Do AC Repairs Come With A Warranty?

Asking about an AC warranty is the first step to becoming an empowered customer. A reputable AC repair company will be thrilled you asked about this because it gives them a chance to show off what they offer. Do AC repairs come with a warranty automatically? The simple answer is that they should if you’re working with the right company.

What Kind of Warranty Comes With an AC Repair?

The first thing to know is that there are actually two distinct warranties for homeowners. These are your manufacturer’s warranty and your labor warranty. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• HVAC Manufacturer Warranty: This is the warranty that comes directly from the company that made your system. It covers defective parts and manufacturing defects. It does not cover labor. Most AC manufacturer warranties last five to 10 years.
  
• HVAC Labor Warranty: This warranty is provided by the HVAC company you call to service your AC. HVAC repair warranty coverage covers the work done on your system. The industry standard is the one-year work warranty.

Some homeowners have home warranties. This is a coverage option offered by third-party companies that can cover some or all costs associated with repairs and replacements of home systems. Does a home warranty cover AC repair? You’ll need to work out coverage with the company you purchase a policy from if you go down this route. In general, most policies do cover AC repair and replacement needed for normal wear and tear. This can even extend to repairing or replacing major mechanical components. Homeowners with these policies typically pay a set service fee for each claim filed.

Does a Manufacturer’s Warranty Cover Labor Costs?

No, AC and HVAC manufacturer warranties don’t typically cover any labor. They instead cover parts needed. Keep in mind that labor can be a significant portion of repair costs for AC. If you hire an HVAC company like HomeSense, you’ll actually get all work backed by a labor warranty that fills in the gap.

What Does an AC Repair Warranty Actually Cover?

Air conditioner repair warranty coverage can be hefty. It usually includes major components like the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils, fan motors, and control boards. However, you’re not looking at blanket coverage. Things that are excluded from coverage include cosmetic issues, damage from acts of God, improper use or neglect, or repairs done by unauthorized technicians — another reason to confirm you’re hiring licensed and insured HVAC technicians in Indiana.

How Long Do AC Repair Warranties Usually Last?

There’s no universal timeline. How long is an AC warranty most of the time? The industry standard after you complete AC warranty registration is five to 10 years. Many manufacturers actually extend the warranty beyond that for major components like your compressor. HVAC companies usually have shorter coverage periods. Expect to see one-year warranties for the repair work itself.

It’s natural to breathe a little easier once your new AC system is installed or your old one is back up and running. But here’s one detail many homeowners miss: you’ll usually need to register your equipment within 60 days of installation to unlock the full warranty period. It’s a simple step, but knowing about it ahead of time can help you avoid surprises later on.

What Can Void Your AC Repair Warranty?

Homeowners don’t always realize that both action and inaction can void AC repair warranties. What voids an AC warranty exactly? Here are the big ones:

• Skipping regular maintenance. A manufacturer warranty for air conditioners usually requires documented upkeep.
  
• Using unauthorized parts or DIY repairs.
  
• Neglect or misuse of the system.
  
• Damage from extreme weather.
  
• Damage from a power surge.

At the end of the day, the most important thing a homeowner can do to protect AC repair warranty coverage is staying ahead of maintenance. It doesn’t hurt that this is also the best way to avoid needing work done on your system in the first place.

How Do You Make Sure Your AC Repair Is Covered?

Let’s make sure a parts and labor warranty for HVAC is actually there for you to lean on when you need it. First, always keep your warranty documentation organized and accessible. It’s good to be familiar with what’s included long before you ever have to make a call.

Another tip is to ask the technician visiting your home to explain all warranties that apply to a repair or replacement before they begin work. This is also the time to confirm that you’ve definitely registered your unit with the manufacturer.

While a tech is at your home, take the opportunity to schedule your next regular maintenance to stay compliant with warranty terms. The truth is, it’s easy to forget your HVAC warranty once you get busy, unless you schedule while it’s still fresh in your mind. At HomeSense, we walk through the warranty for AC repairs with every customer before and after a repair to ensure a surprise-free experience. Discover our AC repair service in Indianapolis.