What Warranties Come With A New AC System?
Installing a new AC system is a big investment, and knowing what’s protected matters just as much as picking the right unit. So what warranties come with a new AC system? The short answer: you should have two separate warranties working together, one from the manufacturer and one from your installer. Understanding how each works, and what you need to do to keep them valid, can save you thousands if something goes wrong down the line.
What Are the Two Main Warranties That Come With a New AC?
A new air conditioner at your home means you’re also resetting with a fresh AC manufacturer warranty. That can feel great if you were long past the warranty on your aging, failing system. However, it may also mean you need a refresh on exactly what is or isn’t covered with most AC warranties.
If you’re choosing your HVAC installer correctly, you should actually be looking at two separate warranties, not one. First, a manufacturer’s warranty covers parts and equipment defects. While the standard is five to 10 years, some manufactures cover up to 12 years on AC compressors. Plus, you should be getting a labor warranty from your installer. AC installer warranties usually cover workmanship and installation errors for one to two years. What to remember is that manufacturer warranties cover what the machine does, installer warranties cover how it was put in, and both are needed for assurance and peace of mind.
Why Does the Difference Between Parts and Labor Coverage Matter?
An AC manufacturer warranty essentially makes the manufacturer liable for the machine as it was handed off to you. What that means is that the manufacturer is only taking responsibility for the unit itself. That’s why manufacturer warranties do not extend to issues caused by how the unit was installed. Even a part that is technically covered under a manufacturer warranty won’t be covered if the failure was caused by the way the part was handled during installation. Installation-based failure needs to fall under a labor warranty. If you don’t have one, issues caused by improper installation will be yours to deal with alone.
What Does a Manufacturer’s AC Warranty Actually Cover?
So what’s actually included when we talk about AC warranty coverage? Manufacturer warranties generally protect all the core components of the system. While reading the fine print is essential on your end, this usually means:
- Compressor
- Condenser coil
- Evaporator coil
- Fan motor
- Electrical components
How long does an AC warranty last? Every HVAC parts warranty varies slightly by brand and model. In our experience, most brands offer some variation of five-year or 10-year registered coverage. There are some parts that are generally not covered by warranty regardless of which AC model you purchase. The most common exclusions are refrigerant recharges, labor, damage from acts of God, and improper installation. That last one is exactly why working only with an installer that offers an automatic air conditioning installation warranty is so essential.
Do All AC Brands Offer the Same Warranty Terms?
As we touched on above, brands have varying warranties. The same is also true of HVAC companies that offer AC installation services when it comes to their own labor warranties. For us, the big chasm between different AC warranties is one of the reasons why we install equipment with strong warranty coverage. For example, as local certified Daikin installers in Indianapolis, we’re able to give our customers the peace of mind of Daikin’s 12-year parts warranty that stands among the best in the industry. When you work with us, your HVAC parts warranty is something that we’re going to spend time explaining to you to help you make your decision based on long-term quality and value.
What Voids an AC Warranty, and How Do You Protect It?
We wish more homeowners knew a few tips on how to keep an AC warranty valid. Many people aren’t aware that you can unintentionally void your AC warranty if you’re not careful. The first big one is prioritizing AC warranty registration as soon as your unit is installed.
Skipping Maintenance
A surprisingly easy way to void your AC warranty is to skip annual maintenance. Manufacturers are basing a system’s performance expectations on the lifespan of a properly maintained AC. If you’re skipping simple cleanings and servicing appointments that are going to keep AC parts working smoothly, the likelihood of parts or entire systems failing prematurely goes up. AC manufacturers don’t think it’s fair to be liable for this. As a result, they can deny warranty claims unless homeowners can provide records of proper maintenance. You can avoid any worries by just booking your annual AC maintenance. Plus, this is the best way to get the best performance and keep energy bills lower.
Unauthorized Repairs
The other big warranty blunder is having unauthorized repairs done. Manufacturers build this stipulation into warranties because improper repairs can severely damage air conditioners. Some examples of unauthorized repairs can include hiring an unlicensed handyman or attempting “quick” DIY fixes you see online. If something isn’t looking right with your AC while it’s still under warranty, you’re much better off hiring a local licensed HVAC technician to come take a look. Get your warranty information out ahead of time to see if the part that’s causing problems is covered. It may turn out that the fix you were avoiding paying for is fully covered to begin with.
Why Does AC Warranty Registration Matter So Much?
Manufacturers usually give customers a window of around 60 to 90 days to either mail in warranty information or complete forms online. In most cases, failing to register on time can either fully void your warranty or knock off about half the time from your coverage for parts. For example, a 10-year warranty can default to a five-year warranty if you don’t enroll.
While some states like California and Florida actually protect consumers from losing their warranties, Indiana is not one of those places. At HomeSense, we actually handle warranty registration with our customers to take the task off their plates. We always insist on taking care of this on the day of installation because we know how easy it can be to get distracted by everything else on your to-do list.
What Is an Extended AC Warranty and Is It Worth It?
We can’t finish up the AC warranty conversation without touching on extended warranties. An extended AC warranty is sometimes called a labor warranty or service agreement. Its role is to fill in the gap left by the manufacturer warranty. Offered by your HVAC installer, the extended AC warranty usually runs one to three years. Some run longer through the manufacturer as a type of add-on warranty product.
Extended warranties are fully optional. Unlike the AC manufacturer warranty and labor warranty, the cost for an extended warranty isn’t included. You’ll need to purchase an extended warranty separately. In our experience, many homeowners find that the extended warranty pays for itself if they ever get in a pickle with a major repair needed within the first few years of owning an AC. For example, a repair costing $400 to $1,000 in labor alone, even when the manufacturer warranty covers the parts, can mean that the extended plan has paid for itself with just one use.
How Does HomeSense Help You Get the Most From Your AC Warranty?
AC warranties provide much-needed peace of mind once you’ve invested in getting a new unit for your home. At HomeSense, we consider educating homeowners on how to compare and use AC warranties part of our job. For years, Central Indiana families have trusted us to explain warranties to them and handle warranty registration paperwork after installation. Of course, we take the stress out of getting a new AC by only installing equipment backed by strong manufacturer warranties and offering labor warranty options.
Is it time to consider new cooling installation options for your Indiana home? HomeSense can offer you a completely pressure-free, 100% informative cooling consultation. Just call 317-203-8149 or schedule online today.
