Guarantees, Warranties & What to Confirm Before Booking

Check who provides each type of cover (manufacturer or installer), the length of cover for parts and labour, any registration or commissioning steps required, and whether regular servicing is a condition. Ask for the warranty document with exclusions and for written confirmation of what the installer will guarantee for workmanship and leaks. Keep records of purchase, install certificates and service reports to make claims easier.

Manufacturer warranties cover defects in components and factory workmanship for a set number of years, often specifying parts-only or parts-plus-labour. Installer workmanship guarantees cover the quality of the installation, pipework, electrical connections and commissioning, and typically last for a shorter period. You need both: the manufacturer protects the product, while the installer covers how it was fitted.

Typical cover includes faulty compressors, PCB boards, refrigerant leaks from manufacturing defects and other failed components. Coverage length varies by brand and component. Some brands include parts and labour for a limited time, others offer parts only. Always read the small print for extended parts like the compressor and for requirements such as registration within a specific period.

Installation guarantees should confirm the installer will remedy faults caused by poor workmanship, incorrect sizing, or improper commissioning. This often includes fixing leaks, correcting electrical faults and adjusting refrigerant charge. Ask how long the guarantee lasts, how claims are managed and whether follow-up visits are included if problems arise after commissioning.

Warranties often become void if you or an unapproved technician modifies the system, uses incorrect refrigerant, fails to register the unit with the manufacturer, skips scheduled maintenance, or exposes the system to power surges without proper surge protection. Using non-genuine parts or incorrect electrical supply can also void cover.

Regular maintenance is crucial. Manufacturers typically require scheduled servicing by a qualified, registered technician to keep warranties valid. Maintenance prevents refrigerant leaks, filter blockages and compressor strain. Keep service invoices and reports; they are needed for claims and help maintain energy efficiency and system life.

Confirm the unit type (split, multi-split, ducted), room size and cooling/heating needs, existing electrical supply and access for installation, recommended capacity (kW), likely locations for indoor and outdoor units, and expected timeline. Ask contractors to list parts, labour, commissioning, and any warranty terms in the written quote.

A clear quote should include brand and model, unit capacity, itemised parts and labour, scope of work, access requirements, any electrical or structural extras, commissioning fees, warranty details for parts and labour, expected lead times and payment terms. Avoid vague quotes - ask for clarifications in writing before you accept.

The platform lets you request up to three quotes (or up to five where available) from independent air conditioning contractors in Johannesburg. We collect project details - unit type, room size and access - and share them with registered contractors who then provide written quotes. Independent contractors handle sizing, installs, servicing, repairs, timelines and warranties.

The platform connects you with independent contractors and does not screen or vet them, so it is worth checking their registration status, local experience, customer feedback and whether they provide written quotes and warranty information yourself. The platform does not perform installations or repairs and makes no guarantee on price, volume or outcome; contractors remain fully responsible for workmanship and warranty handling.

Compare like-for-like: same unit model or equivalent capacity, identical scope of work, included materials, commissioning, warranty terms (parts and labour) and scheduled maintenance offers. Check lead times, removal and disposal costs, electrical upgrades and any exclusions. Ask questions about energy efficiency, expected running costs and aftercare before deciding.

Many manufacturers and third-party providers offer extended cover or service plans for additional years, sometimes including parts and labour. Confirm eligibility, transferability and what regular servicing is required. Compare costs of extended cover versus likely repair costs for your specific unit and usage pattern.

Contact the installer immediately and provide the commissioning certificates, purchase invoice and service history. If the issue appears to be a manufacturing defect, notify the manufacturer too and follow their claim process. Keep records of all communications and avoid making unauthorised repairs that could void cover.

Yes. Many warranties exclude damage from unstable electrical supply or power surges unless the unit has appropriate surge protection installed. Ensure your electrician confirms supply adequacy and consider fitting surge protection to reduce risk and protect warranty rights.

Normal wear and tear is usually excluded from manufacturer warranties. Warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, not degradation from heavy use or poor maintenance. Regular servicing and prompt repairs reduce wear and tear and improve your chance of successful warranty claims for covered defects.

Manufacturers often require genuine parts for warranty repairs. Using non-genuine parts may void the warranty. Confirm with the contractor whether they will use OEM parts and whether those parts carry their own warranty. Ask for written confirmation in the quote.

Some manufacturer warranties are transferable if you register the transfer and follow any conditions, while some installer guarantees are not. Check the warranty terms and provide the new owner with all documentation, service history and any outstanding maintenance obligations required to keep cover active.

Correct sizing prevents undue stress on the system, improves comfort and reduces breakdown risk. If an undersized or oversized unit causes failures, installer guarantees may cover incorrect sizing if it was their responsibility. Ensure contractors provide a load calculation and explain how the chosen capacity meets your room size and cooling requirements.

Coverage varies by brand and model. Many mainstream brands offer 1-5 years parts cover and shorter labour cover, with compressors sometimes covered for longer under extended programmes. Always check the specific model’s warranty document and ask contractors to confirm what the warranty includes in writing.

Keep purchase invoices, commissioning certificates, service and maintenance reports, all warranty documents, the installer’s guarantee, and any correspondence with supplier or manufacturer. Store digital copies and a physical folder; these make claims quicker and reduce disputes about compliance with maintenance schedules.

Yes. Manufacturers commonly require scheduled maintenance at set intervals by a qualified technician to keep the warranty valid. The installer may offer a service plan to meet these requirements. Ensure service reports are signed and dated and that invoices show the technician’s registration details.

Ask for the guarantee in writing, check the contractor’s business registration and public reviews, request references, and confirm whether claims are handled directly by the installer or subcontracted. Longevity, local presence and clear claims procedures indicate a more reliable guarantee.