Goodman Warranty Breakdown: What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

🏡 Introduction: Why Tony Looked Closely at Warranties

When Tony decided to replace his old AC with a Goodman 3.5 Ton 13.5 SEER2 system, the price wasn’t his only deciding factor. As a practical Northeast homeowner, he knew that HVAC equipment is a long-term investment — and no matter how reliable a system is, parts eventually fail.

That’s why the warranty mattered. A strong warranty can protect your wallet from costly repairs, but only if you understand what’s actually covered and what’s excluded.

In this article, we’ll break down Goodman’s warranty in detail, compare it to competitors, explain what homeowners need to do to keep coverage valid, and share Tony’s first-hand experience with his system.

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📦 Goodman Standard Warranty Coverage

Goodman is known as a value brand, but its warranties are surprisingly competitive. Here’s what buyers get:

🔧 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty

• Covers major system components:

  • Compressors

  • Condenser coils

  • Evaporator/air handler coils

  • Circuit boards and controls

  • Factory-installed parts (motors, capacitors, relays, etc.)

• Applies only if the system is registered within 60 days of installation.

• If not registered, the parts warranty defaults to 5 years.

📖 Reference: Goodman Warranty Information

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💪 Lifetime Compressor Warranty

One of Goodman’s biggest selling points is its lifetime compressor coverage on many models — including Tony’s 13.5 SEER2 system.

• If the original homeowner has a compressor failure, Goodman will replace the entire outdoor unit, not just the compressor part.

• This coverage is unique in the budget HVAC segment — many competitors only offer 10 years.

Tony’s reaction:
“The compressor is the heart of the AC. Knowing Goodman will stand behind it for life sealed the deal for me.”

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📝 Labor Coverage

• Goodman’s warranty does not cover labor for repairs.

• Homeowners must pay for the technician’s time to diagnose, remove, and install parts.

• Some contractors, however, offer extended labor warranties (5–10 years) as add-ons.

Tony opted for a 5-year labor plan from his contractor, which added about $600 to his install but gave him peace of mind.

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🚫 What’s Not Covered Under Goodman’s Warranty

Like all HVAC warranties, Goodman’s has clear exclusions. These are the pitfalls Tony studied before signing his contract.

Common Exclusions:

• ❌ Improper installation (wrong sizing, bad ductwork, unlicensed installer).

• ❌ Lack of routine maintenance (dirty filters, clogged drain lines).

• ❌ Physical damage (fire, flood, lightning, vandalism).

• ❌ Refrigerant costs (not always covered).

• ❌ Aftermarket modifications or DIY repairs.

Tony’s contractor emphasized:
“If you skip maintenance or hire an unlicensed handyman, you can kiss the warranty goodbye.”

📖 Reference: Consumer Reports – HVAC Warranty Basics

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🏠 How Goodman Compares to Other Brands

Goodman is often considered a budget-friendly option, but its warranty terms stand strong against premium competitors:

👉 Goodman’s lifetime compressor warranty is a big advantage, especially considering its lower upfront cost.

📖 Reference: Modernize – AC Brand Comparison

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📋 Registration Requirements

Goodman requires homeowners to register their equipment online within 60 days of installation to get the full 10-year coverage.

• Registration requires:

  • Model and serial numbers.

  • Installation date.

  • Contractor’s information.

• Without registration, the warranty defaults to 5 years on parts.

Tony’s installer handled this step for him, which he appreciated:
“I didn’t want to risk forgetting and losing half my coverage.”

📖 Reference: Goodman Warranty Registration

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🛠️ Extended Warranty Options

Goodman doesn’t include labor, but homeowners can purchase extra protection.

Options:

• Dealer Labor Plans: Many contractors offer 5–10 year labor warranties.

• Third-Party Coverage: Extended service plans from companies like Asurion.

• Goodman Asure Extended Service Plan: Provides parts and labor coverage for up to 10 years.

Tony chose a 5-year labor plan from his contractor, reasoning it was worth the upfront cost for peace of mind.

📖 Reference: Goodman Asure Extended Service Plans

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🧾 Real-World Examples of Warranty Use

• Case 1: Compressor Failure

  • A neighbor’s 8-year-old Goodman compressor failed. Goodman replaced the entire outdoor unit under the lifetime warranty. Labor costs (~$800) were paid by the homeowner.

• Case 2: Unregistered Unit

  • A landlord failed to register his system. Goodman denied a claim after year 7, since the warranty defaulted to 5 years.

• Case 3: Poor Maintenance

  • Another homeowner skipped filter changes, leading to coil freeze-ups. Goodman denied warranty coverage due to lack of proper maintenance.

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✅ Tony’s Takeaway

Tony feels confident in his Goodman purchase because:

• The lifetime compressor coverage gives him peace of mind.

• He registered immediately to secure the 10-year parts warranty.

• He added a 5-year labor plan to cover technician costs.

• He understands that maintenance is critical to keep coverage valid.

His advice:
“The warranty is strong, but only if you follow the rules. Do the maintenance, register right away, and you’ll be covered.”

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🎯 Conclusion

Goodman’s warranty is one of the most competitive in the HVAC industry, especially for a brand known for affordability.

• ✅ 10-year parts coverage (with registration).

• ✅ Lifetime compressor warranty on many models.

• ❌ Labor not included (but can be purchased separately).

• ❌ Coverage depends on proper installation and maintenance.

For Tony, the Goodman warranty was a deciding factor — offering big-brand protection without a premium price tag.

If you’re shopping for a new AC in the Northeast, Goodman’s warranty can make the 13.5 SEER2 system an even smarter investment.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Noise Levels Explained: How Quiet Is the Goodman 3.5 Ton System?