Understanding HVAC Warranties: What Homeowners need to know

Are you a homeowner with Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning, also known as HVAC? If so, do you use it throughout the year? Has it crossed your mind what you would do if it were to stop working?

Hopefully, you can rely on the Part Warranty that covers your HVAC. While also relying on the Labor warranty you are covered under. If not, this blog will provide you with information about the importance of these service agreements and how they can give you peace of mind in the long term.

When purchasing a new HVAC, you want it to last a long time. To make this possible, you should get an HVAC warranty. There are two warranties that you can choose from to help you in the long run with the HVAC. One of the warranties that you can choose is the Manufacturers Part Warranty, or Part Warranty. Under this warranty, replacement costs are covered by the manufacturer for broken parts specific timeframe. The other warranty that you can choose from is the Labor Warranty. This warranty covers service call charges and labor from the HVAC company.

Manufacturer Parts Warranty

The companies that manufacture HVACs offer different types of warranties. Some of the companies that manufacture HVAC systems are Trane, Maytag, Rheem, and Bryant. Read the warranty agreement of each manufacturer to find the best HVAC manufacturer warranty. Manufactures have warranty coverages that range from:

• Parts failing due to malfunction
• Parts the manufacturer chooses
• Individual parts of the system

The base coverage for most warranties is 5 years. Some manufacturers offer an extended HVAC warranty by registering for full coverage, for up to 10-year coverage.

Registering your heating and air conditioning unit is time sensitive. Check to see what the timeframe is to complete your HVAC registration. The timeframe is usually 60 or 90 days after the installation.

While this warranty does cover some parts, it has exclusions which include:

• Labor
• Parts not listed in the agreement
• Circumstances
• Ownership Changes

The exclusion of labor can lead to costly visits from an HVAC company. To stop potential high repair costs from the company, you can purchase the Labor Warranty.

Labor Warranty

The Labor Warranty is provided by the company that installs HVAC units. This is an important warranty because your unit’s performance can be impacted by a bad installation. Labor warranties range from a year to more depending on the company who is doing the HVAC installation.

Labor warranties also have coverages that you can choose from. The base coverage that most companies offer is for at least one year. Depending on the company, you can qualify for an extended warranty. Make sure to see whether the HVAC company or a third party is offering the extended warranty.

Having both warranties is beneficial because it is cost effective in the long term. It is also beneficial because if you do run into an issue with your HVAC system then you just might be able to have a completely free HVAC repair.

While getting the two warranties is important, it is also important to keep up with the requirements, so you do not void them. These requirements are ways to keep you as the customer as well as the company and manufacturer accountable for the HVAC. The requirements you should follow are getting the equipment registered, having a proper installation, and having regular maintenance of the equipment.

Registering Equipment

Make sure that the HVAC is registered. Although technicians can register the equipment for you, do not rely on them to register to do so. Instead, you should register with the manufacturer between the 60 or 90-day threshold. Many times, you can apply for extended coverage during registration.

Forgetting to register your equipment may potentially lead to a void warranty. A void warranty means costs of a repair or replacement are no longer covered.

Proper Installation

Having your HVAC and other equipment installed correctly is another way to avoid a void warranty. It is best to have your system installed by a company whose license is in good standing for installation. The company should also have reputable reviews of their HVAC services to ensure reliability.

Using an unlicensed contractor for installations or repairs will most likely void the warranty. So, make sure to always check the licensing of the contractor or company you are using. You should also refrain from using replacement parts that are not approved by the manufacturer. Using unauthorized parts can also void your warranty and lead to increased future repair costs.

Having Regular Maintenance

Registering your equipment and having proper installation are not the only ways to keep from avoiding a void warranty. You will need to take care of your HVAC system at least once a year. Manufacturers do not want the HVAC system to rot away without proper maintenance. While they may not check if you follow this closely, the manufacturer could check on the system if you had an expensive failure.

Understanding the HVAC warranties as a homeowner is very important. The Manufacturer Part Warranty is important because the manufacturer can replace parts of the HVAC equipment, decreases costs for you. Each manufacturer has guidelines for what is and isn't covered. Also make sure to have regular maintenance done on the equipment or the warranty might be void.

The Labor Warranty is provided by the installer and is also helpful for saving money in the long term. Remember to use a licensed installation company that can offer you labor warranty for at least a year.

If you are looking to replace your HVAC or the equipment, find a selection of options of HVAC systems and supplies at HomElectrical today!