HVAC Warranties Explained: What's Covered and What's Not

Manufacturer parts vs. labor warranties, registration deadlines, and the fine print that voids coverage.

HVAC warranties have three components — manufacturer parts, manufacturer compressor (often longer), and contractor labor — and they don't overlap the way most homeowners assume. Knowing the structure prevents nasty surprises when something fails in year 7.

The three layers

Manufacturer parts warranty: typically 10 years, but ONLY if you register the unit within 60-90 days of install. Unregistered units fall back to a 5-year warranty.

Compressor warranty: usually 10-12 years, sometimes longer on premium lines. Critical because compressor replacement is the most expensive single repair on an AC.

Labor warranty: from the contractor, not the manufacturer. Industry standard is 1 year. Some installers offer 2-10 year labor as a premium add-on — worth considering for expensive systems.

What voids coverage

Improper sizing, missing annual maintenance, using non-OEM refrigerant, mismatched indoor/outdoor units (no AHRI match), and DIY repairs all commonly void manufacturer warranties.

Keep your install paperwork, registration confirmation, and annual maintenance records together. You'll need them all if you ever file a claim.

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