Buying Guide for HVAC Manufacturer Warranty

What To Look For in an HVAC Manufacturer Warranty

​You've done everything you can to take optimum care of your HVAC unit, but it's time to buy a new one. Before you make such a substantial purchase, Next Level HVAC wants to ensure you understand the importance of securing a manufacturer warranty. With insight from an HVAC contractor in Sonoma and Marin County like us, you can help yourself to major savings should something happen to your new unit. Understand what to look for in a warranty.

​Warranty Length Compare warranty terms when deciding which selection to choose. Because a quality HVAC system lasts for decades, you want a warranty that endures as long as possible. Another reason we recommend paying close attention to warranty length is if you later purchase an extended warranty, you know what kind of additional long-term coverage suits you and your unit best.

Covered Components
​Another factor to compare with manufacturer warranties is covered parts. If you later use replacement parts for your heater or air conditioner not made for your HVAC's brand, you may void your warranty. Warranties may not cover compressors and other expensive parts because it's sometimes difficult to differentiate installation negligence from a manufacturer error. Talk with an HVAC technician about a warranty's covered components and which HVAC parts give owners the most trouble. That way, you plan for repairs and replacements to protect your warranty, your investment and your financial health.

Voided Warranty 
Ask what voids the warranties you consider buying. Common examples of actions that release a manufacturer from honoring a warranty include failing to regularly maintain your unit, allowing an unlicensed technician to install equipment and neglecting to register your equipment within a given time frame. You may also void your warranty by forgetting to show proof of annual HVAC maintenance.

Extended Warranty
Touching back on extended warranties, you may want one for your new cooling and heating system. Extended warranties add five to 10 years of supplementary labor or parts coverage on top of a manufacturer's warranty. Be cautious about anyone who pressures you to buy an extended warranty, as it could indicate a low-quality unit.

Labor and Installation Costs
Unfortunately, even if you haven't voided your warranty when you need it, manufacturers only cover the cost of the parts, not the price of labor or installation. Look carefully for language on warranties that show whether you must take care of the price of installation and labor. Even if you do not have to pay for labor or installation, a licensed HVAC technician should handle the work. Warranties don't cover breakdowns owed to shoddy parts installation handled by a low-quality technician.

Installation Warranty 
While it's great to have a manufacturer warranty, it's even better to have added protection from the HVAC contractor who installs your unit. Say that your new HVAC system sustains damage during installation, or the unit could develop problems later because of an installation-related issue. If you have contractor protection, you have one less thing to worry about should either scenario befall you.

The right warranty can protect you from avoidable spending and the headache that often accompanies it. For more information and buying tips for manufacturer warranties, reach out to a Next Level HVAC representative today.