When investing in a commercial air conditioning system, the focus often falls on the system itself. How efficient it is, how much it costs to run, and how well it performs.
But there's one area that’s easy to overlook and just as important: the warranty.
A clear, well-understood warranty protects your system and your business. It can save you thousands in future repair bills and reduce the risk of costly downtime.
In this guide, we’ll explain how commercial air conditioning warranties work, what to watch out for, and how to make sure yours stays valid.
A commercial air conditioning warranty is a written agreement that covers the cost of replacing or repairing faulty parts. These warranties protect you if the system fails due to a defect or issue covered by the terms.
Commercial systems are larger and work harder than domestic ones. Because of this, the warranty terms are more important and often more complex.
Knowing exactly what’s covered, and what isn't, can save time, money, and stress.
There are two main types of warranties to understand:
These are provided by the system’s manufacturer and cover parts that fail due to defects in design, materials, or production.
Parts commonly covered include:
Most brands offer between 3 and 10 years of cover, depending on the product and whether certain conditions, like regular servicing, are met.
These are issued by the installation company and cover labour and installation-related faults.
For example, if a pipe connection fails or the system wasn’t correctly commissioned, the installer’s warranty may cover the repair work.
These warranties are often shorter - usually one to two years - but they are essential for early-stage issues after installation.
Some professional installers also offer extended labour cover that matches the manufacturer’s parts warranty.
This provides a higher level of protection and removes the risk of being left with labour costs when parts are covered under warranty. It’s worth checking whether your installer offers this.
Both types of warranty can be needed during the life of the system, and they often work together to give full protection.
Understanding what isn’t covered is just as important as knowing what is. Most warranties include clear exclusions. These are the most common:
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is invalidating their warranty due to poor maintenance or record-keeping. Here’s how to stay compliant:
All manufacturers require registration within a fixed time, often 30 to 60 days from installation. Miss that window, and your warranty could be shortened or cancelled.
Annual or biannual servicing is usually required. These services must be done by a qualified engineer. Skipping just one service can result in a rejected claim.
Keep all maintenance reports, invoices, and service notes. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to show a history of professional care to make a valid claim.
Only certified engineers should inspect, repair, or maintain your system.
In particular, they must hold F-Gas certification, which is a legal requirement in the UK for handling refrigerants.
Using a non-certified technician, even for minor work, can void the warranty and break compliance laws.
If your system fails, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps.
Document the fault: Take note of error codes, system behaviour, and anything unusual.
Call your installer first: They can help diagnose the issue and tell you whether it qualifies as a warranty claim.
Check your documents: Have your installation, servicing, and purchase records ready.
Involve the manufacturer if needed: Some brands manage warranty claims directly, especially for parts.
Repair or replace: If the claim is approved, faulty parts will be repaired or replaced. Labour costs may be covered, depending on your warranty terms.
Knowing this process in advance avoids delays and improves your chances of a successful claim.
A warranty is designed to cover faults from manufacturing or installation. But it won't help if damage is caused by something outside those boundaries.
Here’s where business insurance comes in:
If your AC system is critical to your business, speak to your insurance broker about closing any gaps.
At LAC, we help you get the most out of your commercial AC investment. Not just at the point of install, but for the long term.
We work closely with leading manufacturers and can guide you through the best warranty options for your system. Our team makes sure you understand what’s included, where the limits are, and how to keep your cover valid throughout the life of the equipment.
With the right support in place, you’ll avoid the pitfalls that leave many businesses exposed to unnecessary repair bills.
If your system is already in place, we can assess it and help set up a planned preventative maintenance plan that meets the manufacturer’s requirements - reducing your risk and giving you full cover.
