Understanding HVAC Warranties: Parts vs. Labor

“It’s under warranty” is a common assumption when something goes wrong with newer HVAC equipment, but warranties are more nuanced than that phrase suggests. Here’s how they actually break down.

Two Separate Warranties

Manufacturer’s Parts Warranty

This covers the equipment itself — typically the compressor, heat exchanger, and other major components — for a set period, often 5-10 years depending on the manufacturer and whether the equipment was registered after installation.

Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty

This covers the labor and installation quality, separate from the equipment itself. If a part fails due to an installation error rather than a manufacturing defect, this is the warranty that applies — and it comes from whoever installed the system, not the manufacturer.

What Parts Warranties Typically Don’t Cover

• Labor to diagnose and replace the failed part (unless specifically included)
• Damage from lack of maintenance — many manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid
• Improper installation — this is where the workmanship warranty comes in instead
• Normal wear items like filters and some smaller components

Why Registration Matters

Many manufacturers offer an extended warranty period if you register the equipment within a set window (often 60-90 days) after installation. Skipping this step can mean a shorter default warranty period than what was actually available.

Keep Your Maintenance Records

Since many manufacturer warranties require proof of regular maintenance to remain valid, keeping records of your annual tune-ups isn’t just good practice — it can be the difference between a covered repair and an out-of-pocket one if a claim is ever needed.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy

• What does the manufacturer’s parts warranty cover, and for how long?
• Is registration required, and will the installer handle it?
• What’s the workmanship warranty on the installation itself?
• Does the warranty require documented annual maintenance to stay valid?

Our Approach

We register new equipment on your behalf when applicable and explain exactly what’s covered — both the manufacturer’s parts warranty and our own workmanship warranty — in writing before installation.

Questions about a warranty on your system? Ask us — we’ll help you understand what’s actually covered.