Do you need to check if certain components of your HVAC system are still under warranty? Or maybe you need to see if labor is covered for the repairs you need. In this blog, we'll explain how to find out if your HVAC system is under warranty. We'll also dive into types of warranties, common exclusions, how to keep your warranty valid, and mistakes to avoid that may cancel your warranty.
How to Check the Warranty on Your Heater or Air Conditioner
If your HVAC system is newer than five years old, it's likely that you still have an active warranty on it. The easiest way to confirm this is by inputting the unit's model and serial number on the manufacturer's website. Each HVAC system comes equipped with a data plaque housing the essential model and serial numbers. For outdoor units like air conditioners and heat pumps, this information is conveniently located on a cover plate, while for furnaces, it can be found on the interior of the unit.
The manufacturer is the brand of your unit, such as Trane or Energy Kinetics. If no warranty pops up, you may have accidentally voided the warranty if you failed to register your system when you had it installed. You can also try reaching out to the contractor who installed the unit for you to see if they have your warranty information on file.
Limited Versus Extended Warranties
Some warranties cover specific items such as parts, and some cover labor and parts (both). Most residential unit manufacturers give a 5-year warranty for the components of the unit covering any defective component within the system, while some manufacturers offer 10-year parts warranties.
Limited warranties
A Base Limited Warranty is activated for units that have not been registered or were registered more than 60 days after installation. This warranty specifically covers parts that may fail due to manufacturer defects, excluding the labor costs for their repair. Typically lasting for five years, the duration of coverage may vary depending on the specific product.
A Registered Limited Warranty lengthens the term of your warranty if your product is registered within 60 days of installation. It covers the cost of parts that might fail due to manufacturer defects but excludes the labor to repair them. In most cases, this warranty lasts for 10 years, but the length of coverage may change depending on the product.
Extended warranties
It is also common for the contractor that installs your unit to offer Extended Labor Warranties. It covers parts that fail due to manufacturer defects and might cover the cost of labor to fix them, depending on which Optional Extended Warranty you purchase. Contact your local dealer to learn about your available options.
Common Warranty Exclusions
Labor
As mentioned above, labor costs are often not included in a manufacturer's warranty, despite being a significant expense in most HVAC system repairs. Unless you purchase a separate labor warranty, or your contractor provides an included labor warranty, you should expect to pay standard repair fees to repair and replace components that are covered under your manufacturer warranty.
Many contractors offer annual service plans as well, which can provide additional parts coverage, discounts on repairs, and other waived fees.
Certain parts
While you might expect that ALL parts are included in a manufacturer warranty, you’ll need to pay attention to the details. Under some warranties, certain parts aren’t covered at all, while on other warranties, those parts will only be covered for a limited time. Below are a few parts that often have less coverage.
Compressor
The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of your system and must be installed properly to ensure a well-functioning unit. Manufacturers tend to take an increased risk when providing extended compressor coverage. Look carefully at your warranty to see what the warranty coverage is for the compressor in your HVAC system.
Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger plays a crucial role in a furnace, enduring extreme temperature fluctuations as it heats up to high temperatures during operation and rapidly cools down when the furnace cycles off. While not overly complex from a mechanical standpoint, these components can still experience failures. Nowadays, many manufacturers are offering extended warranties on heat exchangers, with some even providing a limited lifetime warranty. It's essential to carefully review your warranty details to ensure you understand the extent of coverage for this critical furnace component.
Maintenance Items
Similar to how brakes need regular replacement in a car, certain components in your HVAC system also require routine maintenance. Unlike the two to three-month standard for changing out filters, items like capacitors and contactors (essential for start/stop operations) fall into a more ambiguous category. These components aren't designed to last the entire lifespan of your system. Be sure to carefully review your warranty to understand which items are considered maintenance items and therefore may not be covered.
Circumstances
A standard exclusion for all warranties is in circumstances such as storms, fires, floods, physical destruction, and electrical surges. Basically, any circumstances other than the normal operating conditions for an HVAC system will be excluded from a manufacturer’s warranty. The good news is that these circumstances will often be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy rather than your HVAC warranty.
Ownership changes
When transferring home ownership with an existing HVAC system, warranty coverage may not transfer smoothly. Remember to review and convey warranty details when buying or selling a home to prevent misunderstandings.
Requirements to Keep Your Warranty Valid
Registration
After your installation is completed, your equipment needs to be registered with the manufacturer to qualify for warranty coverage. At ECI Comfort, we register all new systems for our customers, ensuring that nothing is missed in the process.
Proper installation
The proper installation of your system is critical to its longevity. If your heating and air conditioning system was improperly installed or installed by a non-licensed contractor, your warranty will probably not be honored. Be sure to find a company with extensive experience and good customer reviews.
Regular maintenance
Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential for warranty validity. Manufacturers typically require annual maintenance to be performed, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your unit. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in voiding your warranty, especially in the case of unusual and expensive failures within the first few years.
Actions That May Void Your Warranty
Investing in a new HVAC system is a significant investment that you wouldn't want to compromise by unknowingly voiding your warranty and facing costly repairs in the future. By avoiding these mistakes, you can have peace of mind knowing your warranty is valid and your investment is secure.
Skipping annual maintenance
Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. By skipping annual maintenance, you not only risk voiding your warranty but also jeopardize the overall performance of your unit. It's important to have your system inspected and serviced annually to prevent potential issues and ensure that it operates at peak efficiency. Additionally, regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements in the long run.
Installing the wrong component
Installing the wrong component in your HVAC system is a common mistake that can inadvertently void your warranty and lead to costly repairs. Whether it's using an incompatible part or attempting a DIY installation without proper knowledge, this error can have serious consequences. To avoid this pitfall, always consult with a professional technician and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for replacements.
If you have any questions regarding your warranty for a system installed by ECI Comfort, feel free to contact us by calling our office or clicking the button below.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
