When you invest in a new HVAC system for your home, it comes with a factory warranty. This typically lasts between five to 10 years, depending on the individual manufacturer. The HVAC company that you purchase your system through will have the necessary information you need about the warranty for your system.
This warranty may seem straightforward at first. However, there are certain mistakes that you’ll need to avoid so that you don’t accidentally void your system’s warranty. While every manufacturer’s warranty is a bit different from the next, most of them will be voided if you do any of the actions below.
Not Registering Your System
For your warranty to be activated, you’ll need to register your system with the manufacturer. Most service installers will provide you with paperwork that explains how to register your system through the mail or online. It can be very easy to put your paperwork aside and to play with your brand-new HVAC system. However, it’s vital that you file your warranty paperwork right away so that you can be assured that you’ll have coverage if unexpected repairs are needed in the future.
Improper Installation
Each HVAC system manufacturer will provide training courses to HVAC contractors throughout the country. The idea is that these contractors learn how to correctly install the manufacturer’s systems so that they run optimally. For the warranty to be active on a new HVAC system, it typically must be installed by one of the manufacturer’s certified contractors. If you installed the system yourself or if you hired an HVAC contractor who is not specifically certified by the manufacturer, it’s likely that your warranty will not be upheld.
Using Non-OEM Parts
When your HVAC system breaks down, it can be easy to purchase non-OEM parts because they’re usually cheaper than original equipment manufacturer parts. However, it’s crucial to realize that most HVAC system manufacturers require that you only replace broken parts with their intended OEM parts. If you utilize a cheaper non-OEM part, it could void your entire system warranty. This is because the company doesn’t test its system’s functionality with other company’s parts, so it doesn’t know if the system will run correctly or not.
Skipping Annual Maintenance
For your HVAC system to continue to function optimally, it needs to receive annual maintenance. Most HVAC manufacturers require that you get maintenance performed on your system each year to keep your warranty active. It’s essential that you read through your warranty contract to determine whether the maintenance must be done by one of their certified contractors or not. Make sure that you keep all copies of your maintenance appointments as you’ll need to furnish them when you wish to get repairs covered on your existing warranty. You don’t want to skip maintenance on your system because it will not only keep your warranty intact, but you’ll also enable your system to work as long as possible. You will also save on unnecessary repairs.
Not Keeping Documentation
When you get your new HVAC system installed, it’s vital that you create a folder for all its documentation. For warranty repairs to be done, you’ll need to furnish this documentation. This includes your original purchase receipt with specific information about the professional installer. Anytime that you need warranty work for your HVAC system, you’ll need to have the documentation to prove that it was installed correctly and has been maintained annually by a certified professional.
Doing Repairs Yourself
With so many videos out there about how to fix your own HVAC system, it can be very easy to skip paying a professional and to do it yourself. However, it’s important to note that DIY repairs can void your system’s warranty. The manufacturer wants only certified technicians to be handling repairs for your system in the way that the company trained them to. Even if the part that is now defective is not the one you previously replaced, it’s highly likely that the manufacturer is going to void the warranty for all your system parts and labor.
Relocating Your Unit
If you’re considering home renovations, one important fact that you need to remember is that your HVAC system must remain in place. Moving your HVAC system from its original installation location can void the system’s warranty. This is mainly since you may damage some of the system’s components during the moving process.
Selling Your Home
You may be surprised to hear that your HVAC warranty may not be transferrable. When you go to sell your home, it’s a good idea to check with the warranty company to see if you’re able to transfer the HVAC system’s warranty or not. Some warranty companies may allow the new homeowner to have a limited warranty on the system.
You or Nature Damages the Unit
Your HVAC system’s warranty will likely be voided if you accidentally damage your unit or if a natural disaster does. For example, if a flood occurs in your home and gets water throughout your HVAC system, its warranty is likely voided. In addition, damage to your system from faulty home wiring is not covered under warranty. In these situations, the warranty on your HVAC system will be voided. You’ll want to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance has the necessary coverage that will take care of replacing your system.
Not Using an Established Distribution Channel
For most manufacturers to honor the warranty that comes with their systems, they will require you to purchase the systems via established distribution channels. This means purchasing your system from a contractor who is certified for a specific brand of HVAC system. You don’t want to try and save a few bucks by purchasing an HVAC system from a general tradesperson or another unreliable source.
Not Purchasing an Extended Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty for your HVAC system will only last a specified amount of time. If you would like to continue to have warranty coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, you’ll want to invest in an extended warranty. These are usually available from the HVAC-certified contractor that you purchase your system through.
In most cases, you can extend the initial warranty for five to 10 more years. However, many manufacturers require that you opt for the warranty extension before your initial warranty runs out. Otherwise, you won’t be able to purchase the additional warranty.
Delaying Repair Issues
Part of keeping your warranty active on your HVAC system is taking care of repair issues when they crop up. The rule of what a reasonable person would do applies to decisions about warranty coverage. For example, if an HVAC system is starting to screech or smell like fire, a reasonable person would turn it off and call in a repair professional. If you continue to run the system and more components become damaged due to the original issue, all the necessary repairs may not be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty.
Outstanding HVAC Service Expert
AC by J is your outstanding HVAC service expert for the Scottsdale area. We will provide a thorough tune-up of your system that will ensure your warranty is kept valid. We also provide top-quality plumbing, cooling, indoor air quality, and geothermal services. Give us a call today to get the help that you need.
