A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is a major investment for homeowners. Sweltering summers and cooler winter nights in the Gilbert, AZ area make it critical to have a working HVAC.
Understanding the HVAC warranty can help you to ensure you can protect this investment. The warranty can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong because of the HVAC working so hard in this harsh climate.
Three Types of HVAC Warranties
There are three distinct warranties that you should understand if you need work done on your HVAC. The coverage may seem overlapping, but each one has a specific purpose.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty goes into effect when you purchase the system. Typically, it’s only valid if the system is installed by a licensed professional. This warranty covers defective parts, and it will usually last 5 to 10 years.
If a key component of the HVAC system fails, you likely won’t have to pay for the replacement part. This means that more expensive components, such as the compressor or coils, could be covered if they fail due to a factory defect.
Extended Warranty
You may have the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty for the HVAC system. This may allow you to have the unit covered for up to 10 to 12 years. The extended warranty covers parts and repairs once the manufacturer’s standard warranty expires.
Before you purchase an extended warranty, be sure to review the terms. In many cases, there are significant exclusions. As an Arizona homeowner, you need to check for exclusions due to excessive dust exposure.
Labor Warranty
The HVAC installer may provide a labor warranty. It covers the costs of labor if anything in the HVAC needs repair or replacement. These warranties are often shorter than manufacturer’s or extended warranties. Even though these warranties are typically one to three years, they can provide significant peace of mind during that period.
What’s Covered by a Warranty?
Reviewing the written warranty can help you to determine exactly what it covers. Major components are typically covered, which is beneficial since they are usually expensive. Some manufacturer’s warranties will cover the cost of refrigerant, but others will require you to pay for a refrigerant recharge.
In most cases, routine maintenance and filters aren’t covered by warranties. Any issues that are caused by user error, poor maintenance, and improper installation likely aren’t covered.
How Can You Keep the Warranty Valid?
You must register the warranty for the HVAC after installation. Most companies give you up to 60, possibly 90 days to do this. If you don’t register the system, the coverage may not be valid if you need it. Some companies reduce the coverage if you don’t register the warranty.
Because HVAC systems are heavily used in this state, proper maintenance is critical to keep the warranty valid. You should keep a record of the preventative maintenance and any other work that’s done on the system. This includes annual inspections by a certified HVAC professional.
Everything that’s done on the system should be handled by a certified professional. Allowing anyone else to work on the system could void the entire warranty.
How Can You Make a Warranty Claim?
The warranties you have on the unit should have specific steps to take. This could include contacting the manufacturer or installer. The process will usually involve an inspection to determine if the issue is covered. Once that’s done, you’ll find out if you’re responsible for any fees or costs for the claim.
Contact Hicken Air for HVAC Services
Our team at Hicken Air in Gilbert, AZ can assist homeowners with duct cleaning and everything related to heating and air. This includes new AC installation, regular maintenance, and repair services. We also handle indoor air quality testing and whole-home air purification.
Contact Hicken Air today to schedule an appointment for heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services in Gilbert.
971 N Gilbert Rd, Suite #203