Types of Repairs that Could Be Covered by Your Home Warranty

What Does a Home Warranty Cover? A Guide to Systems, Appliances, and Add-Ons

Home appliances and systems—no matter how reliable—will eventually fail. The only uncertainty is when. And when they do, the repair costs can be steep and unexpected. Whether your air conditioner quits in the middle of a heatwave, your dishwasher stalls mid-cycle, or your refrigerator dies after a grocery run, the inconvenience and cost can be overwhelming.

HVAC repairs, for example, can cost up to $2,000, and refrigerator repairs range between $300 and $1,000. When multiple systems fail at once, expenses can quickly pile up.

That’s where a home warranty comes in. A home warranty helps cover the cost of repairs or replacements for essential home systems and appliances due to everyday wear and tear. It offers peace of mind and protects your budget from sudden breakdowns.

This guide will walk you through what typical home warranty plans—like those offered by ARW Home—generally cover, including core systems, kitchen and laundry appliances, garage door openers, and more.

Home Systems Covered by a Home Warranty: HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing

Your heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems are vital to daily comfort. Over time, these systems wear down with constant use, especially in regions with extreme weather or older homes.

Common HVAC and system repairs typically covered under a home warranty include:

• Heating systems: Faulty thermostats, blower motor failures, gas valve issues, or malfunctioning igniters.

• Cooling systems: Broken compressors, condenser deterioration, failing fan motors, and capacitor burnout.

• Electrical systems: Dead outlets, worn switches, breaker panel issues, or interior wiring problems.

• Plumbing systems: Leaky pipes, slow drains, malfunctioning angle stops, or jammed disposals.

System Coverage Overview

Your home’s heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems are the backbone of a comfortable, functional living space—and even your appliances rely on them to operate smoothly. Because these major systems work around the clock, they’re particularly vulnerable to wear and tear over time.

For example, while a central air conditioner has a typical life expectancy of 15 years, it may start to fail much sooner in high-heat regions with year-round usage. That’s why many home warranty plans include robust coverage for these essential areas.

HVAC system related repairs that might be covered include:

• Heating systems: Faulty thermostats that no longer regulate temperature, blower motors that stop pushing warm air, gas valves that disrupt the flow of heat, burners that won’t ignite, or cracked heat exchangers reducing your unit’s performance.

• Cooling systems (A/C): Broken compressors that leave your AC running but not cooling, condenser units that deteriorate from prolonged exposure to outdoor elements, thermostats that won’t sync, fan motors that stop spinning, or burned-out capacitors in electric systems that prevent startup.

• Electrical systems: Flickering lights caused by worn interior wiring, dead outlets in the kitchen or bath, wall switches that stop responding, breakers that trip repeatedly, or outdated fuse panels needing replacement.

• Plumbing systems: Leaky pipes under sinks or behind walls, clogged drains within 100 feet of access points, corroded angle stops that hinder water pressure, malfunctioning shower valves, or jammed garbage disposals.

For more details, check out our blog on How Does a Home Warranty Cover? 

Appliance Coverage: Kitchen and Laundry Repairs You Can Rely On

From food storage to laundry cycles, appliances do the heavy lifting in your home. When they break, it’s disruptive—and expensive.

A home warranty plan from providers like ARW Home can help reduce the cost of repairs or replacements for these high-use items.

Examples of covered appliance repairs include:

• Refrigerators: Broken thermostats, faulty motors, failed defrost heaters, or blown fuses.
• Ovens/Ranges: Malfunctioning igniters, heating elements, or thermostats that cause uneven cooking.
• Dishwashers: Failed pumps, spray arms, or control panels that disrupt cycles.
• Microwaves (Built-in): Faulty touchpads, power failures, or door switch malfunctions.
• Clothes Washers & Dryers: Worn drive belts, motor issues, or control panel failures.

Kitchen and laundry appliances handle some of the most frequent tasks in your home, so when they stop working, it’s a big—and expensive—disruption to daily routine.

Home warranty plans can save you repair and replacement costs for a variety of major appliances. Here are some repairs that may be covered: 

• Refrigerators: A failing condenser that stops keeping food cold, a thermostat that can’t regulate internal temperature, or a fan motor that causes uneven cooling or loud rattling. Plans also often cover defrost heating elements that no longer thaw the freezer and internal fuses that short out.
  
  
• Ovens: Broken heating elements that leave food undercooked, igniters that click but don’t spark, faulty thermostats that overheat dishes, or unresponsive control boards that make temperature settings erratic.
  
  
• Dishwashers: A pump that stops draining water, spray arms that no longer spin and clean properly, or a motor that makes grinding noises. Warranties often include malfunctioning control panels and timers that prevent cycles from completing.
  
  
• Built-in microwaves: Coverage typically includes magnetrons that stop heating, worn door switches that prevent startup, blown internal fuses, and control panels that flash errors or don’t respond.
  
  
• Washers: A broken drum that stops spinning clothes, lid switches that fail to trigger cycles, or a control board that causes the washer to stop mid-wash. Drive belts and motors that cause loud banging or prevent the washer from running at all are also commonly covered.
  
  
• Dryers: Heating elements that leave clothes damp, thermostats that overheat, control panels that go blank, or a drum belt that snaps and prevents the dryer from turning.

Depending on the home warranty plan, it may provide full or partial protection. This means some basic plans include only mechanical parts, while others offer broader appliance coverage with higher claim limits.

Garage Door Openers and Built-in Systems

Garage door openers and built-in fixtures like ceiling fans or exhaust fans often fly under the radar, but when they malfunction, they can cause safety issues, comfort disruptions, and unexpected repair bills.

Home warranty plans, especially premium plans, often include coverage for these. Here’s what’s covered:

• Garage door openers: Motors that burn out and prevent the door from lifting, control boards that stop responding to remote signals, or drive belts and chains that wear out with frequent use. Plans may also cover gear assemblies that cause grinding noises, unresponsive door arms, and misaligned safety sensors that prevent the door from closing.

• Ceiling fans: Motors that hum but don’t spin, wall switches that no longer operate the fan or light, or control modules that cause intermittent speed or lighting issues.

• Built-in exhaust fans: Fan motors that no longer ventilate properly, broken wall switches, or wiring issues that cause flickering or failed startup.

Including these relatively smaller but essential items in your warranty plan ensures that—along with your big-ticket appliances, the often-overlooked components are protected too, since their repair costs can add up quickly.

Wear and Tear: What's Typically Covered in Home Warranty Coverage

Home warranties come into effect when one of your covered items breaks down due to normal wear and tear. Over time, regular use causes components to naturally degrade, which is where a warranty swoops in to reduce or eliminate your repair costs.

Examples of common wear-and-tear-related issues include a washer’s motor wearing out, a refrigerator thermostat failing after years of use, or an HVAC blower fan starting to struggle after several seasons. Home warranties, including ARW Home plans, help cover these everyday breakdowns. 

However, there are exclusions homeowners should be aware of:

• Pre-existing conditions: Issues that began before your service contract started aren’t eligible for claims.

• Neglect or improper maintenance: Problems that arise from skipping basic upkeep—like changing filters or cleaning vents—are typically excluded.

• Improper installation: Systems or appliances not installed according to code or manufacturer specifications may be disqualified from coverage.

• Cosmetic issues: Cosmetic damage such as chips, dents, or discoloration is not covered.

• Commercial use: Coverage may not apply if the appliance or system is used in a commercial or non-residential setting.

• Secondary damage: Damage to surrounding items (like walls or flooring) caused by a covered item that breaks down is generally not included.

Homeowners spent $1,570 per year on maintenance and repair in 2022—a number that’s been steadily rising year over year. A home warranty can help buffer these costs, and allow you to reallocate those savings toward other priorities.

Add-On or Optional Coverage: Expanding Your Protection

While standard home warranty plans cover many of your core systems and appliances, they don’t always include everything. That’s where optional or additional coverage comes in. It gives you the ability to customize your plan based on your home’s unique features and needs.

Common add-ons offered by home warranty providers like ARW Home coverage plans include:

• Pool and spa equipment (pumps, heaters, filters)

• Well pumps (for homes on private water systems)

• Central vacuum systems

• Stand-alone freezers

• Septic systems

• Additional air conditioning units

• Second refrigerators or laundry appliances

Choosing the right add-ons makes sense when your home has specialty systems or older high-value items that would be costly to repair or replace out of pocket. It’s also a smart move if you want maximum protection and fewer financial surprises throughout the year.

ARW Home offers flexible coverage options that allow homeowners to build out their warranty coverage with optional add-ons, so that your home’s unique setup is fully protected under one comprehensive policy.

FAQs About Home Warranty Plans

What types of repairs are covered by a home warranty?

Home warranties typically cover repairs related to breakdowns from normal wear and tear on key home systems and appliances. This includes things like HVAC system failures, plumbing leaks, broken control panels in dishwashers, or a washer’s drum malfunctioning. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s always best to check your service agreement.

Does a home warranty cover both parts and labor?

Yes—in most cases, both parts and labor are covered for approved repairs. You’ll only need to pay a fixed service fee outlined in your home warranty contract, and the rest will be handled by your provider up to your plan’s coverage limits.

How do I know if a specific item is covered under my plan?

The best way to confirm is by reviewing your declarations page or service agreement. These documents clearly list what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how much coverage you have. You can also contact your service provider directly for clarification.

Can I get coverage for older appliances or systems?

Yes. Most home warranty companies—including ARW Home—offer coverage for older items, as long as they’re in working condition at the time of enrollment. 

What’s the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty?

Homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by external events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. A home warranty, on the other hand, covers breakdowns from everyday use—things like a broken water heater, worn-out A/C components, or a faulty dishwasher. 

Protect Your Home, Your Budget, and Your Peace of Mind

From HVAC systems and plumbing to refrigerators and garage door openers, these are your home’s lifeline as a lot of tasks depend on them. When one of them breaks, it can be a major hassle getting them fixed and fronting the costs out of pocket. 

A home warranty from ARW Home gives you a financial safety net to manage unexpected repairs without draining your savings. 

Explore our coverage options, or get a free quote today and see how easy it is to protect your most essential systems and appliances.