Heating & A/C

Central A/C often lasts 15 to 20 years nationally, but contractors report 10 to 15 in Florida's heat and humidity. Salt air corrodes outdoor units.

Ask about

Repair versus replacement rules, refrigerant limits, and per-system caps.

Water heater

Tank units typically last 8 to 12 years. Hard water and skipped flushing can cut that sharply; one trade source says units can fail in about 6 years when not serviced.

Ask about

Whether scale or sediment failures count as covered wear, and your maintenance duties.

Plumbing & freeze

A home plan typically covers the failed pipe, not the flooding it causes. Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden water damage.

Ask about

Freeze exclusions, and keep homeowners insurance current.

Appliances

Refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers and washers are covered only on plans that include them, usually with per-item limits. A unit that cannot be repaired may be replaced, or paid out as cash in some contracts.

Ask about

Per-item limits, cash-in-lieu terms and any age limits.

Electrical

Wiring, outlets, switches and panel parts can fail from wear. Plans commonly exclude upgrades needed to meet current code, and work that does not meet code can complicate a claim.

Ask about

How code issues are treated, and whether panel work is covered.

Roof leaks

A few plans offer limited roof leak repair and many do not. Where it is offered it is usually for a leak, not storm damage or replacement, which belong with homeowners insurance.

Ask about

Whether roof leak repair is included, and what its limit is.

Storms are a different lane. Hail, wind and flood damage are insurance matters, not warranty matters. Home plans cover wear, not storm damage, and standard homeowners policies exclude flood and earthquake. Hail can flatten A/C condenser fins; minor damage is often repaired by combing the fins.