Essentials of HVAC Warranties in 2024
Virtually all HVAC systems include a warranty that covers parts and labor for a specified period to protect you against manufacturer defects. Understanding what’s covered by a heating and cooling system warranty can help you decide which system to buy and how to keep the warranty in force by properly maintaining your HVAC system.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- When you’re shopping for a heating or cooling system for your home, don’t forget to research warranties.
- An HVAC unit is a major home investment, and if something goes wrong, you want to be sure you’re protected.
- Whether you’re buying a furnace, a new air conditioning unit or a whole-house system, check the warranty, and talk to your contractor or vendor about what you can expect in the HVAC terms of service.
When you’re shopping for a new heating or cooling system for your home, don’t forget to research warranties. An HVAC unit is a major home investment, and if something goes wrong, you want to be sure you’re protected.
Whether you’re buying a furnace, a new air conditioning unit or a whole-house system, check the warranty, and talk to your contractor or vendor about what you can expect in the HVAC terms of service. Make sure you go with a provider whose coverage supports the level of investment you’re making.
When reviewing warranties keep the following in mind.
HVAC System Warranty Duration
Heating and cooling units can be costly to repair, so you’ll probably want to find the longest-term warranty available. Keep in mind that many HVAC service agreements have varying time frames for different parts. For example, 10 years for parts and 20 years for a heat exchanger is good.
Conditions for Use Covered by the Warranty
All warranties have conditions under which they are valid, which often relate back to who bought the unit. Some are void once the home changes ownership.
Many warranties also require the unit to be registered within 90 days of installation to be valid.
Things That Might Invalidate Your Warranty
Even a lifetime warranty can be voided if you don’t follow the rules. Many HVAC warranties require proof that the unit has been properly maintained with routine annual HVAC system maintenance — so make sure to schedule checkups and keep the paperwork somewhere safe.
Other warranties may be invalidated on day one if a certified contractor does not install the unit. Before you plan to install it yourself, make sure you read the fine print.
Labor Costs Not Covered by the Warranty
Even if you have a lifetime warranty, you may still get stuck with labor costs. Most warranties only cover labor for the first year, though some brands allow you to purchase extended HVAC labor warranties.
Protect yourself: The Sears Home Services Sears Protect Home Warranty Plan includes two free HVAC maintenance checks every year.
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Repair HVAC Resources
Learn how a heat exchanger works in a gas furnace.
Learn about radiant heaters and how they work.
Learn about how an HVAC system works and how to keep it in top shape.
Learn how a split-system air conditioner works and how to maintain the unit.
Glossary Terms
A humidifier is a device designed to increase humidity levels in a single room or an entire building, improving air quality and comfort.
Swamp cooling, also known as evaporative cooling, is a method that cools air through the natural process of water evaporation. It is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, particularly effective in hot, dry climates.
Freon is a trade name for a group of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, known for its role in ozone depletion.
An inverter AC unit is an air conditioning system equipped with inverter technology that allows it to vary the compressor speed, enabling precise temperature control and increased energy efficiency.
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