Annual AC Maintenance: The Essential Step for Warranty Registration and Protection

Warranties can be very frustrating and confusing. Homeowners expect them to be a safety net, covering all costs should something go wrong. If they are not thoroughly understood, the expectations might be far different than reality. Here are some vital bits of information that can help homeowners better understand warranties, how they relate to AC maintenance, what they do, and what they do not do.

Manufacturer’s Warranties

A warranty is a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser by the manufacturer, promising to repair or replace the object if necessary; the warranty is usually limited to a specified period. To understand the promise, it is necessary to read the promise and abide by the AC maintenance stipulations of the warranty.

The Critical Link Between AC Maintenance and Manufacturer Warranties

Each manufacturer’s warranty will be different and specific. Do not assume anything, since only what is written is relevant, should the warranty be invoked.

• Expect the warranty to cover the cost of parts only, not the labor to install parts. The time limitation for part replacement will vary from 1 to 10 years. Some warranties will offer an extended warranty period for expensive components, such as the air conditioner compressor or a furnace heat exchanger.
• Any warranty that covers labor will be offered by the installation contractor. The manufacturer does not install the system, so they will not be responsible for the installation. Such a warranty will also be written and cover a limited period.
• Do not expect the manufacturer’s warranty to cover the shipping for the parts or the cost of installation.

How Scheduled AC Maintenance Upholds Your System’s Warranty

To ensure a warranty remains intact, read the warranty. Some of the most common AC maintenance warranty requirements include:

1. Register your warranty. Do not assume that the warranty is in place immediately after installation. The manufacturer may offer online or mail-in registration. Without registration, the manufacturer will not have a record of your purchase.
   
   If the installation contractor offers an additional warranty, make sure to read and register any installation warranty.

1. Proper installation. Installing a heating/air conditioning system requires professional training and equipment, and not a do-it-yourself project. Improper installation will nullify the warranty, since problems can develop later from loose-fitting connections. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for improper installation.
2. Ignoring needed repairs. If the equipment is damaged and the homeowner knows and does not make repairs, the warranty is voided.
3. Installing proper replacement parts. The warranty requires that any replacement parts be original equipment rather than aftermarket parts. Improper equipment will void the warranty. Do-it-yourself repairs will also usually void the warranty.
4. Scheduling annual AC maintenance. Furnaces and air conditioners require preventative AC maintenance, cleaning, and testing to function properly. Skipping maintenance and quarterly air filter changes puts stress on the equipment, making it work harder, and shortens the useful lifespan of the system. It is in the manufacturer’s best interest to encourage proper care and AC maintenance of their equipment to ensure the system will last as long as possible. Read the warranty to know the consequences of ignoring regular AC maintenance.
   
   Read any installation warranty as well. The installer is just as invested in the longevity of your heating and air conditioning system. Ignoring AC maintenance is likely to void any warranty with the installation contractor as well.

1. Keep good records. Neither the manufacturer nor the installation contractor is responsible for saving receipts of maintenance or repairs made on the system; this is the homeowner’s responsibility. Make sure to keep them as long as the system is in use. This will also aid in information gathering required to know when the system needs to be replaced.

Why Consistent AC Maintenance is Your Best Defense

Don’t let a lapse in service void your valuable manufacturer and installation warranties, leaving you exposed to costly repairs later. Regular, professional AC maintenance is often a non-negotiable requirement written into your contract to ensure the system’s longevity. Doctor Cool provides the certified annual preventative care and detailed records necessary to keep your warranty in good standing. Protect your investment and your peace of mind by scheduling your essential maintenance today. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat at 281-516-5966 now to book your AC maintenance appointment and secure your warranty coverage.