Refrigerant (commonly called Freon, though that’s a brand name) is excluded from many home warranty plans or subject to a separate sub-cap. This matters more than most homeowners realize.
Refrigerant recharge costs $100-$800+ depending on the refrigerant type and amount needed. For a low refrigerant situation that causes AC failure, the cost of the refrigerant itself can be significant.
More importantly: if your system uses R-22 (Freon), that refrigerant is being phased out under EPA regulations. R-22 is now very expensive ($50-$150 per pound vs. $5-$15/pound historically). A system that needs R-22 recharge can cost $500-$2,000 in refrigerant alone.
R-22 (Freon): Used in HVAC systems manufactured before approximately 2010. EPA phased out production and import of R-22 in January 2020. Existing supplies can still be used, but prices have skyrocketed.
R-410A (Puron): Current standard refrigerant for systems installed 2010-present. Lower cost, more available.
R-454B and R-32: New refrigerants phasing in under newer EPA regulations.
If you have a pre-2010 HVAC system and your warranty excludes refrigerant, a refrigerant leak can cost $500-$2,000+ out of pocket before the warranty even starts covering the mechanical repair.
AHS includes refrigerant recharge in their coverage — one of their differentiating features. This is particularly valuable for older systems on R-22.
AFC Home Club — coverage depends on plan tier; verify.
Most other companies — refrigerant excluded or sub-capped at $50-$150, which doesn’t cover R-22 recharge costs.
If you own a pre-2010 HVAC system:
Low refrigerant is sometimes cited as a pre-existing condition if it existed before coverage started. Get an HVAC inspection at or before policy start to document refrigerant levels.