Air conditioning warranties are frequently misunderstood — and sometimes lost through avoidable actions. Here is a clear guide to what manufacturer warranties cover, what voids them, and how to protect your investment.
Standard Manufacturer Warranties
Most major brands offer a standard manufacturer warranty of 2-5 years on parts and labour for residential installations. Typical warranty periods:
- Mitsubishi Electric: 3 years parts and labour standard; 5 years with registration
- Daikin: 3 years parts and 1 year labour standard; 5 years parts with registration
- Samsung: 5 years parts and 1 year labour with registration
- LG: 5 years parts and 1 year labour with registration
- Fujitsu: 3 years parts and labour with registration
Always register your product with the manufacturer after installation — this is typically done online and takes 5 minutes. Missing registration can reduce your warranty from 5 years to 2-3 years.
What Warranties Cover
Manufacturing defects — failures of components due to production faults. If a PCB fails due to a manufacturing defect in year 2, the warranty covers replacement. If a compressor fails because of a manufacturing fault, the warranty covers it.
What Warranties Do NOT Cover
Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant leaks are almost always excluded from manufacturer warranties as they are considered installation or maintenance issues rather than manufacturing defects. A poorly made flare joint at installation leaks — this is the installer’s responsibility, not the manufacturer’s.
Damage from incorrect installation: If the system was installed incorrectly — wrong refrigerant charge, inadequate pipe insulation, incorrect electrical connection — resulting damage is typically not covered.
Lack of servicing: Most warranties require evidence of annual servicing. If your system has never been serviced and a compressor fails at year 4, the manufacturer may decline the warranty claim on the basis that the system was not maintained in accordance with the warranty requirements.
Physical damage: Impact damage, vandalism, flood damage and similar physical causes are not covered by manufacturer warranties.
Installation by uncertified engineers: Any work carried out by engineers without F-Gas certification voids the warranty entirely. This is one of the main reasons to use certified installers.
Extended Warranties
Some manufacturers and installers offer extended warranty products beyond the standard period — typically 7-10 years total coverage. These are worth considering for commercial installations where replacement cost is high and business continuity is important. For residential installations, the value is less compelling given typical system lifespans of 15+ years with proper maintenance.
Protecting Your Warranty
Use an F-Gas certified installer. Register the product after installation. Have the system serviced annually and keep the service records. Do not allow uncertified individuals to work on the refrigerant circuit. Call 07833 053749 or contact us for installation and annual servicing.