Don’t get stuck sweating and with a surprise repair bill
HVAC systems are the key to being happy and comfortable in your home, but they’re not cheap. So it’s always a sweet deal when you’re purchasing a new home with an AC that’s new, under warranty, and included in the price.
But none of that matters if the HVAC warranty doesn’t transfer between homeowners. So before you make a bid, find out if the warranty is transferable so you don’t get stuck with a surprise bill.
When you purchase a new home with an existing HVAC system, here’s what you might not know: Its warranty doesn’t automatically transfer over from the seller to you. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t find out that their HVAC warranty didn’t transfer until they need a repair.
And because warranty companies aren’t obligated to honor your warranty if the paperwork isn’t up to date, you can end up having to pay out of pocket for repairs you thought were under warranty.
Even if your HVAC product warranty is transferable, most manufacturers don’t give you the original buyer’s extended warranty. And to get access to the basic warranty—what’s typically offered for warranty transfers—you might need to pay a transfer fee and fill out some paperwork.
Also, depending on your manufacturer, you might have to transfer the warranty within a specified timeframe after purchasing your home. And if you don’t, you might be out of luck when you need that coverage.
If you’re shopping for your dream home and you’re not sure what the manufacturer’s policy is, simply ask the seller for their warranty paperwork. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision on how to proceed with your HVAC system. Or, you can also contact an HVAC service provider near you for guidance to help you determine your next steps.
David Hernandez, HVAC service manager and trainer with Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical in Houston, says manufacturer warranties are separate from parts and labor warranties offered by individual service providers. He urges homeowners to familiarize themselves with their HVAC contractor's specific policies.
By working on your HVAC system or undergoing important repairs on your own, you could void your unit’s warranty. Review your warranty terms carefully before making any DIY repairs.
An HVAC warranty covers specific components and systems of your HVAC equipment, ensuring they will function properly for a certain period.
The exact coverage depends on the manufacturer and the type of warranty you purchase. Most HVAC warranties cover components like the compressor, heat exchanger, blower motor, and other essential system parts. Your warranty contract will outline what is and is not covered in detail. Expect 10 years of coverage for parts due to manufacture defects or standard wear and tear and one year for labor.
It’s also important to note a warranty will share information about what voids it—for instance, not following maintenance requirements like changing air filters and scheduling annual inspections. Deciding to install cheaper parts from a third-party manufacturer or attempting to fix a system yourself are examples of more deal breakers.
Not every HVAC manufacturer has the same product transfer policy; let’s look at some of them below.
Carrier's warranty transfer option permits the passing of the warranty to the subsequent homeowner when a home changes ownership. To activate this transfer, the new homeowner must complete the registration process for the HVAC equipment within 90 days of purchasing the property. It's important to note that the HVAC system must remain in its original installation location to maintain warranty coverage.
Maytag warranties offer the option for transfer from the initial owner to a subsequent owner. However, the second owner will only have access to the unregistered warranty, which includes five years of parts coverage—including the compressor—and 20-year heat exchanger coverage.
To transfer the warranty of a Payne air conditioner system to a new owner, you must submit a formal request, and the original unit and equipment must remain in their initial installation location. Payne provides subsequent homeowners with limited warranty coverage, including five years for parts and the compressor.
Trane warranties are transferable to new homeowners, and the warranty remains attached to the unit regardless of ownership changes. To initiate the warranty transfer, the new homeowner must register the equipment with Trane, pay any applicable transfer fees, and notify Trane of the warranty transfer within 90 days of the home sale.
Having a local HVAC service provider look over and handle your paperwork can give you peace of mind and protection. Plus, certified pros have connections you don’t. They can go to the manufacturer and make sure everything is certified and taken care of for you.
Hernandez says his company and many others help homeowners file the registration paperwork for maximum benefit and give them written verification afterward. "You don't want any surprises five or ten years later by finding out you don't have what you thought when you need it,” he says.
He also adds that no matter where your warranty comes from, it's essential to keep up your annual maintenance or risk voiding the warranty.
"When we make a warranty claim, the first thing manufacturers ask us is if we've been out there to maintain it," Hernandez says. "Lots of customers aren't aware that they can void their warranty this way."
Bry'Ana Arvie contributed to this article.
The standard HVAC warranty is around five years. Still, many brands offer an extension to 10 years if you register the product within a specific timeframe, typically 60 to 90 days post-purchase or HVAC installation. Over the past decade, warranty periods have substantially increased, shifting from 3-5 years in the 90s to the now-prevalent 10+ year warranties. Both warranty types cover parts failing due to manufacturer defects, incurring no additional costs. Some manufacturers provide extended warranties surpassing the usual 15- to 20-year window, though these often involve extra fees.
A convenient method to verify your warranty status is by visiting the manufacturer's website and entering your unit's serial number. The relevant information should promptly appear. However, if it doesn't, there's a possibility that you may have unintentionally voided the warranty by neglecting to register your equipment at the time of installation. If you did register and need help finding the information, you may need to call the manufacturer's customer support team.
Many HVAC manufacturers provide warranties that encompass the cost of a new compressor, with durations ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand. These warranties cover critical components such as the compressor, condenser, connecting tubing, evaporator, and refrigerant charge. Moreover, they often include the necessary labor for replacement or repairs. Keep in mind that premium-brand compressors may offer lifetime warranty options. It's essential to note that these warranties rarely cover labor costs.
