Top 5 Ways Homeowners Accidentally Void Their HVAC and Water Heater Warranties
Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, and they all seem expensive! Operationally not urgent, but very important – and one of the most commonly overlooked – is understanding our equipment warranties. When it comes to our heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems, the manufacturer’s warranties can save you thousands in repair or replacement costs, but only if they’re kept valid.
Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally void their warranties by skipping key maintenance steps or making uninformed decisions.
Below are the top five ways homeowners void their HVAC and water heater warranties—and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping Regular Maintenance
This is the #1 warranty killer. Nearly all manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to keep warranties valid. This applies to:
Even if you do it, like most things today, it needs to be documented. Without proof of regular servicing by a certified technician, your warranty may be denied—even if the issue wasn’t caused by neglect.
Pro tip: Schedule seasonal check-ups for HVAC (spring and fall) and annual servicing for your domestic hot water system. Keep all service records if you can, but using R&B means that we have accessible computerized records of all your service appointments.
2. DIY Repairs or Unlicensed Service
It’s tempting to troubleshoot or replace parts on your own, especially with so many online tutorials. But even small DIY fixes—or hiring someone without proper certifications—can void your warranty.
Manufacturers require that repairs and installations be performed by licensed professionals who follow brand-specific protocols. This ensures the system is serviced safely and to spec.
And for our natural gas fired equipment there’s a further restriction. In British Columbia natural gas appliance work—including installation, servicing, or alterations—can only be performed by properly certified individuals working under a licensed gas contractor or operating permit. We have that!
3. Improper Installation
A system that’s poorly installed is more prone to breakdowns and inefficiency. Worse, manufacturers can—and often do—void warranties if the equipment wasn’t installed by a certified technician, even if the unit itself is fine.
Example: A water heater installed without proper venting or clearance can trigger a denial of warranty coverage, regardless of the cause of failure. Fun fact, this also might mean it was installed without a permit.
4. Using Off-Brand or Unauthorized Parts
If you or your technician use replacement parts that aren’t approved by the manufacturer, you’re likely out of luck if something goes wrong.
Always insist on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts when replacing components during maintenance or repairs. Using generic parts may be cheaper up front, but it can cost you your warranty—and potentially cause further damage.
5. Failure to Register the Warranty
Many manufacturers require homeowners to register the equipment within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days from installation) in order to receive full warranty coverage. Failure to do so could drastically reduce your protection period or void the warranty entirely.
Check your paperwork. If you’re unsure whether your HVAC or hot water system is registered, contact the manufacturer or your installer. At R&B we can register your equipment for you.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
Your home’s heating, cooling, and hot water systems are major investments—and proper maintenance is key not just for performance and efficiency, but for preserving your warranty.
Partnering with a qualified HVAC professional for routine check-ups can save you significant money in the long run and help ensure you’re covered if something goes wrong. Don’t leave your warranty protection to chance.
Here are the top three things you can do now to help protect your warranty.
- Log Into the R&B Online Customer Portal
Stay on top of your system’s history, service records, and invoices—all in one place. Use the portal to confirm maintenance visits and easily access documentation if you ever need to file a warranty claim.
Log In to Your Customer Portal Now - Ask Us to Check Your Warranty Coverage
Not sure if your system is still under warranty—or if it was ever registered? Our team can look up your equipment details, verify registration, and let you know exactly what’s covered.
Call us or contact us online to request a free warranty check. - Schedule Your Annual Maintenance Appointment
Regular professional maintenance is the #1 way to keep your warranty valid. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last tune-up, now’s the time.
