Split System Warranties What Matters Before You Hit Buy

A solid warranty is quiet insurance. You hope you never need it. You will be glad you have it when you do. The fine print matters because it decides who pays for parts, who pays for labor, and what you must do to keep coverage active. Get those details straight before you click buy and you will avoid surprises later.

Key Highlights

• Parts versus compressor coverage and typical year limits

• Registration windows and proof of professional installation

• Labor coverage choices and what they actually include

• When extended plans make financial sense

• Product spotlight, Split System AC options 

Parts Coverage Versus Compressor Coverage

Most manufacturers separate the system into two buckets. The parts warranty covers items like control boards, contactors, capacitors, and fans. The compressor warranty covers the core of the outdoor unit. Standard parts coverage is commonly five to ten years after registration, while compressor terms are often ten years and sometimes longer for specific product tiers. If you do not register on time, many brands drop to a shorter base warranty. Read the schedule so you know both numbers and the registration requirement. This is where buyers make the first mistake.

Registration Deadlines And Proof Of Installation

Full coverage almost always requires timely registration. Many brands set a 60 day window from install date, some allow longer. You will need the model and serial numbers, the install date, and a proof of professional installation if the brand requires it. Keep the paid invoice that shows the installer’s license number. If you move, check whether the warranty is transferable and whether it requires a transfer fee or a time limit. Skipping these small steps costs people years of coverage they already paid for in the equipment price.

What Labor Coverage Actually Means

Manufacturer warranties usually cover parts, not labor. Labor is the time a technician spends diagnosing, removing, and replacing a failed component. Without a labor plan, you could pay for the visit even if the part is free. Some homeowners get labor protection through their installing contractor’s workmanship warranty, some buy third-party plans, and some rely on their own budget. AC Direct sells equipment with the manufacturer’s warranty; we do not offer our own coverage today. We are planning optional labor warranties in the future so buyers can bundle parts and labor protection more easily. Until then, decide whether you want labor coverage through your contractor or a separate plan, and confirm what is included.

What Extended Plans Usually Add

Extended plans can add labor coverage, trip charges, and sometimes refrigerant handling. Read the definition of a covered failure and the exclusions. Common exclusions include lack of maintenance, power quality issues, improper install, and clogged drains. A useful plan spells out caps per claim, a maximum per year, and whether diagnostic time is included. If the terms are vague, ask for a sample contract before you commit.

When An Extended Plan Makes Sense

An extended plan is most valuable when service access is difficult, labor rates are high in your area, or downtime risk is unacceptable. If the system sits in a townhome attic with tight access or on a rooftop that needs special equipment to reach, labor can add up fast. If your installer offers a strong workmanship warranty that covers early failures and your home has easy access, you may be comfortable without an added plan. Run the numbers before you decide. Price the plan, compare it to a reasonable expectation of repairs over the first five to ten years, then choose based on your risk tolerance.

Installer Workmanship And Why It Matters

Workmanship warranties cover the install, not the product. They handle problems caused by setup, like leaks at joints, line set mistakes, or wiring errors. These issues often show up early. Ask your contractor how long their workmanship coverage lasts and what it includes. A clean, documented installation also protects your manufacturer warranty because many exclusions are tied to poor setup. Keep the commissioning sheet and photos of the model and serial labels with your records.

How Brand Tiers Change Coverage

Even within one brand, coverage can differ by model line. Premium lines sometimes include longer compressor terms or promotional labor allowances. Entry lines may require registration for even basic coverage periods. If you are comparing an entry air conditioner split system to a mid-tier option, put warranty length and requirements on the same page as efficiency and price. The lower upfront number can look less attractive when you factor years of protection.

DIY, Permits, And Warranty Risks

Some manufacturers require licensed installation for full coverage. Many jurisdictions require a permit for replacement. If you plan to handle parts of the job yourself, confirm what the brand allows. The safest path is a permitted, documented professional install. It protects you with inspections and avoids warranty disputes later.

Refrigerant, Line Sets, And Warranty Claims

Warranty parts do not always include consumables. Refrigerant, line set replacement, filter-driers, access valves, and recovery can be excluded. A compressor swap, for example, may still leave you paying for refrigerant and line set work. When you budget system totals or compare split system air conditioner cost, include these realities so you know the true exposure if a major component fails out of the box.

Documentation You Should Keep

Save the order confirmation, installer invoice, permit sign-off, registration confirmation, and any maintenance records. Store model and serial photos for both indoor and outdoor units. If you ever need a claim, you will be asked for these items. Having them at hand shortens the process and keeps claims moving.

Product Spotlight: Split System AC

If you are comparing equipment and coverage side by side, start with a split system ac unit that meets your capacity and efficiency goals, then review the manufacturer’s warranty terms on the product page. Register on time, keep proof of installation, and decide whether you want labor protection from your contractor now or an AC Direct labor option when available. The equipment warranty sets the floor. Your plan for labor sets the ceiling on out-of-pocket risk.

FAQs

Do I have to register my new split system to get the full warranty?

In most cases, yes. Registration unlocks longer parts and compressor terms. You will need model and serial numbers, install date, and often proof of professional installation.

Does the manufacturer's warranty cover labor?

Usually no. Manufacturer coverage is focused on parts. Labor plans are separate. Contractors may offer workmanship coverage for early issues. AC Direct sells the equipment with the manufacturer warranty today and plans to offer optional labor warranties in the future.

Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?

Many brands allow a one-time transfer within a set window and may charge a fee. Check the brand’s transfer rules and complete the form on time so the new owner retains coverage.

Will a DIY installation void my warranty?

Some brands require licensed installation for full coverage, and local codes may also require a permit. If you skip those requirements, coverage can be reduced or denied.

What documents do I need if I file a claim?

Keep your paid invoice, permit approval, registration confirmation, model and serial photos, and maintenance records. Having these ready speeds up claims.

Final Thoughts

A good split system is only as strong as the paperwork behind it. Know the parts term and the compressor term. Register on time. Keep the proof of installation. Decide how you want to handle labor costs and set that plan before the first hot day. AC Direct provides the manufacturer warranty that comes with the equipment. We are preparing optional labor warranties for AC so buyers can bundle that protection in the future. Choose the right unit, complete the registration, and document the install. That is how you protect your purchase for the long run.