It’s a hot summer day, and you’re stuck in your house. You’ve been outside for 15 minutes and your body is starting to feel the heat. It feels like you’re going to die from the humidity!
One problem: your air conditioner isn’t working. What do you do? Call an AC repairman or buy a new air conditioner?
If your unit is still under its AC warranty, you might want to contact the manufacturer. But how long should an air conditioning unit warranty be? Read on to learn more about warranties for AC units!
Understanding Warranties
You might think that an air conditioner warranty should be a straightforward thing, but it is somewhat complex. To utilize yours, there are a few terms you need to understand. Let’s dive into those.
Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer warranty comes from the company that made the AC unit. It covers defects in the components, either related to the components themselves or the way they were put together on the assembly line. Typically, manufacturer air conditioning warranties only cover the large system components. This works out for most people since these are the most expensive elements in an AC unit to replace. Just remember to register your purchase with the manufacturer in time (usually with 15-30 days of purchase).
Installer Warranty
This warranty on air conditioning units is offered by the contractor or company that installs your AC. It covers anything related to their workmanship. Not all installers offer warranties, but if yours does not, this is a warning sign that they aren’t all that confident in the quality of their results. We strongly urge you to only work with those who offer warranties on their installation.
Parts Warranty
This is typically offered by the manufacturer. It specifically covers the individual parts of your system. In many cases, the parts warranty lasts longer than the general warranty. Check the terms as they should list out the specific parts covered.
Maintenance Agreement
As part of their warranties, both manufacturers and installers often require that the client perform regular maintenance on their system. If they fail to do so, it can void the warranty.
Extended Warranty
In most cases, when you purchase your AC unit or when you register it, you will be given the option to purchase an extended warranty. This goes beyond the standard timeframe of the basic warranty, often extending it by 5-10 years.
Of course, not needing to use your warranty is best. Keeping your HVAC system in good working order saves money on energy and ensures you meet the terms of the manufacturer and installer. If you’re not sure what that means or where to start, don’t worry!
Our certified technicians are ready and waiting to answer any questions you may have about maintaining your HVAC unit at home. Schedule a consultation with our air conditioning service in Palatine today by calling the office. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
