Things to know about HVAC warranty
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Things To Know About HVAC Warranty
An HVAC system is a necessary item in every household in the U.S., and a good system comes with a proper warranty period. Many top HVAC brands offer warranties of up to 10 years or more, from which you can choose the one that fits your requirements.
Your HVAC system is probably the most expensive item in your household. And, in an unfortunate event, if it breaks or malfunctions, it'll cost you a mini-fortune to repair or replace it. In these kinds of situations, an HVAC warranty is what protects the homeowner from unnecessary expenses.
This blog will help you understand HVAC warranties, the different types, and how you can benefit from them.
What is an HVAC warranty?
Just like any other warranty, an HVAC warranty is a written guarantee issued to the buyer of the HVAC system. The manufacturer promises to repair or replace the system if necessary within a given period.
However,there are some common problems that HVAC owners face, such as:
● Water leaks
● Dirty filters
● Wear & tear
● Uneven distribution of temperature
● Reduction in efficiency
● Strange noises
● Fuse blowing up/circuit tripping
● Malfunctioning of the thermostat
Does a manufacturer's warranty cover all these?
Yes, they do cover two types of defects: material defects and workmanship defects But, both must have occurred during normal use and maintenance.
Types of HVAC warranties
There are two types of HVAC warranties: equipment warranty and extended warranty. You get these warranties from the manufacturer.
Equipment warranty: The manufacturer will repair or replace the component in case of malfunction or breakage at any time under the warranty period.
The manufacturer's warranty offers protection against components that fail within the warranty period. The warranty usually covers the following components, such as:
● Electrical equipment
● Compressor
● Motor
● Burner
● Controls & sensors
Should one of these components fail, the manufacturer will cover the replacement cost.
Extended warranty: This is a policy that extends the warranty period of your HVAC system beyond the manufacturer's warranty offered.
Apart from these two types of coverage, you can opt for three other types of warranty coverage for your HVAC system. These three types of coverage are provided by third parties, and you must choose them as per your requirements and budget.
Labor warranty: This warranty is provided by the contractor who installs your HVAC system. The warranty is vital for you as the performance of an HVAC system depends on its proper installation.
The warranty typically covers service call charges and labor costs of repair till a certain period.
Home warranty: It is an agreement or contract that will cover repair and replacement of appliances and systems in your home. Hence, your HVAC system will be covered under the home warranty plan for the whole year.
Homeowner’s insurance: It is a form of property insurance that will cover losses and damages to your house, along with other assets in the home. You can make a claim when your home and/or HVAC system are damaged during a natural disaster, burglary, or by an act of God.
What voids an HVAC manufacturer warranty?
Similar to a standard agreement/contract, the manufacturer's warranty also has some terms & conditions. These terms & conditions explain the conditions under which the repair or replacement of your system/component is not covered.
You must refrain from making some common mistakes, such as placing the thermostat in direct sunlight, running the system non-stop, improper wiring, etc., as these factors will also affect your coverage.
These terms & conditions are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And, there are some common points you must remember regarding the warranty becoming void.
The following tips will help you prevent your warranty from becoming void:
● Do a thorough reading of the warranty papers and how much coverage they offer
● After the purchase of the HVAC system, register the product with the manufacturer. It creates solid evidence of your purchase records as well as a timeline of future activities.
● Follow the user manual and maintenance tips offered by the company. Simple things like cleaning the vents and air filters could help the system perform better and last longer.
● A faulty installation will result in the voiding of the warranty
● Replacing the original part or component with a duplicate or having your system serviced by an unauthorized dealer/contractor can void your warranty.
● Keep receipts of all the regular maintenance done
Conclusion
You are provided with a warranty the moment you make the purchase. Failure to register the product with the manufacturer within a certain timeframe may result in a shorter warranty period in many cases. You also need to check whether the transfer of the warranty is possible, as well as the scope of applying for an extended warranty. If you follow all the above-mentioned tips and keep your HVAC system in good condition, you can file a claim easily when an issue arises.