The comfort of your home is dependent on a functional air conditioner. A problem with your AC unit can raise your electric bill and be quite expensive to fix. Rather than pay through the roof for AC repairs, an air conditioner warranty covers the cost of fixing a defect or malfunction. Understanding how your HVAC warranty works will provide you with knowledge of what it covers and how much you could potentially save down the line.
What Is an Air Conditioner Warranty?
On average, an HVAC system lasts from 10 to 15 years. But that doesn’t mean it won’t break down before then. A warranty provides coverage for repairs and components identified in the agreement. Coverage levels vary from unit to unit but generally cover the compressor, evaporator coil, fan motor, and other critical components; there may even be coverage for ductwork and related components, such as dampers, plenums, and tubing.
If any covered component fails during the term of the warranty, the cost of replacing it is covered. However, you may still be required to pay the labor service cost (unless the installer offers a labor and installation warranty that may cover faulty installation, repairs, or maintenance).
The different types of warranties you may encounter include:
- Limited Warranty: Is restricted to specific parts and types of defects; the conditions are typically guaranteed for a given length of time.
- Extended Warranty: Offers prolonged coverage in addition to the standard warranty on the product. It can be issued by the retailer, manufacturer, or warranty administrator.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Most HVAC unit and system manufacturers offer a 5- to 10-year limited warranty; a manufacturer or brand warranty usually doesn’t cover the cost of labor.
How to Find Out If Your Air Conditioner Is Under Warranty
Most of the time, a homeowner must register their system after purchase for the warranty to take effect. If you do not take this step, you may void the air conditioner warranty. This means you’ll have to pay to fix any defects or problems that occur in the future. To find out if your HVAC unit has a warranty or is still covered, you can:
- Identify the brand of the system, contact a local equipment distributor, and provide them with the unit’s model and serial number.
- Check any documents or manuals that came with the air conditioner; warranty information is often provided with the paperwork you received during installation.
- Find the serial number on the rating plate, which is typically found on the unit’s exterior, and use the warranty lookup tool on the manufacturer’s website, if one is available.
Another option is to contact your HVAC contractor directly. The company that sold and installed it should have a record of the equipment you purchased and any warranty information associated with it. If you are purchasing a new home, find out if the existing HVAC system is still under warranty and if it is transferrable. Typically, air conditioner warranties can be transferred to new owners if it’s done within a specified timeframe after the home sale.
Contact The AC Hero
We are open during the coronavirus pandemic, providing no contact service and following social distancing guidelines to ensure your safety. Customers can still depend on us for professional, high-quality HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance services by friendly licensed technicians. To schedule service in the Dallas–Fort Worth area or learn about our financing options, contact The AC Hero at 817-587-0794. You can also book an appointment online. We are conveniently based in North Richland Hills, TX.
