A new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system comes with a manufacturer warranty. The warranty protects your investment should you unearth a defect with the system after installation. HVAC warranty varies by company. Below are some issues to consider when evaluating or comparing different HVAC warranties.
Term
The warranty term determines how long it will apply. For example, some manufacturers offer 10-year warranties while others may offer more.
Many manufacturers offer base warranties as well as part warranties for specific parts of their products. If that is the case, then the respective terms for the base and part warranties might differ. For example, a manufacturer may offer a 10-year base warranty and a 5-year warranty or specified parts.
Registration
Many manufacturers require you to register for their warranties. If that is the case, you have a limited period within which to register your warranty. At best, failure to register might downgrade your warranty from full coverage to limited coverage. At worst, the failure might void your warranty altogether. Some contractors register HVAC’s on behalf of their clients.
Coverage Commencement
You should also know when the manufacturer will start the countdown of the warranty’s term. For example, you should know if the countdown begins
- When you purchase the HVAC
- When you register for the warranty
- When you install the HVAC
- When you occupy the house with the HVAC you purchased
The installation date is a common commencement date, but you should confirm this.
Coverage
Like other warranties, HVAC warranties don’t cover every problem that might arise. Standard HVAC warranty may cover faulty parts, such as a faulty compressor. The warranty may also cover malfunctions arising from assembly line incompetence, such as poorly welded parts.
Exclusions
Like other warranties, HVAC warranties exclude certain parts or issues from coverage. For example, an HVAC warranty might exclude:
- Replacement filters
- Outdoor pads
- Replacement refrigerant
- Relocation (moving the equipment to a new installation location)
- Shipping costs for replacement parts or equipment
Read the exclusions, so you know what to expect from each manufacturer.
Voiding
Your HVAC warranty only applies if you install, use, and service the system as the manufacturer intended. The warranty will list actions or inactions that can void coverage. For example, many manufacturers won’t honor your warranty if:
- A nonprofessional installs, services, or repairs the equipment
- You use replacement parts that the manufacturer hasn’t approved
- You don’t service the equipment on schedule
- You retrofit the equipment to use alternative fuel
- You attach unauthorized add-ons to the equipment
Understand these terms and conditions so that you don’t make a mistake and void your warranty.
Transferability
For some manufacturers, the warranty is only valid as long as the original client uses the HVAC. Other manufacturers will honor their warranties even if the original client transfers HVAC ownership to another person, for example, when selling their home. A transferable warranty can increase your home’s resale value since potential buyers can inherit it.
Claims
Lastly, you should also compare the claim processes of different warranties. Specifically, you should know:
- Where to submit your claim
- Which documents you need to submit
- How long you have to submit a claim
- How long the manufactured has to act on your claim
A good warranty should have a clear and simple claim process. Your HVAC system needs to be up and running as soon as possible in case of a malfunction.
Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning can tell you more about warranties from the HVAC companies we work with. Note that a manufacturer warranty is only one way of safeguarding your HVAC system. We also provide a contractor warranty that covers installation defects. Contact us for all HVAC services, including installation, service, and repair.