HVAC warranty comparison: most major brands cover parts for 5 years if you don’t register and for 10 to 12 years if you do, usually within 60 or 90 days of installation. Labor is rarely included; however, Carrier and Lennox offer registered options that trade some parts coverage for 3 years of labor. Missing the registration deadline is the most common way homeowners lose coverage, so it’s worth checking the rules before you sign.
Below, we compare parts, compressor and labor coverage, registration deadlines and transfer rules for the main HVAC brands. Terms checked on November 4, 2026; they vary by model and state, so always read the warranty certificate for your exact unit.
HVAC warranty comparison by brand
| Brand | Registered coverage (deadline) |
|---|---|
| Trane | 10 years parts; up to 12 years on select compressors; 5 years if unregistered (60 days) |
| Carrier | 10 years parts, or 5 years parts plus 3 years labor; 5 years if unregistered (90 days) |
| Lennox | Up to 12 years on Signature models; labor options of 3 years; basic terms of 5 to 10 years by tier (60 days) |
| Goodman | 10 years parts; select models add a lifetime compressor and 10-year unit replacement; 5 years if unregistered (60 days) |
| Rheem and Ruud | 10 years conditional parts, plus 10-year conditional unit replacement on many models (registration required) |
| Daikin (ductless) | 12 years parts (60 days) |
| Mitsubishi (ductless) | 12 years parts and compressor with a Diamond Contractor or Ductless Pro installer (90 days) |
HVAC warranty comparison: labor coverage
Standard manufacturer warranties usually pay for parts only. For example, Trane says labor isn’t covered under its base or registered warranties unless you buy an optional extended warranty from the dealer. Carrier, by contrast, lets you choose 5 years of parts plus 3 years of labor instead of 10 years of parts, but only through participating dealers. Similarly, Lennox offers options with 3 years of labor in exchange for shorter parts coverage, and it sells longer labor plans under the Comfort Shield name.
As a result, ask every contractor what labor warranty they include. Many dealers add their own workmanship guarantee, and that coverage can matter as much as the factory warranty.
HVAC warranty comparison: registration rules
- Deadlines: 60 days for Trane, Lennox, Goodman and Daikin; 90 days for Carrier and Mitsubishi.
- State exceptions: Goodman says registration isn’t required in California, Florida, Georgia and Quebec, and Lennox applies its parts extension automatically in California, Florida, Georgia (for units installed on or after January 1, 2026) and Quebec.
- Carrier exception: where local law doesn’t allow registration as a condition, Carrier gives a 10-year parts warranty automatically.
- Installer requirements: Mitsubishi’s 12-year terms require a Diamond Contractor or Ductless Pro installation, and Carrier’s labor option requires a participating dealer.
Transferring a warranty when you sell
Transfer rules are another key point in any HVAC warranty comparison. Trane, for instance, lets you transfer a registered warranty within 90 days of a home sale for a one-time $99 fee. Goodman’s 10-year registered terms, on the other hand, apply while the original registered owner lives in the home, and its lifetime compressor coverage is for the original registered owner. Mitsubishi’s 12-year terms likewise require the original owner to live in the home. Therefore, check transfer rules if you plan to sell within a few years.
Extended warranties and service plans
Beyond the factory warranty, however, many brands and dealers sell extended coverage. Ruud, for example, offers Protection Plus, a third-party service agreement that can extend parts and labor coverage for up to 10 years after the limited warranty ends. For more on whether these plans pay off, compare them with the cost of typical repairs; our guide to repair or replace HVAC lists common costs.
How to protect your HVAC warranty
- To begin with, ask the dealer to register the equipment for you, and keep the confirmation.
- Also keep your invoice, model and serial numbers in one place.
- Then schedule annual maintenance; HomeGuide notes that many manufacturers require it to keep warranty coverage.
- Next, use a licensed, certified installer, since some brands tie their best terms to their dealer programs.
- Finally, read the warranty certificate for your exact model, because terms differ by tier and state.
For brand-by-brand pros and cons, see our guide to the best HVAC brands and our comparison of Trane vs Carrier.
Related guides: See also our guide on Goodman vs Trane.
HVAC warranty comparison FAQ
Which HVAC brand has the best warranty?
It depends on what you value. For example, Lennox’s top tier and Daikin’s ductless systems offer up to 12 years on parts, Goodman adds a lifetime compressor on select models, and Carrier offers a labor option.
Does an HVAC warranty cover labor?
Usually not. Most standard warranties cover parts only, although Carrier and Lennox offer registered options that include 3 years of labor.
What happens if I forget to register?
In most states, coverage then drops to the base term, often 5 years of parts. However, some states, such as California, don’t allow registration to be required for certain brands.
Sources and review
Sources: Trane, warranty and registration (modified March 10, 2026); Trane, warranties explained (modified September 16, 2025); Carrier, home HVAC warranty registration and coverage; Lennox, product warranty; Goodman, limited warranty explained; Rheem, RA16AY air conditioner (modified August 19, 2026); Ruud, Protection Plus; Daikin, Aurora R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps; Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, register your product; HomeGuide, new furnace cost (maintenance and warranty) (December 31, 2025). All checked on November 4, 2026.
Written by: HVAC Switch. Last updated: November 4, 2026. Read our editorial policy to learn how we research prices, or contact us if you spot an error.