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Residential HVAC warranties provide protection against potential breakdowns or malfunctions you may encounter with your HVAC system. Most brands offer an equipment warranty that lasts 5 years, but many on the market also only require registration paperwork to acquire the 10-year extended warranty.
HVAC warranties come in different types and protect different parts or services. There are manufacturer and extended warranties, which typically guarantee the function of your system for a certain period of time and will cover defects. However, there are also labor warranties that protect you against paying extra fees if any repairs or replacements didn’t fix the HVAC system correctly or aren’t holding out. Home warranties with HVAC coverage, on the other hand, cover the repair and replacement of HVAC systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Warranty Information
When looking for a protection plan for your HVAC system, it’s important to know the different HVAC warranty types and what you’re getting.
Warranty Information
The maker of the HVAC equipment offers a manufacturer’s warranty. The details vary between providers, but this type of HVAC warranty generally covers manufacturing defects and related repairs. Some HVAC manufacturers with the best warranty are Daikin, Goodman, Amana, Day & Night, KeepRight, Maytag, Heil, and Tempstar.
You also can register the product with the manufacturer and receive special perks or a better warranty—but only if the product is registered within 60 days of installation or another specified time. You usually need your product serial number, model number, installation date, and other essential information to register your HVAC system.
The government regulates manufacturer warranties for the sake of the consumers. For example, the law requires that customers access a limited warranty before purchasing a product. Also, manufacturers can’t legally require a consumer to register a product to maintain limited warranty protection, but they can give incentives for product registration.
Warranty Information
An HVAC extended warranty is a service contract offered and paid for outside the manufacturer’s warranty. You can purchase one when you buy your HVAC or sign up later. With an extended warranty, your coverage is continued past the length of the original warranty.
Purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer isn’t always necessary. Some third-party providers offer different coverage plans.
Warranty Information
While homeowners insurance isn’t a warranty, it’s worth noting because it protects in situations that an HVAC warranty may not cover. For example, homeowners insurance covers:
Unforeseeable events, like a fallen tree or lightning strike damaging the unit
The cost of a replacement in these situations
Homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear from regular use. Homeowner insurance won’t cover the replacement if your unit breaks down simply because it’s old.
Warranty Information
Having a home warranty package for an HVAC system is different from having a homeowners insurance as its primary purpose is to cover breakdowns resulting from regular use. You pay an annual or monthly fee—along with a service fee—instead of the cost of the repair or replacement. Many homeowners find these prices much more manageable than the total cost of an unplanned breakdown.
The amount of coverage for heating and air conditioning differs based on the provider and the type of plan you select. Most home warranty companies will offer an A/C warranty or a heating warranty and rarely have them listed as one unit. However, we recommend you thoroughly read your service contract prior to signing to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Warranty Information
Home warranties usually don’t cover existing breakdowns. It’s up to the provider to determine if your HVAC system can be repaired or if it should be replaced. The cost of a replacement may be completely covered, or the provider may have a price cap. Your contract will list what HVAC parts are covered and what parts are not.
Some providers require an inspection to determine the condition of your systems and appliances before starting coverage.
Warranty Information
HVAC warranties include terms and conditions that explain when a repair or replacement is or isn’t covered. It’s quite possible to unknowingly violate your warranty and prevent you from receiving the benefits.
The FTC regulates these conditions so that manufacturers can’t get too particular, but you should still follow these tips to prevent voiding your HVAC warranty:
Start by reading your warranty to know what coverage will look like. Register your HVAC system with the manufacturer to make the most of the limited warranty. Read the HVAC owner’s manual for proper use and maintenance. Misusing or improperly maintaining the HVAC system can null your warranty. Simple tasks like changing the air filters can help your system last longer.
Improper installation can also void your HVAC warranty. Using equipment, not from the original manufacturer can void your limited warranty.
Keep receipts and all other maintenance records. These can come in handy if a repair is necessary and prove that you took care of the HVAC unit.
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