WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR HOME’S AC WARRANTY
When looking at buying a new
air conditioning unit, there are a lot of criteria to consider for quality and
functionality. Whatever make or model you choose, it is important to have a
good warranty behind it. Air conditioners can be expensive to fix, and if you
are stuck with a short warranty, you will be responsible for any regular
maintenance that is required during the life of your unit.
Types of Warranties
There are two types of warranties involved in units that require installation: a manufacturer’s warranty and an installation warranty.
There are two types of warranties involved in units that require installation: a manufacturer’s warranty and an installation warranty.
A
manufacturer’s warranty guarantees the product as delivered to the installer.
If you are installing it yourself, make sure to explicitly follow the
instructions from the manufacturer. If it is damaged as a result of
installation, the fault lies with the installer, and manufacturers will not
cover the cost of a new product. Some manufacturers will have a clause
concerning do-it-yourself installations that talk about what is covered. If you
are going the DIY route, be careful to know exactly what the manufacturer’s
warranty states in cases of damages.
This
is where installation warranties come into play. If you prefer to use a
professional third-party installer, be sure to ask for an installation
warranty. This would cover any damages to the product during installation, and
the installer would then be held responsible for the payment of repairs or new
product. Professionals will also be familiar with the limits of the
manufacturer’s warranties, and will design their own warranties to cover or not
cover specific details. For example, CJS Heating & Air offers a 10-year
labor and parts warranty. This means that they guarantee that the product will
be installed correctly.
What to Look Out For
Avoid
buying an air conditioning unit that has a short or limited warranty from the
manufacturer. If the product is high quality, its manufacturer will stand
behind it. The same goes for installation warranties. Avoid any professional
installers who do not have a strong warranty that includes labor and parts. If
they do not stand behind their service, they are scared to guarantee that the
job will be done right since the cost will fall to them. Last, when you install
a new system protect your investment by making sure the contractor is pulling
the required permits to complete the work. This will likely not affect your
warranty but is an important piece that ensures the system is installed
properly. A third party city inspector will check over the system
to make sure it is up to the exceeding standards. It is important that an unbiased
party verify the quality of work performed.
Codey Bodine
Codey Bodine