When you purchase a new HVAC system, you receive a warranty that covers certain repairs, replacement of major parts, guarantee of faulty equipment, and more. What you may not realize is that it’s possible to void an HVAC warranty, even if you do so inadvertently.
For this reason, it’s important to read over the warranty thoroughly and follow all requirements. If you neglect to do so, you may find yourself responsible for costly repairs or system replacement that otherwise would have been covered by the warranty.
There are five primary mistakes that can void an HVAC warranty.
Failure to Register the Warranty
Whenever you purchase a product, the exciting part is getting it back home and firing it up. The last thing anyone wants to do is fill out paperwork. So many of us have a tendency to set the paperwork aside and forget about it, even if filling out the warranty can be done online.
Unfortunately, not registering the warranty can create a headache down the road. In some cases, it could void the warranty altogether. And even if it doesn’t, retrieving the information at a later date and getting it registered at the time your system needs repair may not only be bothersome but may delay maintenance.
Using Off-Brand Replacement Parts
Manufacturers almost always suggest using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts in their equipment. Those parts have been thoroughly tested for compatibility and functionality. Although most third-party products are perfectly safe to use, there’s no guarantee they’ll work properly and won’t cause problems with the system. Using off-brand replacement parts will often void an HVAC warranty, leaving you out in the cold if anything that’s covered by the warranty goes wrong.
Improper HVAC System Installation
If your HVAC system isn’t properly installed, it could face a number of problems throughout its life. Warranties stipulate that installation must be done correctly otherwise the warranty is void. The manufacturer can’t be held accountable for problems that stem from improper installation. To make sure the new equipment remains covered by the warranty, always hire a professional HVAC contractor who is well-versed in your specific equipment.
Lack of Annual Maintenance
You’ve probably read how important annual maintenance is for an HVAC system. Hiring a well-trained technician to give your system a tune-up a couple times a year will not only improve its overall efficiency and save money in energy usage, but it will also prolong its operating life. Plus, you could catch a problem with the unit before it becomes something big and costly.
Warranties usually insist on annual maintenance of the HVAC system to help prevent the manufacturer from making covered repairs or replacement that could easily have been avoided with regular visits by a professional. If you neglect to have this maintenance done, the warranty is likely to be void.
Failure to Provide Documentation of Regular Maintenance
Keep every document that concerns the purchase or service of equipment used in the home, and store all such documents in the same location such as a file drawer or box. Although this may seem like a no-brainer, you may be surprised at how many homeowners have to scramble to find documentation when a problem crops up.
When the time comes to call the warranty provider for service, you’ll likely need documentation to prove that you’ve been getting your system maintenance on a regular basis. It’s likely your contractor will keep documentation on file in case you need it, but it’s best not to concern them unless it’s absolutely necessary.
For more expert advice on how you might inadvertently void an HVAC warranty, or if you have any questions related to home comfort, please contact the professionals at Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Ocala and the surrounding areas, including the Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, and Marion County for more than 25 years.
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