Buying a new air conditioner or heat pump is one of the biggest home investments most of us make. And let’s be honest — when you’re spending $5,000–$10,000 or more on a system, you want peace of mind that you won’t get hammered with repair bills later.
That’s where Goodman stands out. Goodman is known for offering one of the strongest warranties in the HVAC industry. But — and this is important — the warranty doesn’t cover everything.
I’m Tony, a homeowner who’s had both good and bad warranty experiences. I’ve learned that reading the fine print matters. So in this guide, I’ll break down exactly what Goodman covers, what they don’t, and how to keep your warranty valid.
🏠 Why Warranties Matter for AC Buyers
Air conditioners and furnaces are durable machines, but they’re not invincible.
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A compressor failure can cost $1,500–$3,000.
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Coil replacements often run $1,000+.
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Even small parts like capacitors can leave you sweating.
Goodman’s warranty protects you against parts failures, saving you from the biggest costs. But you still need to know what’s on you versus what’s on them.
📖 Source: Average AC Repair Costs
Tony’s take: “My neighbor paid $2,000 for a compressor replacement on a non-Goodman unit. My Goodman? Covered under warranty. That’s a big deal.”
📜 Goodman Standard Warranty Overview
Goodman’s warranties are some of the most generous — if you register them properly.
🔑 Key Coverage Options:
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10-Year Limited Parts Warranty
Covers all functional parts (compressors, coils, circuit boards, etc.). -
10-Year Unit Replacement Warranty (select models)
If the compressor or heat exchanger fails, Goodman replaces the whole outdoor unit. -
Lifetime Compressor Warranty (premium models)
If the compressor fails, Goodman provides a new one for as long as you own the home.
📖 Source: Goodman – Warranty Information
Tony’s note: “When Goodman says lifetime, they mean it. But you’ve got to be the original owner.”
⏳ Registration Requirements
Here’s the biggest catch: registration matters.
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You must register your Goodman system within 60 days of installation.
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Registration is done online at Goodman’s site.
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If you forget → coverage defaults to 5 years (not 10).
📖 Source: Goodman – Warranty Registration
Tony’s warning: “I almost missed the 60-day window once. Don’t put it off — register the day it’s installed.”
⚠️ What’s Not Covered
Goodman warranties are strong, but they don’t cover everything.
❌ Exclusions You Need to Know:
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Labor costs for repairs (you pay the HVAC tech).
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Improper installation (must be licensed contractor).
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Neglect or poor maintenance (dirty filters, clogged coils).
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Unauthorized modifications or DIY refrigerant handling.
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Acts of nature: floods, fires, lightning, or power surges.
📖 Source: Energy Star – Proper Installation Importance
Tony’s perspective: “A buddy of mine tried to DIY his refrigerant. Warranty denied. Goodman isn’t covering homeowner mistakes.”
🧾 Keeping Your Warranty Valid
Want to make sure Goodman honors your warranty? Follow these best practices:
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✅ Hire a licensed HVAC contractor for installation.
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✅ Register the warranty within 60 days.
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✅ Schedule annual tune-ups (and keep receipts).
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✅ Change filters every 1–3 months.
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✅ Don’t DIY refrigerant or coil repairs.
📖 Source: ACCA – Maintenance Guidelines
Tony’s rule: “Keep a little binder with maintenance receipts. If Goodman ever asks, you’ve got proof.”
💵 Real-World Cost Savings with Goodman Warranty
Let’s look at what Goodman’s warranty saves you.
Repair | Typical Cost (Without Warranty) | Goodman Warranty Coverage |
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Compressor | $1,500–$3,000 | Part covered, labor not |
Evaporator Coil | $1,000–$1,500 | Part covered, labor not |
Circuit Board | $500–$700 | Part covered |
Blower Motor | $600–$900 | Part covered |
So yes, you’ll still pay for labor, but avoiding parts costs is huge.
Tony’s advice: “If you want zero stress, ask about a labor warranty add-on. It’s worth it for some families.”
🏡 Tony’s Guidance: How to Protect Your Investment
After going through this myself, here’s my no-nonsense checklist:
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Register your Goodman system the day it’s installed.
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Keep proof of maintenance (logs, receipts).
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Use licensed pros — Goodman won’t cover hack jobs.
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Consider extended labor coverage if you want total peace of mind.
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Don’t assume everything’s covered — parts yes, labor no.
Tony’s bottom line:
“Goodman offers one of the best warranties out there. But like any contract, the devil’s in the details. Register, maintain, and document — and you’ll get your money’s worth.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Does a 3.5 Ton Coil with a 3 Ton AC Improve Performance? Matching System Components