3  Ways to Accidentally Void Your AC Warranty

June 9, 2018

Imagine being hit with a $1,500+ AC repair just 3 months after the installation. Now, imagine having to pay for it out-of-pocket—even though your AC came with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

All because you voided your AC warranty without even realizing it.

Unfortunately, this happens to homeowners more than you’d think. Why?

Well, here’s the bitter truth: AC manufacturers don’t want to pay for your AC repairs (shocker, right?). So they don’t exactly make it easy to keep your AC warranty valid.

Don’t worry, though. We’ll help you avoid this nightmare situation by revealing 3 common ways that homeowners accidentally void their AC warranty.

Mistake #1: Not registering your AC after installation

This is a big one, folks. Most homeowners don’t realize that they have to register their AC with the manufacturer—otherwise the lifespan of their warranty is significantly reduced or worse—their warranty becomes void from the get-go.

And, what’s worse is that manufacturers often give homeowners a specific deadline to complete their registration (often 60–90 days from installation).

And, even when homeowners know they need to register their AC, many still forget to do this. (We don’t blame you—the last thing anyone wants to do after getting a new air conditioner is fill out more paperwork.)

Pro tip: If you’re in the market for a new AC, contact us.

Not only does Total Mechanical Systems offer free estimates and fast installations but we also register all systems we sell to our customers on their behalf.

Mistake #2: Repairing your unit with “off-brand” replacement parts

Manufacturers will automatically void your AC warranty if they know that any single component within your system was replaced with an “off-brand” part.

So what does “off-brand” mean? Well, it means any part that was made by a company other than the original manufacturer (i.e. Mitsubishi, Carrier, etc).

You see, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts reduce the risk of damage to your system since they’re made to function exactly as the part it replaces. The parts are also rigorously tested by the manufacturer.

The downside is that some lower-quality, dishonest techs will repair your AC using off-brand parts because they’re cheaper but they won’t necessarily mention this fact.

Pro tip: If you’re in need of an AC repair and want to keep your AC warranty valid, keep an ear out for any of these terms:

  • “Off-brand”
  • “Non-OEM”
  • “Aftermarket”

If you hear any of these terms from an AC tech (in reference to the replacement parts they’re using for your AC repair), choose another AC contractor who will only use OEM replacement parts.

Mistake #3: Not getting regular maintenance

Skipping that annual $89–$150 dollar maintenance visit might be tempting but resist that urge. Why? Because most AC manufacturers require homeowners to get their AC maintained (and keep record of the maintenance visit) at least once a year—otherwise the AC warranty will become void.

An excerpt from Carrier’s warranty stating that annual AC maintenance and inspection is required to keep a warranty valid.

And the worst part is that skipping AC maintenance makes you even more at risk of an expensive AC repair bill in the near future. You see, quality AC maintenance will inspect the system to catch and correct small AC problems before they become expensive repairs.

Pro tip: Sign up for an AC maintenance “plan”. A maintenance plan (versus a single maintenance visit) gives you more “bang for your buck”.

Usually, these plans offer 2 AC maintenance visits/year, discounted repairs, discounted service calls, etc. in exchange for a low monthly fee. Plus, since you’re already paying for the service, you’re much less likely to skip your yearly maintenance visit.