Not all home repairs are created equal and neither are the regions they occur in. From scorching summers in the South to freezing winters up North, local climate, water quality, and even infrastructure age can drastically impact which home systems are most likely to fail. That’s why understanding the top home warranty claims by region isn’t just interesting, it’s essential for making smarter decisions about your coverage. In this blog, we’ll break down real home warranty claim trends across the U.S., showing what types of repairs homeowners in different regions file most.
Whether you’re in a humid coastal state or a dry inland zone, this data-backed guide will help you understand which parts of your home are most at risk and how a warranty can be tailored to your location. If you’ve ever wondered whether your geography affects your repair costs, the answer is a clear yes and we’re about to show you how.

How Climate and Geography Influence Home Repairs

Home systems don’t fail at random; they break down in patterns that are often influenced by where you live. Climate, terrain, and local infrastructure all play a major role in determining which repairs are most likely to occur. For home warranty providers, regional trends are more than statistics; they’re the basis for designing plans that actually work for homeowners in specific parts of the country.
For example, in regions with high humidity, air conditioning systems are under near-constant stress, especially during the summer. Moisture buildup, clogged drain lines, and compressor overloads are common making HVAC claims some of the most frequently filed in the Southeast. In contrast, colder regions of the country face different challenges. Frozen pipes, broken furnaces, and water heater failures tend to spike in the winter months, especially in older homes with aging plumbing or insulation issues.
Beyond climate, regional water quality can also influence home system wear and tear. Areas with hard water are more likely to experience issues with water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing fixtures due to mineral buildup. These issues don’t usually cause immediate breakdowns, but over time, they reduce the lifespan of systems and lead to more frequent repairs a reality homeowners in parts of the Midwest and Southwest know all too well.
Even the soil beneath your home matters. Expansive clay soils, common in states like Texas and Oklahoma, can shift with moisture levels and put stress on a home’s foundation, leading to cracks, leaks, and damage to underground plumbing. Meanwhile, coastal areas are constantly exposed to salt air, which accelerates corrosion on HVAC systems, outdoor appliances, and electrical connections.
Understanding how your geography influences your home’s vulnerabilities is critical when evaluating warranty plans. While a basic policy might seem sufficient at first glance, ignoring local risks could leave you exposed to the most likely (and expensive) problems in your area. That’s why regionally-informed coverage isn’t just a smart option it’s a strategic move.
In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into claim trends in specific regions across the U.S., starting with the South where intense heat and humidity put home cooling systems to the ultimate test.

The South: HVAC Systems Under Pressure

In the southern United States, home warranties are heavily shaped by one dominating factor: extreme heat and humidity. States like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama experience long, sweltering summers where air conditioning isn’t just a convenience it’s a necessity. That’s why HVAC systems make up the majority of home warranty claims in the South, and it’s also why home warranty plans in these areas are often judged by how well they cover cooling equipment.
HVAC systems in the South are under near-constant use, often running for 10 to 12 hours a day during peak summer months. This continuous operation leads to high wear and tear, particularly on components like compressors, blower motors, capacitors, and refrigerant lines. Even with regular maintenance, the average HVAC unit in this region has a shorter lifespan than the same model in a cooler climate. When failures occur, they can be urgent not only due to discomfort but also due to potential health risks for elderly residents or families with young children.
The cost of HVAC repairs or replacements is another reason why warranties are so valuable in this region. Compressor replacements alone can cost upwards of $2,500, and full system replacements may exceed $7,000 depending on the home’s size. For homeowners with a home warranty, these major expenses are typically reduced to a predictable service call fee, as long as the issue is covered under their plan and proper maintenance has been documented.
Home warranty companies operating in the South often design their plans to prioritize HVAC coverage. Some even offer HVAC-specific upgrade packages that cover things like ductwork, refrigerant recapture, and even pre-season tune-ups. This customization ensures that southern homeowners are protected where it matters most and it reflects real trends in claims data that show HVAC-related requests are far and away the most common in this region.

The Northeast & Midwest: Heating and Plumbing Claims in Cold Weather Zones

In the Northeast and Midwest, home warranty claims tell a much different story than in the South. Here, the dominant concern isn’t cooling systems it’s heat, water flow, and winter survival. States like New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio endure long, freezing winters that put enormous stress on home heating systems and plumbing infrastructure.
Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters are essential in these regions, and when they fail, the consequences are immediate and severe. Homeowners without a warranty are often caught off guard by the cost and urgency of these repairs, especially during subzero temperatures. For homeowners with a home warranty plan, these issues become more manageable both financially and logistically.
The most common claims reported in cold-weather regions include:

• Furnace and boiler breakdowns due to age, worn-out igniters, or blower motor failure
• Water heater malfunctions caused by hard water buildup or internal corrosion
• Frozen pipes that burst during extreme temperature drops, resulting in water damage
• Sump pump failures during snowmelt or heavy rains, especially in flood-prone basements
• Thermostat issues that prevent systems from responding correctly during cold snaps

These types of repairs often come with high costs and require quick action. A furnace replacement, for example, can cost $3,000–$6,000 depending on the system and installation. A burst pipe may result in several hundred dollars in plumbing repairs plus additional damage to flooring or drywall. These aren’t repairs most homeowners can delay; they’re essential for comfort, safety, and preventing more costly damage.
That’s where a home warranty plan shows its true value in these regions. Not only does it reduce the financial burden, but it also gives homeowners access to vetted contractors who can respond quickly during peak demand seasons. Some providers even prioritize heating claims in winter months to ensure vulnerable households are served first.
For residents in cold-weather states, a strong home warranty with comprehensive heating and plumbing coverage is more than helpful. It’s essential. In the next section, we’ll explore how the arid West and Southwest present a completely different set of repair challenges, from dry air to dust-related system failures.

In summary, if you live in the South, your home warranty plan should be built around cooling system protection. It’s not just the most likely failure, it’s also one of the most expensive and disruptive. In the next section, we’ll head north and explore the repair trends in colder climates, where heating and plumbing dominate the list of warranty claims.

The West & Southwest: Electrical and Appliance Failures in Dry Climates

In the West and Southwest regions of the U.S., including states like Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of California, homeowners deal with an entirely different set of challenges when it comes to home system failures. While temperatures can get extremely high, the climate is generally dry, and this combination creates wear patterns that don’t always occur in more humid or colder areas.
In these arid zones, HVAC systems are still important but rather than humidity-related breakdowns, it’s the dust, heat, and system overuse that cause the most issues. Appliances and electrical systems are particularly vulnerable in these regions due to the constant exposure to dry air, dust infiltration, and fluctuating power loads during peak summer months.
The most common warranty claims reported in this region include:

• Refrigerator compressor failures caused by heat buildup and overworked cooling systems
• Electrical panel malfunctions due to power surges during high A/C usage periods
• Dishwasher and washing machine failures tied to mineral-heavy water causing internal buildup
• Dryer heating element issues accelerated by lint and dust accumulation in dry conditions
• Central A/C problems like capacitor or fan motor failure from overuse during long hot seasons

In many parts of the Southwest, water quality also plays a role. Hard water with high mineral content leads to faster degradation of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. These issues aren’t always immediate, but over time, they reduce performance and require more frequent service or early replacements.
Homeowners in these regions benefit from warranty plans that prioritize appliance and electrical system coverage. While HVAC coverage is still essential, a comprehensive plan should also include protection for internal components, surge-related breakdowns, and common appliance wear.
Another unique aspect of this region is that many homes rely on evaporative coolers instead of traditional HVAC systems. These units are more susceptible to mineral scaling and breakdowns from lack of maintenance. A good home warranty should offer specific add-ons or customized options for this type of cooling system.
In the final section, we’ll bring everything together and explain how regional trends should influence your decision when selecting the right home warranty plan for your home and location.

What This Means for Homeowners: Regional Planning for Smarter Coverage

Home warranty plans shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all because homes in different regions face entirely different risks. As we’ve explored, your location plays a major role in the type of home systems and appliances most likely to fail. This is why understanding regional repair trends is crucial when selecting the right coverage for your home.
If you live in the South, your top priority should be HVAC protection. With cooling systems running for most of the year, breakdowns are common and expensive. A warranty plan that offers strong A/C coverage, including compressor replacement and refrigerant handling, is worth its weight in gold during the summer months.
In colder climates like the Northeast or Midwest, heating and plumbing coverage should be at the top of your list. Winters bring frozen pipes, worn-out furnaces, and water heater failures that can lead to major disruptions if not addressed quickly. Choosing a warranty provider known for fast service response and generous heating system coverage can make all the difference during those freezing spells.
For residents in the West and Southwest, a plan focused on electrical systems and major appliances can deliver the most value. Dry climates and high temperatures put pressure on internal components, and hard water speeds up wear on dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. Make sure your plan doesn’t just cover repairs, but also includes a high enough claim cap to replace larger appliances if needed.
Understanding these differences helps homeowners make smarter, more targeted decisions when selecting a home warranty. Instead of choosing the cheapest or most basic plan, look for one that aligns with your home’s risk profile — based on both your region and the systems most likely to fail over time.
It’s also worth checking whether a provider offers region-specific plans or upgrades. Many leading companies allow you to customize coverage or add protection for common regional issues like septic systems, sump pumps, or evaporative coolers. The more your plan reflects your local reality, the better your chances of maximizing your warranty’s value.
In conclusion, we’ll recap the key takeaways and offer a final tip for homeowners ready to choose smarter, more strategic coverage.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Warranty to Your Region

Your home’s location matters more than you think when it comes to choosing the right home warranty. Whether you’re battling Southern heat, Midwest winters, or Western dust, the most common repair issues in your region should directly influence your coverage. A tailored warranty plan not only saves money it ensures you’re protected where it counts most. Don’t settle for generic coverage. Instead, review your home’s systems, assess regional risks, and select a plan built for your environment. The smarter your approach, the better your return in comfort, cost, and peace of mind.