to purchase coverage for an already-broken item constitutes fraud and can result in contract cancellation. Warranty companies often investigate claim timelines to identify suspicious patterns.
Coverage Limits and How They Work
Home warranty plans impose per-item or per-system coverage limits that cap what the company will pay for repairs or replacements. Understanding these limits prevents surprise out-of-pocket expenses.
Standard Limit Ranges
Most plans set coverage limits between $1,500 and $5,000 per covered item or system. HVAC systems typically receive the highest limits at $3,000-$5,000 given their replacement costs. Appliances usually have $1,500-$3,000 limits, while smaller items like garage door openers may be capped at $500-$1,000. Premium plans from leading warranty providers offer higher limits up to $10,000 for major systems.
How Limits Apply
When you file a claim, the warranty company sends a technician to diagnose the problem. If repair isn't possible and replacement is necessary, the limit determines the maximum payout. For example, with a $3,000 limit on your refrigerator, if replacement costs $3,500, you'll pay the $500 difference plus your service call fee. This is where understanding your coverage limits becomes crucial for budgeting.
Service Call Fees
Every claim requires a service call fee (also called a trade call fee) ranging from $60 to $125. This fee applies whether the item is repaired, replaced, or the claim is denied. Multiple visits for the same issue may require additional fees depending on your contract terms. Budget for these fees as they add up quickly with multiple claims throughout the year.
Annual Aggregate Limits
Some plans impose total annual payout caps across all claims. Once you reach this limit (often $25,000-$50,000), coverage stops until your plan renews, even for otherwise covered items. Premium plans may offer unlimited annual coverage, which provides better protection for homes with multiple older systems and appliances.
Depreciation Considerations
While warranties cover repairs and replacements, they don't always provide like-for-like replacements for older items. Some plans factor in depreciation, providing lower payouts for older appliances or systems. Others offer "trade-in" credits toward upgraded replacements when your item exceeds certain age limits, typically 10-15 years.
| Coverage Component | Typical Limit Range | Average Service Fee | Common Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Systems | $3,000-$5,000 | $75-$125 | May exclude refrigerant costs |
| Major Appliances | $1,500-$3,000 | $75-$100 | Depreciation may apply after 10 years |
| Water Heaters | $1,000-$2,500 | $75-$100 | Limited to specified gallon capacity |
| Plumbing Repairs | $1,000-$2,000 | $75-$100 | Excludes main line stoppages |
| Electrical Repairs | $1,000-$2,000 | $75-$100 | Excludes code upgrade costs |
Component Exclusions Within Covered Items
Even when a system or appliance is covered, specific components may be excluded, creating coverage gaps homeowners should understand before purchasing.
HVAC Component Exclusions
While HVAC systems are covered, exclusions often include refrigerant lines, condensate pumps (sometimes), humidifiers, air purifiers, electronic air cleaners, and inaccessible ductwork. Some plans also exclude heat pump reversing valves or certain types of heating systems like radiant floor heating. Refrigerant refills may require separate payment even when the system is otherwise covered.
Plumbing Component Exclusions
Covered plumbing systems may exclude drain line stoppages caused by roots, main sewer line issues, water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, instant hot water dispensers, bidets, and saunas. Drainage problems from external sources like tree roots often require special add-ons costing $10-$15 monthly.
Appliance Component Exclusions
Refrigerators may exclude ice makers or water filters despite covering the main cooling system. Ovens might exclude self-cleaning mechanisms, oven racks, or glass surfaces even when heating elements are covered. Washing machines may exclude agitators or drums in certain circumstances. Always review the component list in your contract before purchase.
Water Heater Exclusions
While water heaters are covered, expansion tanks, pressure relief valves, and solar water heating components are frequently excluded. Units over specified gallon capacities (typically 50 gallons) may require upgraded coverage at additional cost. Some plans also exclude tankless water heater repairs despite covering traditional tank models.
Electrical Component Exclusions
Doorbells, intercoms, landscape lighting, exterior outlets, and certain smart home electrical components often fall outside standard electrical coverage. Ground fault issues in exterior circuits may be excluded, requiring homeowners to pay $300-$800 for repairs out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home warranty cover appliances that came with my house?
Yes, home warranties cover appliances included with your home purchase as long as they're in working condition when coverage begins and aren't subject to pre-existing conditions. However, there's typically a 30-day waiting period after purchase before coverage activates, preventing coverage of items that were already malfunctioning at closing. Most plans require that covered appliances are properly installed and maintained according to manufacturer specifications. Keep your home inspection report and appliance receipts to document their working condition at the time of coverage purchase.
What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
Home warranties cover mechanical breakdowns and normal wear and tear on systems and appliances, while homeowners insurance covers damage from specific perils like fire, theft, or weather events. Insurance handles structural damage and liability issues, whereas warranties address the gradual failure of working components. You need both types of coverage for comprehensive home protection, as they serve distinctly different purposes and don't overlap in coverage areas. Learn more about these important distinctions in our home warranty vs insurance guide.
Are pre-owned or used appliances covered under home warranties?
Yes, most home warranties cover pre-owned and used appliances as long as they were in proper working condition when your coverage began and meet the plan's age and condition requirements. However, some plans may limit coverage for items over 10-15 years old or require higher service fees for older appliances. The key factor is that the appliance cannot have pre-existing problems when your policy starts, regardless of age. Some premium plans offer enhanced coverage for older homes with aging systems and appliances.
How do coverage limits affect my out-of-pocket costs?
Coverage limits cap what the warranty company pays for each repair or replacement, meaning you'll pay any amount exceeding the limit plus your service call fee. For example, if your plan has a $2,000 refrigerator limit but replacement costs $2,800, you'll pay the $800 difference plus a $75-$125 service fee. Higher premium plans with increased limits reduce these potential out-of-pocket expenses, making them valuable for homes with expensive appliances or systems. Understanding these limits before purchasing helps you budget accurately for potential repair scenarios.
Can I add coverage during my policy year if I need it?
Most home warranty companies require that add-ons be purchased either at the time of initial enrollment or during your annual renewal period. Mid-term additions typically aren't allowed as this prevents adverse selection where homeowners only add coverage when they anticipate a problem. Some companies may make exceptions, but expect waiting periods of 30 days or more before new add-on coverage becomes effective to prevent claims on known issues. Plan your coverage needs carefully at enrollment to avoid gaps in protection throughout your policy year.