Most air conditioners have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Your AC compressor is likely still covered if your system is younger than that. The warranty should cover the cost if your AC is otherwise in working order and likely to last a few more years. However, you'll still pay your HVAC contractor for labor.
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.
Most home warranties cover the components of a central air conditioning system and a heating system, like forced air (gas, electric or oil), wall heaters and more. This is excellent news because having a home warranty plan can save yourself a lot of stress and aggravation while saving money.
All car manufacturers' warranties include the air conditioning system. However, warranties differ somewhat in what they cover. Warranties also differ in what they do not cover, and for how long they cover different parts and components.
If your HVAC system is newer than five years old, it's likely that you still have an active warranty on it. The easiest way to confirm this is by inputting the unit's model and serial number on the manufacturer's website. Each HVAC system comes equipped with a data plaque housing the essential model and serial numbers.
What Warranty Limits Are Common. Most air conditioners will be covered by a 10-year limited parts warranty, with specific components having an extended coverage period—sometimes a lifetime warranty.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
When contractors install a new HVAC system it typically comes with a 10 year parts warranty from the manufacturer that covers the replacement of parts if they fail within that time frame. The manufacturer's warranty does not cover the labor associated with making those repairs.
Damaging the Unit
Warranties are in place to cover repairs when your HVAC unit malfunctions prematurely. If you cause any type of damage to the system, whether it's accidental negligence or on purpose, you may void the warranty.
According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.
In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course.
Your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units may be covered by homeowners insurance if the damage was caused by a covered peril. Dwelling coverage on your homeowners policy may pay to repair the damage, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.
Parts Coverage: Most warranties cover the blower motor and related components. Labor Coverage: Some warranties may include labor costs for repairs or replacements, but this is rare. Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, improper installation, and lack of maintenance are usually not covered.
An HVAC Warranty Doesn't Cover Weather-Related Damage
If your air conditioner was flooded in a storm, got pelted by hail, zapped by lightning or a power surge, or smashed by a falling tree or other debris, the warranty will not apply.
Generally, an initial HVAC service call costs between $100 to $250—but that's just for your contractor's assessment. On the follow-up, the tech will either charge a flat fee for specific repairs (which includes the parts and labor) or $100 to $250 per hour on top of the cost of parts.
Typically, new car warranties don't involve deductibles, keeping the process simple. They usually cover the cost of both the replacement part and the labor required to complete the repair. Car warranties last for a certain number of miles or years and expire when you hit the first milestone.
The easiest way to double-check this is to head over to the manufacturer's website and input the serial number for your unit. The information should pop right up. If it doesn't, you may also have accidentally voided the warranty if you failed to register your machine when you had it installed.
Most air conditioners have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Your AC compressor is likely still covered if your system is younger than that. The warranty should cover the cost if your AC is otherwise in working order and likely to last a few more years.
The cost of replacing an HVAC system typically ranges from $6,224 to $11,434. This HVAC replacement cost depends on your home's size, the system type, and installation requirements. The estimate includes both a central air conditioning unit and a gas furnace, along with standard labor costs.
A few standard items a home warranty will cover include the following: Your home's HVAC system, which often includes your home's air conditioning unit. Electrical systems, plumbing systems, and water heaters. Major appliances, such as your refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven.
In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover water damage from AC leaks. However, every policy is different and you'll need to check with your insurance agent to be sure you understand what exactly is covered.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.