HVAC Manufacturer Warranties: What They Cover and How to Keep Them
Last updated Reviewed by Waseem Shahzad, Lead Technician
New heating and cooling equipment comes with a manufacturer warranty, but the coverage you actually get often depends on registering the equipment on time and keeping it maintained. This page covers the manufacturers on our brands page.
What does a manufacturer warranty usually cover?
A residential HVAC manufacturer warranty usually covers replacement parts that fail because of a defect in materials or workmanship, for a set number of years from installation. Compressors and heat exchangers often have their own terms. Labor to diagnose and replace the part is usually not included.
- Parts: commonly a base term, longer when the product is registered.
- Major components: compressors, heat exchangers and coils may carry separate or longer terms.
- Unit replacement: some premium models include it for a limited period; most do not.
- Labor: generally excluded unless the certificate or a separate plan says otherwise.
How long do you have to register new equipment?
It depends on the manufacturer, and missing the deadline usually shortens the coverage. Several brands we install ask for registration within 60 days of installation, Carrier allows 90 days, and others print the deadline on the model's warranty certificate. Register as soon as the system is in.
- Trane: Trane says registering within 60 days of installation moves the product to its Registered Limited Warranty, typically 10 years on parts; unregistered products fall back to the base warranty, typically 5 years. Coverage is for parts, not the labor to replace them.
- Carrier: Carrier asks owners to register within 90 days of installation and choose a coverage option at that time; if the window is missed, the standard 5-year parts warranty applies. Some options depend on the installer taking part in Carrier’s program.
- Fujitsu: Fujitsu’s ductless warranty documents require online registration within 60 days of installation for the full parts and compressor term, and expect installation by a licensed contractor.
- Rheem: Rheem lists 10-year conditional parts coverage on many residential models with registration required. The exact registration window and terms are on the warranty certificate for your model.
- Goodman and Daikin: Goodman and Daikin warranty documents describe an additional registered term, up to 10 years on parts, for registered original owners. Check your certificate for the registration deadline.
- Bosch, York, Aprilaire and A. O. Smith: Each publishes its own certificate with parts terms and registration rules by product. Look up your model number on the manufacturer’s site, or ask us and we will find it.
Terms change by model and installation date. Your model's warranty certificate on the manufacturer's site is the final word.
What can void an HVAC warranty?
The usual causes are a missed registration, installation that does not follow the manufacturer's instructions, no maintenance records, and damage that is not a manufacturing defect. Mismatched indoor and outdoor units, wrong refrigerant or non-approved parts can also take a claim off the table.
- Not registered, or registered after the deadline, so only the base term applies.
- Improper installation: wrong sizing or matching, poor drainage, incorrect refrigerant charge, or work not done to the instructions and local code.
- No maintenance: failures traced to dirty coils, clogged filters or neglect, especially with no service records.
- Outside damage: flooding, storm surge, power surges, freezing, pests and physical damage are typically excluded.
- Non-approved parts or refrigerant, or repairs by someone not qualified to make them.
We go deeper in why your HVAC warranty might already be void.
Why do maintenance records matter for a claim?
When a covered part fails, the manufacturer may ask whether the system was maintained. Dated service records showing coil cleaning, filter changes and checks give you proof. On Long Island, salt air near the shore and humid summers make regular maintenance part of keeping coverage intact.
A K2 maintenance plan books a heating and a cooling visit each year and keeps a record of what was checked. Hold on to your installation paperwork and model and serial numbers as well.
How does K2 help with warranties?
After an installation we send the warranty information for the new equipment and can help you register it. When a part fails, we look up the coverage by model and serial number, and if the part is covered, we arrange it through the manufacturer's process and tell you what labor applies before the repair.
We have done covered-part repairs such as a compressor replacement on an existing system, and we help new owners get their equipment registered. Ask about warranty status when you call, and have the model and serial numbers handy if you can.
What does K2 workmanship coverage include?
K2 installs and services equipment made by other companies, so the equipment itself is covered by its manufacturer's warranty. Our own work is separate: if a problem traces back to how we installed or repaired something, call or text us and we will come back, check it and correct our work.
- What it covers: problems caused by K2's own installation or repair work, such as a connection, fitting or setting we made.
- What it does not cover: damage from misuse, power surges, flooding or storms, lack of maintenance, work done by others, or equipment K2 did not supply or install. Failed parts are handled under the manufacturer's warranty.
- Which terms apply: the coverage for your job is confirmed on your estimate or invoice. Ask us before the work starts, and keep your paperwork.
- How to claim: call or text (631) 414-7141 and tell us what the system is doing.
Warranty questions
Does a manufacturer warranty cover labor?
Usually not. Most residential HVAC warranties cover replacement parts that fail from a manufacturing defect. The labor to diagnose and install the part is normally billed separately unless the manufacturer’s certificate or a separate plan says otherwise.
How do I find out if my equipment is still under warranty?
Find the model and serial number on the unit’s data plate and enter them in the manufacturer’s warranty lookup, or send them to us. The lookup shows the install or registration date and the coverage that applies.
Does a warranty transfer if I buy a house?
Sometimes. Some registered terms apply only to the original owner, and some brands allow a transfer, occasionally for a fee. The certificate for that model says which, so check before you rely on it.
Can skipping maintenance void my warranty?
It can. Many manufacturers exclude failures caused by lack of maintenance, dirty coils or filters, or improper service, and may ask for proof that the system was maintained. Keeping service records protects you if you ever need to make a claim.
Not sure what your warranty covers?
Send us the model and serial number or call us, and we will look it up.
(631) 414-7141