Typically, air conditioning units are covered under warranty for between 12 and 15 years. This means the manufacturer will pay to fix your AC if it stops working during that time. The warranty only remains in effect if you adhere to its terms and conditions. Sometimes, people do things that can inadvertently void their warranties.
Manufacturer’s warranties don’t always cover labor or installation issues, which means you could get a bill for repairs even if your unit is still under warranty. However, you can avoid surprise expenses when you call for AC service by ensuring you have a thorough understanding of your warranty.
Why Do I Need an AC Warranty?
Ideally, you will never need to use your air conditioner warranty. You can expect a quality AC that is installed correctly to last at least as long as your warranty period. The warranty works like an insurance policy that will protect you in case of a manufacturing defect.
If your AC breaks down during the covered period, the company that made the unit will pay for parts and, sometimes, the labor needed to get it working again. This could save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
It will also allow you to get your house cool again quickly when your AC stops working, which is a significant perk during those hot Nevada summers.
Understanding a Warranty’s Term
A warranty’s “term” is the length of time during which it remains active. Generally, the more extended the warranty, the better the product. You know you’re dealing with a trustworthy manufacturer when they offer longer warranty periods to protect you in case of a product defect.
A long warranty term signifies that the AC manufacturer has faith in their product and is willing to stand behind their quality.
Plus, a longer warranty term is financially beneficial for you, the buyer. Even if the warranty only covers the cost of the part and not the labor, this can be enough to knock a significant amount off the price of a costly repair.
What Is Covered By an AC Warranty?
Warranty terms and conditions are often long and complicated documents with legal speak and an abundance of fine print. As a result, you may be tempted to file the paperwork away without even looking at it. Still, it will benefit you to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the obligations and benefits of your coverage.
A section in the fine print should explain what services are covered and which parts the manufacturer will replace. If a part is not explicitly listed in this section, it is most likely not covered.
Warranties usually only pay for repairs when they are necessary due to a material defect. Therefore, the manufacturer will typically not pay for your repair if your AC breakdown was caused by:
- Pest activity: A squirrel chewing on lines or a bird’s nest that blocks the vents can cause extensive damage.
- Severe weather: Floods or lightning strikes can disable your air conditioning unit.
- Negligence: If you don’t take basic steps to maintain your system, such as changing your filter and getting routine maintenance, your AC could break down prematurely.
How Do I Know If My Warranty Is Still Active?
If you’ve lost the paperwork for the warranty on your air conditioner, there are three pieces of information that can help you determine whether your contract is still active. These are:
- The brand of the unit
- The unit’s model number and serial number
- The distributor of equipment for that particular model in your area
If you know your air conditioner’s manufacturer’s name, you should be able to find your local distributor on the manufacturer’s website. Once you have their contact information, all you need to do is provide them with the serial number and model number, and they should be able to tell you if your warranty is still active.
Our team at Ambient Edge can get almost every part for every make and model of air conditioner out there. So, if you don’t have much luck with your local distributor, give our experts a call. We may have just the part you need.
How Do I Know if My AC Is Still Under Warranty?
What Is an Extended Warranty?
Some manufacturers offer extended warranties that cover their units longer than the typical 15- to 20-year window. However, if you do not remember paying for an extended warranty when you bought your AC unit, you probably do not have one, as these typically come at an additional fee.
If it’s time for you to replace your current AC unit, it may sound like a good idea to purchase an extended warranty. However, this is, in essence, a waste of money when you consider the average air conditioner lasts between 10 and 15 years.
In fact, we recommend replacing your air conditioner around the 10-year mark, particularly if it starts to suffer more regular breakdowns.
How Can I Keep from Voiding My AC Warranty?
People void their warranties all the time, sometimes by accident and sometimes through negligence. Here are some ways to ensure you don’t void your warranty on your air conditioning unit.
- Register your air conditioner and warranty with the manufacturer within the specified time frame
- Use only those replacement parts approved by the warranty
- Schedule annual maintenance for your system
- Keep and provide all service receipts and related paperwork for any maintenance service you receive
- Only hire a certified, licensed contractor to both install and make repairs to your unit
Is Your AC Covered Under Warranty and in Need of a Repair by a Licensed Professional? Call Ambient Edge!
At Ambient Edge, we would never do anything to put your warranty in jeopardy. We check your warranty before performing any work, and we ensure that all parts we utilize are following the terms of the contract as well.
We are available when you need us, 24/7, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all parts and labor. Plus, if you need to sign up for a preventative maintenance contract, we can help with that, too.
Contact us today, and let Ambient Edge handle all your air conditioning-related concerns. With decades of experience in this business, we are proud to provide you with top-level service so that you never have to worry about your warranty or your air conditioning unit again!
