Buying a furnace is never fun. The expense associated with doing so can put your budget in a pinch for several months. For this reason, you need to consider the furnace warranty carefully when you make this purchase. You don’t want to pay for repairs while you are still paying off the unit. The right warranty will protect you for years if problems arise with the unit.
Types of Warranty
You may not know that the warranty for your furnace isn’t standard. There are three types of warranties you may get. The manufacturer’s warranty is provided by the company that makes the unit and is limited in what it covers. The contractor installing the unit provides an installation warranty, which covers any issues related to the installation process or damage that occurs during the installation. Extended furnace warranties come into play when the manufacturer’s warranty ends. These programs cover the equipment as the manufacturer’s warranty does but they provide coverage for several years.
The exception to this is if you are buying a newly built home. Most new homes today come with a warranty. If your home features this warranty, the furnace is probably covered under it.
Registering the Product
Most manufacturers require you to register the warranty. Gather information about the furnace, such as its model and serial number. Be prepared to share the installation company’s name and the date the unit was installed. You typically need to take this step within the first two or three months of purchasing the unit.
Filing a Claim
If your furnace develops problems, contact the installation company. They will diagnose the problem and see if it is covered under the warranty. If it is, they can obtain parts from the manufacturer and make the repairs. The company then files a warranty claim for reimbursement. However, you will be required to pay any labor costs. The exception to this is when the problem is related to the installation. The installation company handles parts and labor costs if you have an installation warranty.
Is your Warranty Still Valid?
Most companies now allow you to look online to see if your warranty coverage remains in effect. Do a quick search to see if the furnace manufacturer offers this option. In most cases, you don’t need anything more than the model and serial numbers.
However, furnace warranties are usually reserved for the original owner. Often, they cannot be transferred to a new owner if the purchaser sells the residence. Ask whether the warranty is transferable to a new owner when you make the purchase. As with the original warranty registration, this step must be completed within a certain time frame if transferring the warranty is permitted. There might also be a fee attached to this transfer and the warranty period might be shorter than it was for the original owner.
Maintaining the Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage comes with some requirements. Most manufacturers state a licensed HVAC contractor must install, repair, and maintain the unit to keep the warranty in effect. OEM parts must be used for repairs and the owner must adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the warranty coverage when you buy a new furnace. You want this expensive purchase to be covered if something goes wrong. The right warranty will ensure it is so choose wisely when it comes to the furnace manufacturer and the installer.