A Bellows Annual Maintenance (BAM), aka as a HVAC warranty, is a crucial safeguard for your new heating and cooling system investment. While the promise of reliable comfort is enticing, understanding your BAM’s coverage is essential for long-term protection and peace of mind.
HVAC warranties often cover specific components, exclude certain damages, and require regular maintenance to remain valid. Understanding these nuances and the intricacies of claim processes enables homeowners to leverage their warranty protection and sidestep unexpected expenses fully.
Knowing these five critical aspects of a BAM / HVAC warranty will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs, whether you’re a new homeowner or replacing an old unit.
Key Takeaways:
- Types of Coverage: HVAC systems come with two main warranties, the manufacturer parts and the labor from the installer. Knowing the differences ensures comprehensive coverage.
- Exclusions and Limits: HVAC warranties typically exclude normal wear and tear, negligence, and improper installation. Regular maintenance by certified technicians is crucial to keeping the warranty valid.
- Maintenance Importance: Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for warranty validity and system efficiency. Keeping detailed maintenance records is necessary for any claims. We have seen claims denied because customer’s didn’t do annual maintenance.
- Homeowner Warranty Complexities: Homeowner warranties differ from HVAC warranties and can be challenging to navigate. Pre-approved technicians might not always offer the best service, so understanding these warranties is critical.
- Choosing a Reliable Contractor: Your HVAC contractor’s labor warranty is vital. Selecting a reputable contractor like Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air’s BAM program ensures reliable service and comprehensive coverage.
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Two Types of HVAC Warranty: Parts and Labor
When you purchase a new HVAC system, you get two types of warranties: one for the equipment (parts) and the other for the labor involved in installing it. Let’s take a closer look at both.
Manufacturer Parts Warranty
This type of warranty comes from the company that manufactures your HVAC equipment. The manufacturer guarantees that the parts are free from defects—manufacturer parts warranties usually last 5 to 10 years. If you work with a factory-trained contractor like Bellows, oftentimes, the manufacturers will extend the warranty another couple of years!
If a part fails because of a manufacturing flaw, the company will replace it for free. But be sure to note those limits. Most manufacturers require you to register your new equipment shortly after installation to secure the entire warranty period. If the part fails due to improper use or lack of maintenance, chances are it will be denied, and you have to pay out of pocket.
Labor Warranty
Now, let’s talk about the labor warranty. This warranty is from the company, such as Bellows, that installed your HVAC system. They’re essentially guaranteeing the quality of their workmanship.
Labor warranties are usually for a set period. Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air offers a one-year warranty but up to 10 years, subject to a service agreement, demonstrating high trust in their installation quality. With this extended agreement, you can ensure peace of mind that your system will work on the coldest and the hottest of days!
This commitment indicates confidence in their systems, which should run smoothly for years. Although the hope is never to need the labor warranty, it serves as a crucial layer of protection should issues arise.
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What Your HVAC Warranty Doesn’t Cover
Like any contract, an HVAC warranty has limits and exclusions. Knowing these upfront can save you from a lot of hassle down the road.
Most warranties won’t cover normal wear and tear on parts. They also don’t cover damage caused by negligence or lack of maintenance.
Additionally, most HVAC warranties don’t cover repairs made by anyone other than a certified technician. Issues arising from improper installation are often not covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll want to make sure a qualified professional does your installation.
You should also factor in local code regulations. If your HVAC installer needs a permit, they’re often legally bound to provide at least a one-year labor warranty. Bellows honors this!
The Homeowner Warranty Puzzle
Another point worth discussing is the difference between your HVAC warranty and a homeowner’s warranty. A homeowner’s warranty generally covers repairs on a broader range of appliances in your home.
But while tempting to rely on, homeowner warranties can come with headaches regarding HVAC repairs. Homeowner warranties can be complex to utilize. They often offer meager compensation or make it challenging to get approval for coverage.
This is because many homeowner warranty companies operate in this way. They typically insist on a technician from their pre-approved list inspecting your HVAC system first.
Unfortunately, these technicians may not always possess the highest level of expertise. Sometimes, they might even look for loopholes to deny coverage.
This does not mean that all homeowners’ warranty companies are dishonest. It emphasizes that they may not be the most straightforward or efficient solution for HVAC issues.
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Regular HVAC Maintenance is Required
An essential part of any warranty is understanding what you must do to keep it valid. Think of it as the “terms and conditions” you must follow. Regular maintenance is a significant requirement for your HVAC warranty to remain in effect.
Think of maintaining your HVAC system, like taking your car in for checkups. You take your car in for checkups to keep it running well. You need to do the same for your HVAC system.
The “What” and “Why” of Regular HVAC Service
HVAC warranties often require professional maintenance at least once per year. Regular servicing prevents problems and helps identify minor issues before they become expensive breakdowns.
During an inspection, a technician will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect electrical components, and look for potential problems.
Think of regular HVAC service as “preventive care” that prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC system. It ensures you get the most out of your warranty. The service requirements are generally relatively simple and focus on common-sense steps to ensure your HVAC system functions correctly.
For example, regularly changing filters can improve your system’s efficiency, saving you money and making the system less likely to break down. While these regular checkups are part of a manufacturer’s warranty requirements, keeping documentation of these visits is essential.
In the event of a major failure, the manufacturer might inquire about your system’s maintenance history to confirm compliance. Make a folder or a digital file to store receipts, invoices, and inspection reports.
A folder for HVAC maintenance is something you might want when applying for a home equity loan, as it shows that you have taken good care of your home.
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Making an HVAC Warranty Claim: What to Do
Let’s say something goes wrong with your HVAC system, and you believe it’s covered under warranty. What steps do you take?
Navigating this process can seem daunting, especially during a time of stress when your HVAC system is malfunctioning. However, understanding these procedures beforehand can simplify the process when you need repairs.
Step-by-Step: Making Your HVAC Warranty Claim
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Identify the Problem:
What’s going wrong with your system? Describe the issues as precisely as possible.
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Check Your Warranty:
Before contacting anyone, review your warranty. Verify if your issue is covered, especially regarding exclusions.
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Contact Your Installer or Manufacturer:
Reach out to the relevant party – either your installer for labor warranty issues or the manufacturer for parts. This initial call has two purposes.
It informs them about a potential warranty claim, which can facilitate proper scheduling. Additionally, if it’s a parts issue, a more seasoned technician might be assigned to quickly diagnose and repair the problem correctly.
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Schedule a Technician Visit:
Be prepared to provide detailed information about the issue. This will help the company dispatch a technician equipped to address your problem.
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Diagnosis & Repair:
A technician will inspect your system and determine if the problem is covered under warranty. Once they have diagnosed the issue, it’s wise to request the company dispatch a more experienced technician for situations that require intricate diagnosis and repair work to ensure it’s resolved quickly and efficiently.
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Understand the Costs:
You might still face charges even when your HVAC system is under warranty. It is common practice for homeowners to shoulder the labor costs associated with replacing components even when the part is free.
For instance, labor costs on smaller components can constitute as much as 90% of the repair bill, and even on significant repairs involving pricier components, they can be around 50%.
Some companies may initially bill you for the total replacement cost and then credit your account after receiving payment from the manufacturer for the returned faulty part.
If your issue falls under the parts warranty (manufacturer) and the labor warranty (installer), you might experience a seamless and cost-free repair. Just remember, clarity in these areas helps you stay financially informed.
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Keep Documentation:
Once your claim is resolved, write everything down for your records. Store copies of repair orders, technician notes, and any other correspondence with the warranty provider.
This entire process emphasizes the crucial role of documentation. When installing your HVAC system, it’s important to read all warranty documents carefully.
Note warranty periods for various components, and pay special attention to the compressor, which is one of the most expensive parts of your HVAC system.
Understand whether specific parts are covered only for a limited period. See which parts are excluded altogether. Sheet metal parts are sometimes entirely excluded.
Attention to these nuances during purchase can save you a lot of trouble. Furthermore, understanding coverage related to routine maintenance items, like filters, capacitors, and contactors, is equally important.
Some manufacturers don’t cover these components because of their limited lifespan. Lastly, factor in warranty variations if you decide to sell your home.
Taking out a personal loan to make energy-efficient upgrades and then selling your home could impact the HVAC warranty. Most warranties are either reduced in coverage or terminated when a house changes hands.
5. Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor
The labor warranty is a vital part of your HVAC warranty protection. Choosing the right HVAC contractor is critical. When selecting a company to install your system, look beyond just the price tag.
Vetting Your HVAC Installer
- Experience: How long have they been in business? Many online review sites like Yelp and Google can offer insights into their history and reliability.
- Credentials: Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? This offers you legal protection if any accidents occur during installation.
- References: Are they willing to share customer references so you can verify their claims about their quality of work?
- Labor Warranty Details: Get a detailed understanding of their labor warranty terms. Do they offer different durations? What’s required to maintain that coverage? Do you need a yearly maintenance agreement?
- Transparent Processes: Are they clear about their installation and maintenance procedures? This includes explaining the commissioning process. They should also conduct final quality inspections to ensure customer satisfaction.
Hiring a reputable provider like Bellows ensures the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. With years of industry experience, Bellows is known for reliability and excellence. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, offering peace of mind. We proudly share customer references to verify our quality. Our detailed labor warranty terms and transparent installation and maintenance processes, including final quality inspections, guarantee your satisfaction. Choose Bellows for professional and dependable HVAC solutions.
FAQs About HVAC Warranty
How long is an HVAC warranty?
An HVAC warranty has two components: a manufacturer warranty on parts and a labor warranty on the installation. Your contractor provides the labor warranty. While specific terms vary based on brands and contractors, many manufacturer warranties extend for ten years.
The warranty might be longer on specific parts if the equipment is registered correctly after installation. For example, compressors sometimes have more extended warranties.
On the labor side, warranties offered by installers typically range from 1 to 10 years. Local regulations also mandate a one-year labor warranty if a permit is required during installation.
How do I know if my HVAC is still under warranty?
This information is on your warranty documents, which were provided to you at the time of installation. They detail the start and end dates of your warranty.
They’ll outline coverage for both parts and labor. If you’ve lost those documents, you can always contact your installer. You can also contact the manufacturer using the serial number on the front of your unit.
Is a 10-year labor warranty worth it for HVAC?
While not every HVAC contractor offers a 10-year labor warranty, it’s becoming a more common benchmark within the industry. Choosing a company that confidently backs its installation quality with such a long warranty can give you extra peace of mind. It also shows its dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
You might need an annual maintenance contract to retain coverage. The goal is a system that functions perfectly for years without relying on the warranty. But extra protection for such a crucial appliance can be precious.
What is the best warranty for HVAC?
The “best” warranty depends on coverage and trust. Aim for a manufacturer warranty covering essential components like the compressor for an extended period (at least ten years after registration).
As for labor, look for a contractor who confidently offers at least a 2-year guarantee on their workmanship. Ideally, you’d want a 10-year warranty. This might be contingent upon an annual service contract.
Remember, choosing a reputable HVAC company with skilled technicians is equally vital. Choosing a good company will minimize the chances of needing your warranty.
Reliable HVAC Warranty: Secure Your Investment
Investing in a new HVAC system is a significant decision, and the warranty is a crucial component often overlooked. Understanding your HVAC warranty and maintaining it properly ensures your investment is protected.
Whether addressing a malfunctioning part or relying on a solid labor warranty, being informed and prepared empowers any homeowner.
For residents in the San Francisco Bay area, ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently year-round is essential. Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air offers comprehensive warranties and top-notch service to keep your home comfortable.
Don’t let uncertainty overshadow your peace of mind and the cool breeze in your home!
Contact Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air today to learn more about their HVAC warranties and how they can help secure your investment.
