Hey there, Jake Lawson here. If you’re shopping for a new HVAC system—especially one of those high-efficiency R-32 AC and gas furnace combos—you’ve probably noticed a lot of talk about warranties. “10-year limited parts!” “Lifetime heat exchanger!” It all sounds great… but what does it actually mean?
Let me tell you from experience: a warranty is only as good as your understanding of it. A lot of homeowners assume they’re covered—until they try to file a claim and realize the fine print had other plans.
Let’s break down what to look for in an HVAC warranty and how to protect your investment the right way.
🧾 The 3 Main Types of HVAC Warranty Coverage
Before you start comparing brands or packages, know what kind of protection you're actually getting.
1. Manufacturer Warranty
This covers factory defects on the unit itself—usually the parts (compressor, coil, heat exchanger, etc.).
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Typical Coverage: 5–10 years on parts
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Good Example: Goodman and Daikin offer 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger warranties on registered products.
2. Labor Warranty
This covers the cost of labor for repairs, which is often NOT included in the manufacturer warranty.
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Typical Coverage: 1–2 years (or none at all unless purchased)
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Some dealers offer extended labor warranties for an extra cost.
3. Installation Warranty
Provided by your installer or contractor, this covers mistakes or issues during installation.
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Typical Coverage: 1–5 years
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Make sure this is in writing!
🕒 The Registration Trap
Here’s a big one: Most manufacturers require registration within 60–90 days of installation to get the full warranty coverage. Skip this step, and you could drop from 10 years of parts coverage down to just 5 years—or less.
✅ Jake’s Tip: Register your product online immediately after install. Keep a copy of your confirmation email for your records.
🧠 Common Warranty Exclusions
What the warranty doesn’t cover is just as important as what it does.
❌ These are usually NOT covered:
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Improper installation (even if it worked fine at first)
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Damage from power surges or weather (unless noted)
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DIY installs (often voids warranty altogether)
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Lack of maintenance (e.g. dirty filters, missed tune-ups)
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Aftermarket parts or unauthorized repairs
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Normal wear items like fuses or filters
📌 Pro Tip: Many manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Save your receipts from tune-ups!
🛠️ What About Lifetime Warranties?
“Lifetime” sounds unbeatable—but don’t assume it means forever.
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It usually means “as long as you own your home.”
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Some are transferable to the next owner, but only once, and sometimes only within a specific time window.
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Often limited to just the heat exchanger or compressor.
Read the terms! “Lifetime” may still require registration, maintenance, and installation by a certified pro.
🔍 Warranty Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Feature | Goodman | Daikin | Carrier | Trane |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parts Warranty | 10 Years (w/ registration) | 12 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Heat Exchanger | Lifetime (original owner) | Limited Lifetime | 20 Years | Lifetime |
| Labor | Optional add-on | Optional add-on | Rarely included | Optional add-on |
| Transferable | Yes (once, may require fee) | Yes | Sometimes | Varies |
🔄 Is a Transferable Warranty Worth It?
If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, a transferable warranty can increase resale value. Buyers love knowing the system’s covered—and it could set your home apart.
Make sure to:
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Check if transfer is allowed
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File paperwork on time (some require within 30–60 days of closing)
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Keep original receipts and registration confirmations
🛡️ Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?
Short answer: Maybe.
Ask yourself:
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Is labor included in your current plan?
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Will repairs on your unit be costly (e.g. variable-speed compressors)?
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Can you afford a surprise $800+ repair?
Extended warranties often add 5–10 years of labor protection, which can be a lifesaver if your system needs repairs after year two.
💡 Jake’s Advice: If your system is high-efficiency, variable-speed, or modulating, an extended warranty is worth a look.
📋 What to Ask Before You Buy
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What’s the full duration of the parts and heat exchanger warranty?
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Do I need to register it? How soon?
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Is the warranty transferable if I sell?
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What’s excluded from the warranty?
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Is there a labor warranty? How long does it last?
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Can I buy extended coverage?
✅ Final Take from Jake
A strong warranty can be your HVAC safety net—but only if you know how to read it. Don’t just trust the brochure or the salesman. Read the fine print, ask the tough questions, and take the time to register everything properly.
That peace of mind? Totally worth it.
Need help finding a high-efficiency R-32 AC and gas furnace combo with strong warranty protection? Start here:
👉 Explore R-32 Systems with Long-Term Coverage
