Few home issues are as uncomfortable as when your HVAC system fails. It often occurs during extreme weather and is costly to repair. The average cost of installing a new hvac system, and air conditioning system is between $5,000 and $15,000.
Since a new system is such a large expense, it makes sense to have warranty coverage for unanticipated repairs or replacements. You may wonder which HVAC warranty is best — the manufacturer’s warranty or a home warranty.
A home warranty is a contractual agreement between a homeowner and a warranty company. You pay a fee, annually or monthly, to cover unexpected repair or replacement costs for major home systems such as your HVAC and air conditioning.
This article examines the different HVAC warranty options available to you. I’ll discuss manufacturer’s warranties, including equipment warranties, labor warranties, extended warranties, and home warranties with HVAC system coverage.
What to Look for in a HVAC Manufacturer Warranty
When you purchase an HVAC system from a manufacturer, it comes with a standard warranty (also called a limited warranty). A standard HVAC warranty should clearly outline the following:
- Length of coverage — The duration period is how long the HVAC warranty lasts. The warranty period may be different for different parts or models. Standard coverage lengths are one year, five years, 20 years, or a lifetime.
- Start date — The installation date usually marks the beginning of manufacturer warranty coverage.
- What equipment is covered — Protected parts and components include items such as thermostats and air handlers.
- Exclusions — System parts may be part of the exclusions.
- Conditions of use — Certain circumstances or events may void your warranty.
- Warranty registration — The manufacturer will provide instructions on how to register the product. Check if there are any additional benefits to product registration.
- How to make a claim — Clear instructions on how to file a warranty claim should be provided.
- Labor costs — Even if your particular repair is covered under the warranty, labor costs or other service fees related to the repair may not be covered. However, an extended warranty may cover labor costs.
What Is a HVAC Warranty
Residential HVAC warranties provide protection to homeowners against potential breakdowns or malfunctions encountered with a HVAC system. Most HVAC companies offer an equipment warranty that lasts five years, but many on the market also offer an extended 10-year warranty if you complete the registration paperwork.
HVAC warranties vary in coverage and type. Manufacturer and extended warranties protect system function for a set period of time and cover defects. However, there are also labor warranties that protect you against paying extra fees if any repairs or replacements didn’t fix the HVAC system correctly. In comparison, a home warranty with HVAC equipment coverage covers the repair and replacement of HVAC systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Types of HVAC Warranties
When looking for a protection plan for your HVAC system, it’s important to know the difference between HVAC warranty types to be adequately protected.
HVAC Manufacturer Warranty
The manufacturer of your HVAC system warranties the equipment with a manufacturer’s warranty. Details of the warranty will vary depending on the provider, but this type of HVAC warranty generally covers manufacturing defects and related repairs. Some HVAC manufacturers with the best warranty coverage are Daikin, Goodman, Amana, Day & Night, KeepRight, Maytag, Heil, and Tempstar.
You can also register the product with the manufacturer and receive additional benefits or an upgraded warranty. Register the product within 60 days of installation to qualify for these additional benefits. Product serial number, model number, installation date, and other essential information will be required to register your HVAC system.
The government regulates manufacturer warranties for consumer protection. Legally, manufacturers can’t require a consumer to register a product to have limited warranty protection. Manufacturers can give consumers incentives for completing product registration.
HVAC Extended Warranty
A HVAC extended warranty is a service contract offered and paid for outside the manufacturer’s warranty. You can purchase one when you buy your HVAC system or sign up for it later. With an extended warranty, your coverage extends beyond the original warranty period.
Purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer is one option, however third-party providers also offer alternative coverage plans.
Homeowners Insurance
While homeowners insurance isn’t a warranty, it’s worth discussing because it protects homeowners in situations that a HVAC warranty may not. For instance, homeowners insurance includes:
- Unforeseeable events, like a fallen tree or lightning strike damaging the HVAC unit
- The cost of a replacement in these situations
Homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear on your HVAC unit from regular use. Homeowners’ insurance also won’t cover the replacement if your unit breaks down simply because it’s old.
Home Warranty
Having a home warranty covering a HVAC system differs from having homeowners insurance. The primary purpose of the home warranty is to cover breakdowns resulting from regular use. Homeowners pay an annual or monthly fee along with a service fee for the coverage. Savings come from not paying the cost of the repair or replacement. Many homeowners find these prices more manageable than the total cost of an unplanned breakdown.
The price of home warranty coverage for heating and air conditioning differs based on the provider and the type of plan you select. Most home warranty companies offer an air conditioning warranty or a heating warranty and rarely list them as one unit. I recommend you thoroughly read your service contract before signing to make sure you have the coverage you need.
What to know about home warranties and HVAC systems:
- Home warranties usually don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
- It’s up to the provider to determine if your HVAC system can be repaired or if it should be replaced.
- The cost of a replacement may be completely covered, or the provider may have a price cap.
- Your contract will list what HVAC system parts are covered and what parts are not.
- Some providers require an inspection to determine the condition of your systems and appliances before coverage begins.
What Voids a HVAC Manufacturer Warranty?
HVAC warranties outline specific terms and conditions regarding covered repairs or replacements. Violating these terms could unknowingly forfeit your warranty benefits.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates these home warranty conditions so that manufacturers can’t get too excessive with limitations. Follow these tips to avoid voiding your HVAC warranty:
- Read your home warranty contract to know what items are covered.
- Register your HVAC system with the manufacturer to receive the benefits of the limited warranty.
- Read the HVAC owner’s manual for proper use and maintenance. Misusing or improperly maintaining the HVAC system can void your warranty. Simple tasks like changing air filters make your system last longer.
- Properly install your HVAC system. Improper installment can void your HVAC warranty.
- Equipment that is not from the original manufacturer can void your limited warranty.
- Keep receipts and all other maintenance records. These can come in handy if a repair is necessary and prove that you have maintained the HVAC system.
HVAC Warranty Comparison
Who has the best HVAC warranty? While most manufacturer warranties share similar lengths and registration periods, some provide broader coverage. Compare these leading manufacturers limited and extended HVAC system warranties.
| Provider | Warranty details | Registration period | Warranty transferability | Extended Warranty |
| American Standard | All American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning S-Series gas furnaces have a Lifetime Registered Limited Warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10 year Registered Limited Warranty on internal functional parts (residential use only). | Products installed on or after May 1, 2009, must be registered within 60 days of the installation date. | The registered limited warranty transfer option is available to purchase products installed on or after August 1, 2011, during the 60-day product registration period or within 90 days of the home sale. | Optional extended warranty available. |
| Goodman Air Conditioning & Heating | 10-year parts limited warranty, lifetime compressor limited warranty, lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty, and 10-year unit replacement limited warranty (on select gas furnaces) | Within 60 days of the installation (or closing) date. | N/A | Optional extended warranty available. |
| Trane | Base Limited Warranty typically covers part replacement costs for five years, while Registered Limited Warranty typically covers part replacement costs for 10 years. | Within 60 days of the installation date. | The base limited warranty is not transferable. | An optional extended warranty is available to cover the cost of parts and labor. |
| Maytag | M1200 Series: 12-year limited parts warranty and dependability promise (M120 models dependability promise is one year). Limited lifetime heat exchanger warranty. 12-year air handlers and coil warranty. | Within 60 days of the installation date. | The base warranty is transferable, but the upgraded registered warranty is not. | Extended labor protection plans are available to cover labor costs. |
Why Choose a Home Warranty for HVAC Coverage
A manufacturer’s warranty may seem like the most convenient option to cover your heating and air conditioning needs. However, a home warranty can be more cost-effective because it covers more systems and appliances than just your HVAC. I recommend purchasing a home warranty from a trustworthy home protection provider.
Convenience
A manufacturer’s HVAC warranty only covers one system, and you have to register your product to get the full benefits. This means all your appliances will have different warranties from different providers. It can be challenging to track which appliances are still under warranty and what the coverage includes.
With a home warranty, you have one contract covering several major systems and appliances throughout your home, including your HVAC system (if you select a plan with that level of coverage).
Coverage
Manufacturer’s HVAC warranties cover defective parts, not damage from regular use. On the other hand, home warranties are designed to protect homeowners from the costs of repairs caused by normal wear and tear.
Most HVAC systems last 10–15 years when they’re correctly maintained. Your system will likely need some repair after over a decade of almost daily use. Common HVAC repairs include:
- Broken compressor fans
- Refrigerant leaks
- Frozen condenser coils
- Drainage issues
- Clogged air filters
Home warranties also provide coverage for older heaters and air conditioners, so your system’s age won’t affect your eligibility for coverage.
HVAC Warranty Cost
On average, home warranties with HVAC coverage cost $50 a month or about $300–$800 a year. In addition, most plans require a service fee per claim, which usually runs between $65 and $125.
Compare these costs to the expenses of HVAC repairs and replacements without home warranty coverage.
| Unit | Repair cost | Replacement cost |
| Air conditioner | $347 | $5,413 |
| Heater | $284 | $4,249 |
If your repair is due to regular wear and tear and falls outside the limited warranty coverage, you will need to cover these costs yourself.
Our HVAC Warranty Recommendation
I recommend Choice Home Warranty as the top pick for HVAC system coverage. This provider offers two home warranty plan options to cover your major systems and appliances. The cost of each plan is low compared to other providers. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, call 888- 373-8045 or go online.
The Total Plan covers your air conditioning and heating system, as well as these systems and appliances:*
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Plumbing stoppage
- Water heater
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Refrigerator
- Oven/range/stove/cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Ductwork
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
You can also purchase optional coverage for septic systems, other items like pools/spas, well pumps, sump pumps, central vacuums, second refrigerators, limited roof leaks, and stand-alone freezers.
Not only do you have access to comprehensive coverage, but you receive the following benefits when you select Choice Home Warranty for your HVAC system coverage:
- No inspection is required for your application to be approved.
- The technicians are local, trained, and pre-screened, so you don’t have to find a quality repairman yourself.
- Customer service is available around the clock, even on holidays.
- You can transfer the warranty for free if you decide to sell your home.
- A sample user agreement is available online, so you know what HVAC parts are included.
- Service fees are limited to $85 (and are sometimes less).
Interview with Kevin Brock, Owner/Founder of HVAC Direct
Which HVAC manufacturer stands out as the best in terms of fewest repairs and longest lifespan?
Goodman is the top choice for top-of-the-line quality in home heating and air conditioning. Their equipment is durable and long-lasting. When you combine that with their affordable prices, I recommend them as a preferred manufacturer for traditional residential ducted heating and cooling.
Which manufacturer has the best warranty?
Goodman has the best warranty, providing 10 years. Although 10 years has become standard in the industry, Goodman consistently stands by their claims, and when issues arise, they always do right by the homeowner. For ductless heating and cooling, the Daikin brand has the absolute best warranty at 12 years for their mini-split systems.
Do you think that manufacturer warranties end up being useful, or do labor fees, installation costs, or other fine print exclusions get in the way?
Manufacturer warranties are helpful for parts and replacements, however, labor is the most significant part of the repair costs.
Does a home warranty significantly benefit a customer in terms of HVAC repairs?
Yes, these warranties prove their worth when the compressor in the air conditioning condenser fails, resulting in significant cost savings.
What are quick tips every homeowner should know?
The best tip is the easiest — change your HVAC system filters at least twice a year. Neglecting this task is the primary cause of air conditioning and furnace malfunctions.
