boaterbob
join:2005-08-01
Moncks Corner, SC
| Extended warranty for AC - is it worth it?
I have a new home with a Carrier 3-ton 14 SEER heat pump. My 1 year period is up next month. The new builder Carrier installer is now offering me an extended warranty plan plus an annual maintenance plan. (A national corp I think - ARS - American Residential Services)
The extended warranty plan is:
2nd - 5th year warranty plan is a one time fee of $335,
or,
2nd - 10th year warranty plan is a one time fee of $599.
The optional maintenance plan is $149/yr (less for multi - year plan(s)- ex: 5 yrs only $523). The plan is for 2 '16 point' services per year.
Disregarding the weasel words (initial diagnostic fee waived if I have the Maintenance Plan, etc) in both type plans, are these type extended warranties or maintenance plans worth the cost. My thinking is the maintenance twice a year is probably a good thing and the price seems fair. |
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santy
Don't Follow Me, I'M Lost Too
Premium,MVM
join:2001-06-10
Wilmington, IL
clubs:
| My dad got a maintenance plan when we installed a new furnace/ac system in my old house. After he passed away I transferred it to my name and then transferred it to my new home last year. (it changed companies a few times and has now settled in with ARS of Illinois.) I pay only $12.50 a month and get my spring ac tune up/checkout and the fall furnace checkout free plus other benefits such as amount of time between call in and tech showing up in emergencies etc.
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You don't quit playing 'cause you're OLD. You're old BECAUSE you quit playing!! |
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eakes
join:2000-10-20
Richardson, TX
| reply to boaterbob
Generally, I find extended warranties of any kind to not be worth the money. IF you are "lucky" one may pay off, ie the warranted device breaks, but usually the warranty runs out first. If one totals the cost for all the devices that you can get extended warranties for, you are better off to not buy the warranty on anything. Save the warranty money and just replace/fix whatever breaks - you will be money ahead over a 20 or 30 year period.
I used to have A/C and heating inspected twice yearly and came to the conclusion that was a waste of time and money. Inspection about every three years or so will suffice. Again, you will be money ahead.
However, if you are the nervous type and want to be 'protected' from any failure, buy the warranties. Just be aware that you are spending a good deal of money to calm your nerves. |
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SandShark
So it goes
Premium,MVM
join:2000-05-23
Santa Fe, TX
clubs:
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to boaterbob
One year period? Are you sure about that? Unless I'm mistaken, Carrier, and most manufacturers, have a standard 5-year parts and 10-year compressor warranty. Usually, the first year covers parts and labor. After the first year, it's parts only.
As to whether extended warranties are worth it or not, that depends. Like any insurance or warranty, if you never use it, it's not worth it. Use it once, it can pay for itself. Labor for a compressor change-out can cost as much as $400. If a compressor failure was caused from burnt windings, all new refrigerant will have to be added to the cost, not to mention refrigerant recovery charges. Refrigerant can be a significant cost, possibly as much as $150 or more, depending on how many pounds the system holds. |
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boaterbob
join:2005-08-01
Moncks Corner, SC
| SandShark is correct - the 'extended' warranty the first years is for labor only as parts are covered for multi years by Carrier.
But, as an example, in their literature ARS says "Compressor replacement (part under warranty - cost for labor only) $1009.14 labor. Evaporator Coil replacement (part under mfg warranty) $964.37 labor.
Capacitor replacement - $273.46 and so on. |
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madylarian
The curmudgeonly
Premium
join:2002-01-03
Parkville, MD
| reply to boaterbob
When we had a new central A/C unit installed about 10 years we refused the extended warranty but when the original one ended we picked up a maintenance contract with a local company. And I'm glad we did. They inspect our a/c every spring, but more than that, when the unit has failed to work in the middle of summer, they have come out even on a Sunday night. As miserable as it can get here in summer, that makes it worth every penny for the maintenance conctract to me.
mady
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Honi soit qui mal y pense |
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
| reply to boaterbob
last year i bought a Trane Xl14i heat pump and got teh 10 year part AND labor warranty. every single item is covered for 10 years and has NO deduct. the only thing i pay is if i want them to come out and do a PM on it each year. cost was less than 500.00 at the time of purchase, so i went ahead and got it.
that being said, i usually do not go for extended warranties. but in this case it was worth it to me as it covers everything from teh stat, to teh wiring , to the indoor and outdoor units completely. so as long as i don't physically damage it or lightning hit it, i am covered.
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine! |
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morbo
Complete Your Transaction
join:2002-01-22
00000
clubs: | that sounds like a great price for 10yr parts and labor. i would have opted for that warranty at that price. |
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sempergoofy
Premium
join:2001-07-06
Smyrna, GA
·AT&T Southeast
| reply to dgilbert
In April of this year, I bought a Trane Xl16i air conditioner and furnace combo. I have a lifetime (transferable) parts and labor warranty with the company from whom I purchased as long as I maintain a service contract with them. Not included are "Air & water filters, external flow centers, condensate drain lines and pumps, refrigerant lines, ducting, dual fuel boards, zoning boards and electrical wiring external to the equipment or any other equipment not listed on the work order."
Obviously, they are comfortable with the quality of the Trane brand and they feel comfortable enough to offer lifetime parts and labor.
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nohup rm -fr /& |
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