Heating and Cooling | October 7, 2019
When it comes to HVAC warranties, it can be overwhelming to try and make sense of all of the moving parts — or should we say, covered components?
What does limited lifetime warranty mean? And what happens if I forget to register my product? If you have questions about furnace or air conditioner warranties, we have answers! We’ve also included a helpful comparison of First Call’s top brands: Lennox, Amana, and Essentials by First Call so you can see how each brand’s warranty stacks up.
What is a limited lifetime warranty?
This is a common question we hear from customers. How is a lifetime warranty limited? It’s more straightforward than you might expect. The lifetime warranty is limited to the original, registered homeowner of a properly matched system. This means your HVAC system equipment is covered for as long as you own your home, but once you sell your house, the warranty reverts back to the factory warranty.
It may be possible to purchase a transferable warranty that will ensure the new homeowner keeps the lifetime warranty. This could be a selling feature that makes your home listing more appealing to homebuyers.
Registering your HVAC product is a must
In order to receive the full benefits of your HVAC unit warranty, you’ll need to complete the registration process within a defined period of time (usually within 60 days of installation) to be covered. This is typically a simple process, but it is easily forgotten.
The last thing you want to worry about during a home heating emergency is a service delay or issue because your products weren’t registered in time. At First Call, we ensure warranties are hassle-free by registering all installed products on your behalf.
What is covered by an HVAC warranty?
Specific warranty details for each furnace or air conditioner installed by First Call vary depending on the particular model, but generally speaking, there are three aspects to warranty coverage: the main component (the heat exchanger in a furnace or the compressor in an air conditioner), parts, and labour.
For example, the Lennox furnace warranty on the Signature® Collection SLP98V model includes a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger, as well as a 10-year limited warranty on covered components and labour, as long as the unit receives an annual service.
Both our Essentials by First Call and our Amana HVAC warranty offer incredible product coverage and don’t require an annual service for eligibility. For these brands, the limited lifetime warranty includes unit replacement in the event of a heat exchanger or compressor failure, as well as 10-12 years for parts and labour. Quite simply, should the heat exchanger or compressor fail you receive a brand new unit.
Quick reference guide for HVAC warranties by brand
| Annual Service Required? | ||||
| Lennox | Amana | Essentials by First Call | ||
| Furnace | Yes | No | No | |
| Air Conditioner | Yes | No | No | |
| Factory Warranty* | ||||
| Lennox | Amana | Essentials by First Call | ||
| Furnace | Heat Exchanger | 20 years – limited lifetime | 20 years – limited lifetime | 20 years – limited lifetime |
| (Parts) Covered Components | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | |
| Labour | 1-10 years | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | |
| Air Conditioner | Compressor | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | 5-10 years |
| Covered Components | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | |
| Labour | 1-10 years | 5-10 years | 5-10 years | |
| First Call Warranty* | ||||
| Lennox | Amana | Essentials by First Call | ||
| Furnace | Heat Exchanger | 20 years – limited lifetime | Limited lifetime incl. unit replacement in the event of a heat exchanger failure | Limited lifetime incl. unit replacement in the event of a heat exchanger failure |
| (Parts) Covered Components | 5-10 years | 12 years | 10 years | |
| Labour | First year | 12 years | 10 years | |
| Air Conditioner | Compressor | 20 years – limited lifetime | Limited lifetime incl. unit replacement in the event of a compressor failure | Limited lifetime incl. unit replacement in the event of a compressor failure |
| Covered Components | 5-10 years | 10-12 years | 10-12 years | |
| Labour | First year | 10-12 years | 10-12 years | |
Does the new home warranty cover HVAC?
While First Call doesn’t provide HVAC installation services for new home builders, homeowners may be curious to know if a new home warranty plan covers HVAC. According to the Alberta New Home Buyer Protection Act, “defects in labour and materials related to heating, plumbing, and electrical systems” are covered for two years. For product-specific warranties relating to a newly built home, you’ll want to consult your builder directly. And don’t forget to register your products!
If you have questions about your Lennox or Amana HVAC warranty, or if you need to book a service, request an appointment online or give us a call at 780.464.3337.
