Buying new air conditioning equipment can be a costly investment. So, many consumers look to purchase products that are accompanied by a warranty. Unfortunately, if you are not careful, you may find yourself frustrated when you realize that your new warranty doesn’t provide the coverage you were expecting. So, here is a brief guide to explain what you can expect from your air conditioning warranty.
Understanding the Scope of Coverage:
The first thing to understand is that every manufacturer has their own set of terms and conditions that will affect the coverage on a warranty. Some warranties only provide coverage for parts that are listed in the terms and conditions. This means that if the specific part you need to replace is not listed, you will need to pay for it as it is not covered. For this reason, many consumers shy away from online retailers and unknown brands. By choosing a reputable company, you increase the possibility that there will be a greater scope of coverage.
Labor Coverage:
Another aspect of air conditioning warranty coverage that often takes consumers by surprise is a lack of labor coverage. While most property owners expect to pay for regular maintenance or installation costs, they are surprised that labor is not covered for repairs on a warranty issue. This tends to be problematic in scenarios where the equipment is bought online. Since installation will be conducted by a third party, you may find yourself caught between the manufacturer and installer if a warranty issue arises. You can mitigate this by choosing a reputable company who can supply and fit your equipment. This usually provides labor coverage, so you don’t get stuck with a hefty bill if a warranty issue needs to be addressed.
The Importance of Reading the Fine Print:
Even if you choose an air conditioner brand that has an excellent reputation, it is still important to read the fine print of the warranty agreement. This is usually detailed in the purchase terms and conditions, so you can ensure that you are happy before you make your purchase. Don’t just tick the box, saying that you have read the terms, but actually take the time to read through this fine print. If you are using a professional HVAC contractor who is supplying and installing your equipment, they should be happy to explain the warranty terms and conditions before you agree to the purchase.
Choose the Right Contractor:
Finally, you need to choose the right contractor for your installation. Many consumers are unaware that they are invalidating their warranty when they use amateurs or unqualified technicians to conduct work on their equipment. Most manufacturers will not honor warranty claims in this type of scenario as it could be argued that the technician has actually caused damage that may have contributed to the fault. Additionally, you should choose a reputable HVAC contractor who can service your equipment regularly to ensure that you comply with the warranty terms of service. This will minimize the risk of a problem occurring and ensure that should a manufacturer issue develop, you will have full warranty coverage.