# HVAC Systems: What Homeowners Must Know

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/hvac-systems-what-homeowners-must-know/
- Published: 2015-05-29T12:24:28-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## HVAC Systems: What Consumers Should Know About Warranties

Let’s talk HVAC Systems. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are between 
2.5 million and 3 million residential furnaces and air conditioning units that fail
every year. HVAC systems, as a whole, can include these units and more. Some of 
the systems have functioned perfectly for decades. However, historic performance
isn’t indicative of the future.
[⌊image⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/wpid-wp-1432903087580.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1)

Many homeowners don’t know how to contact their HVAC manufacturer or a warranty 
company when something breaks. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re 
not trapped in a hot house or left out in the cold. Proper understanding of HVAC
systems warranties can make a significant difference.

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### When The HVAC Systems Fail In The First Year

Most manufacturers will cover parts and labor in the first year. A dealer for a 
particular manufacturer should also honor the manufacturer’s warranty. However, 
don’t expect them to check or verify it for you when it comes to your HVAC systems.

Sometimes the contractor charges a warranty processing fee. This happens even when
the replacement parts are covered under warranty. The fee is added on top of the
labor costs to fix the problem.

Of course, you should not accept this if your warranty covers everything. These 
fees are not standard in the industry. They are usually negotiable. If you can, 
look for another company that does not charge a processing fee.

### HVAC Products

If you’re having problems with these [HVAC products](https://web.archive.org/web/20180101141858/http://aircontrolheatingandcooling.com:80/),
it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you rely on them for your home
comfort throughout the changing seasons. In such cases, it’s important to know that
the dealer has a generous warranty and service option available to alleviate some
of that stress. This kind of coverage is invaluable, as it ensures that you can 
get necessary repairs without incurring substantial costs. However, it’s worth noting
that not all dealers are like this though; some may offer limited support or warranties
that do not meet your needs, leaving you without the assistance you require during
critical times. It’s essential to do your research and choose a dealer who prioritizes
customer satisfaction and offers robust service agreements.

Some dealers bill a flat fee for the appointment, instead of charging a fee for 
time and materials. This method can often simplify the payment process for customers,
as it allows them to know the total cost upfront without worrying about additional
charges that may arise during service. Moreover, a flat fee structure can encourage
transparency and trust, as clients feel assured that they won’t be surprised by 
hidden costs. Additionally, this approach can benefit dealers by streamlining their
billing practices and improving cash flow, as predictable income can help them manage
their resources more effectively when servicing HVAC systems.

Ideally, what you’re looking for is a situation where warrantied parts are subtracted
from the total bill.

### When You Should Consider Getting a Second Opinion on your HVAC System

If you’ve had several service calls and the issue still isn’t fixed, it may be time
for a second opinion. Be careful, though. Some dealers void the warranty if outside
labor does the work. At the very least, you will pay the new contractor’s labor 
costs for your HVAC systems repairs.

Before you hire a third party, it is crucial to take the time to consult with the
manufacturer’s technical field assistant or representative. These professionals 
possess in-depth product knowledge. They can provide valuable insights to help you
make an informed decision about how to proceed. They can guide you on best practices,
potential challenges, and specific qualifications to look for in a third-party service
provider. Additionally, leveraging their expertise can help ensure that any work
conducted aligns with the manufacturer’s standards. This ultimately safeguards your
investment and enhances the outcomes of your project.

### Escalating A Problem

If you’re experiencing multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, and the HVAC unit 
is fairly new, you might want to consider taking your problem directly to the manufacturer
for resolution.

If you are polite, civil, but “squeaky,” you may find that the manufacturer is willing
to replace your system with a brand new one.

### Warranties On HVAC Systems

Usually, a warranty covers manufacturing defects and, within the first year, even
parts and labor. Outside of this initial warranty period, nothing is covered unless
you [buy an extended warranty](https://web.archive.org/web/20180207121251/https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/12/19/when-you-should-and-shouldnt-buy-an-extended-warranty).
The extended warranties for HVAC units often provide very generous coverage.

They include parts and some labor, minus a service fee. This fee can surprise homeowners
who lack knowledge about their warranty terms. Warranties for HVAC Systems exist
because coverage is often cheaper than fixing or replacing an HVAC system out of
pocket. This coverage saves owners from significant financial burdens. Unexpected
breakdowns can happen at any time, especially during extreme weather. Securing a
warranty ensures peace of mind and protects investments. Regular maintenance and
timely repairs extend HVAC lifespan. This approach results in lower costs and increased
comfort in living spaces. Additionally, warranties lead to quicker responses from
service technicians. They know the systems covered under warranty agreements. This
familiarity allows for more efficient service and minimizes the inconvenience of
a broken HVAC system when it’s most needed.

Stella D. McMaster specializes in air quality and enjoys writing about her experiences
in the field. She posts her articles on many homeowner and DIY sites.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
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