Because a new furnace or new air conditioner may be used to keep your home comfortable for over 10 years, warranty features are important. While the engineering and technology utilized in today’s HVAC industry is more reliable and efficient than ever, as with any mechanical device, potential problems may occur with the heating and cooling components.
The manufacturer’s warranty that comes with your new unit is written protection against certain expenses incurred within a specific time frame. While warranty features and terms differ according to both the manufacturer’s policies and the circumstances of the malfunction, certain guidelines are standard in the industry. Here are some general warranty features a buyer may encounter.
- Coverage. The time frame of warranty coverage differs according to the specific parts affected. For example, an extended 10-year coverage term for the cost of replacing standard parts that fail is available if the unit is registered with the contractor that sold and installed it. For certain expensive critical components such as the furnace heat exchanger, the AC compressor and coils, coverage may range from 12 years up to 20 years. Depending on the manufacturer, a lifetime warranty on certain costly parts may be available for select models.
- Parts or labour? The standard HVAC manufacturer’s warranty covers the cost of replacement parts only. Charges for labour incurred during the repair of the AC or furnace are generally not covered by the manufacturer. Typically, the homeowner can secure a secondary policy that provides coverage for labour from either the contractor that sold and installed the unit or from a third-party source that offers general home-repair insurance.
- Coverage requirements. Most HVAC manufacturers’ warranties include certain stipulations that may cause coverage to be denied. For example, if the unit has not received regular preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor, the cost of replacing affected parts may not be covered. Also, any work performed on the unit by non-certified persons — including the homeowner — may result in denial of coverage if problems result later.
For more information about HVAC warranty features, talk to the professionals at Arpi’s Industries.
