What Does an AC Warranty Cover

What does an AC warranty cover

An air conditioner warranty is a promise from the manufacturer and sometimes the installer that certain defects will be repaired or parts replaced under defined conditions. Understanding what is covered, what is excluded, and what voids a warranty helps you avoid surprise costs and protect your investment. This guide explains typical AC warranty coverage, how labor and parts warranties differ, what maintenance you must document, and how regulations and insurance requirements affect claims.

Types of AC warranties you will encounter

Manufacturer parts warranty

This is the foundation of most air conditioner warranties. A manufacturer parts warranty typically covers failed components caused by manufacturing defects, such as the compressor, condenser fan motor, indoor blower motor, control boards, contactors, capacitors, TXV/expansion devices, coils, and sensors. Coverage lengths often range from 5 to 12 years for residential systems and may be shorter on commercial equipment. Many brands require product registration within a set window (often 60–90 days) to receive the longest term.

What it usually does not cover: filters, belts, drain line cleaning, fuses, breakers, thermostats not supplied with the unit, cosmetic issues, refrigerant loss from non-manufacturer-caused leaks, shipping, and freight. Diagnostic time to find the problem is typically excluded unless a separate labor warranty applies.

Compressor warranty

The compressor is the heart of your system, and many manufacturers list a separate compressor warranty term. If a compressor fails due to a covered defect, the part is replaced. However, the warranty may not include the labor to recover refrigerant, replace the compressor, evacuate, and recharge the system unless you also have labor coverage.

Labor warranty

Labor is not the same as parts coverage. A labor warranty covers the cost of the technician’s time to diagnose and replace covered parts. It may be offered by the installer, through a manufacturer-backed plan, or as a third‑party extended warranty. Terms range from 1 to 10 years. Carefully read what is included: diagnostic fees, trip charges, refrigerant recovery and recharge, brazing, and leak search are often excluded unless specifically listed.

Installation warranty

Your installing contractor may warranty workmanship for a period of time. This protects you against issues caused by improper installation, such as poorly brazed joints or incorrect wiring. Lengths vary by contractor and job type (residential vs. commercial).

Extended warranties and protection plans

Extended plans can add years of labor coverage or upgrade parts protection. Always confirm who administers the plan, how claims are approved, what documentation is required, and whether coverage is transferable to a new owner.

Common exclusions you should know

• Wear items and consumables: filters, belts, UV lamps, batteries.
• Refrigerant: Some plans cover a limited amount; many exclude it unless a factory defect is proven.
• Improper installation or sizing: Systems not installed to code, without permits, or without proper load calculations may be denied.
• Lack of maintenance: Skipping annual service, blocked coils, or dirty filters can void coverage.
• Power issues and surges: Electrical damage from lightning or unstable power is typically excluded.
• Acts of God: Floods, fires, earthquakes, or storm debris are insurance matters, not warranty.
• Unauthorized repairs or DIY: Unlicensed work, especially on refrigerant circuits, can void the warranty and may be unsafe.
• Non-original parts: Using parts not approved by the manufacturer can nullify coverage.

Maintenance requirements that protect your warranty

Most manufacturers require proof of routine maintenance by a qualified professional. Keep detailed invoices showing coil cleaning, drain line service, electrical checks, refrigerant performance checks, filter replacement, and thermostat calibration. Document filter changes in between visits. Maintain clearances around outdoor units and prevent obstruction by vegetation or structures. If you have a heat pump, ensure defrost functions and reversing valve operation are inspected seasonally.

Mini-splits and heat pump warranty specifics

Mini-split systems and heat pumps often carry similar parts coverage but can have unique terms for inverter boards, communication wiring, and outdoor coils. Improper line set sizing, overlength runs without factory-approved accessories, or non-vacuumed installations commonly lead to denials. With SEER2-era equipment, commissioning data (line set length, micron level, subcool/superheat) may be required in a claim. As with conventional systems, labor is usually separate.

Commercial vs. residential coverage

Commercial AC equipment typically has shorter parts terms and rarely includes labor by default. Operating conditions, runtime, and controls are more complex, and documentation standards are stricter. Keep BMS logs, maintenance records, and commissioning reports to support any claim.

Insurance and code: why DIY can be costly

Many homeowner and commercial insurance policies expect HVAC work to be performed by a licensed, insured, and qualified specialist. Unpermitted installations, unlicensed refrigerant handling, or non-compliant electrical work can jeopardize both warranty and insurance coverage. Refrigerant work requires EPA 608 certification in the U.S. Beyond legal exposure, improper repairs can be hazardous, from electrical shock risks to refrigerant frostbite or structure damage from leaks. When in doubt, document the issue and consult a qualified professional—insurers and manufacturers often require it.

How to keep your AC warranty valid

1. Register the equipment within the manufacturer’s deadline and keep the proof.
2. Ensure permitted, code-compliant installation (Manual J/S/D, Title 24 where applicable).
3. Retain all invoices, commissioning data, and maintenance records.
4. Use approved parts and follow manufacturer procedures.
5. Avoid DIY repairs and unlicensed refrigerant work.
6. Schedule seasonal maintenance and record filter changes.
7. Confirm whether labor coverage is included or purchase an extended plan if desired.

Our background and mission

#1 AC Guys is a family-owned HVAC team serving Los Angeles County and nearby areas, including Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County. Our fourth-generation family of engineers brings 80+ years of engineering experience to residential and commercial projects, especially large and complex designs. Our mission is healthy air at home for a healthy life.

Our engineers have been factory-trained at Fujitsu (Japan), Mitsubishi Elektrik (Thailand), Midea (China), Gree (China), and Hier (China). This experience supports proper installation, commissioning, and documentation that help protect manufacturer warranty eligibility and long-term performance.

Service area highlights include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Anaheim, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Riverside, Corona, Temecula, and Murrieta.

Quick answers to common warranty questions

• Is refrigerant covered? Sometimes partially, often not, unless a factory defect is documented.
• Are thermostats covered? Only if supplied with the system and registered under the same warranty.
• Does ductwork fall under the AC warranty? Typically no; duct repairs are separate unless specified.
• Is the warranty transferable? Many are, but you must file transfer paperwork within the stated window.
• Will a surge protector help? It may reduce risk but does not guarantee coverage; keep proof of surge protection and maintenance.

Warranty claim checklist

1. Gather model and serial numbers, registration confirmation, and installation permit details.
2. Collect maintenance logs, invoices, and commissioning reports.
3. Document the symptom with dates, error codes, and photos if safe to do so.
4. Confirm whether you have labor coverage and any trip or diagnostic fees.
5. Submit proof promptly—late claims can be denied.

Understanding what an AC warranty covers—and what it does not—lets you plan realistically for parts, labor, and maintenance. With proper documentation, code-compliant installation, and qualified service, you will maximize the value of your air conditioner’s manufacturer warranty and any labor or extended plans you choose.