Heat pump manufacturer warranty: coverage and exclusions

Understanding a heat pump manufacturer warranty in 2026: what it actually covers

Legal vs. commercial warranty: who's responsible between the seller, installer, and manufacturer

In 2026, keep three levels in mind. The legal warranty of conformity is the seller's responsibility, often the company that supplies the heat pump. Alongside it, the warranty against hidden defects also protects the client. The installer remains responsible for their installation and settings, covered by the warranties tied to the work itself and their insurance. The manufacturer, for its part, offers a commercial warranty on the machine. It's useful, but bound by conditions.

Parts, labor, travel: the level of coverage varies by brand

Most manufacturer warranties primarily cover parts alone. Labor and travel are sometimes included for a shorter period, or only through an approved network. Watch out for common exclusions. Refrigerant, filters, consumables, lack of maintenance, or non-compliant commissioning can void coverage.

Typical durations and warranty extensions: what to check before proposing

The market standard: 2 years as a base, often 5 years on the compressor, with variations by product range. Extensions go further, but almost always require product registration, periodic maintenance, and proof of installation by a qualified professional. Before proposing one, check the caps, the reporting deadlines, and who handles after-sales service.

Common coverage: the faults typically covered

Compressor, circuit board, fan: the components usually covered (and under what conditions)

In most manufacturer warranty contracts, "internal" faults on the compressor, circuit board, fan, or sensors are generally covered, for parts and sometimes labor. The conditions come up often. Compliant commissioning, maintenance carried out, and supporting evidence. Fouling, a power supply fault, a leak caused by poor installation, or normal wear quickly fall outside the scope.

Air-to-water, air-to-air, geothermal: warranty variations by technology

An air-to-air heat pump has fewer hydraulic components, but remains sensitive to boards and motors. For air-to-water, coverage may also extend to the circulator, 3-way valve, and hydraulic safety device, depending on the options. For geothermal, the ground loop and its accessories may be handled separately. This is a point worth confirming at the quoting stage to avoid a grey area on the day of a breakdown.

Part replacement vs. standard exchange: what changes for your job

Replacing a part limits downtime, but requires a precise diagnosis, part availability, and rework on refrigerant sealing. A standard exchange is faster, but involves removal, evacuation, and a full recommissioning. On the scheduling side, plan for a technical window and clear traceability. This secures the coverage and avoids repeat visits.

Common exclusions: the usual reasons for a manufacturer warranty refusal

Lack of maintenance, non-compliant settings, missing proof: the most common refusals

A manufacturer often refuses warranty coverage when the maintenance specified in the manual wasn't carried out, or when the base settings were changed without a record. Without a maintenance invoice, service report, or dated photos, the case stays weak. Also keep the proof of purchase and the commissioning date.

Poor commissioning and incorrectly recorded parameters: the manufacturer's checkpoints

Commissioning isn't a formality. The manufacturer generally checks the start-up report, the serial number, the parameters (heating curve, temperatures, flow rates), and the safety devices. If a key parameter is inconsistent or missing, the fault can be classified as non-compliant. For guidance on best practices, see also commissioning of a heat pump and the checks not to skip.

Water quality, sludge, corrosion, fouling: when the installation is called into question

On a hydraulic circuit, sludge and corrosion are classic reasons for refusal. The manufacturer may request a water analysis, and check for a sludge trap, filter, flushing, and appropriate treatment. If the heat exchanger is fouled or corroded by aggressive water, responsibility often shifts to the installation rather than the appliance.

Conditions to meet to secure the warranty on your installations

Commissioning, certification, product registration: steps not to skip

For the manufacturer warranty to hold, commissioning must follow the manual, usually carried out by a qualified professional. Request the commissioning certificate, note the serial number, and register the product within the required timeframe. Keep the invoice and the handover report.

Maintenance log, visits, readings: organizing your evidence without extra burden

A simple maintenance log is enough. Keep the visit reports, the settings, and a few dated photos of connections and parameters. For certain equipment (heat pumps, air conditioning), periodic maintenance is required. Centralize everything in PDF form, in a shared client file.

Original parts and service work: what the manufacturer expects during after-sales support

For after-sales support, the manufacturer expects traceability. Use original parts or validated equivalents. Avoid unplanned modifications. Use an approved repair technician, and request a detailed service report. Without these elements, the warranty can be disputed.

Field advice: avoiding disputes and setting clear warranty terms with the client

Clauses to include in the quote and handover report: clarifying what's guaranteed

In the quote, describe the scope down to the last detail. Equipment references, surface areas, thicknesses, accessories, and what falls outside the job. Note the access conditions, the limits regarding existing structures, and the exclusions. State that the signed handover triggers the warranty. On the handover report, date it, list any reservations, and mention the commissioning and the handover of the manuals.

Clearly distinguishing manufacturer warranty, installation warranty, and legal warranties: explain it without jargon

Explain it in one sentence. The manufacturer warranty covers the product. Your installation warranty covers your work. The legal warranties protect the client even if the manufacturer doesn't follow through. Give simple benchmarks. 1 year to correct defects reported at handover. 2 years for separable equipment. 10 years if the work is unfit for its purpose.

After-sales procedure: preparing the file (photos, fault codes, readings) to save time

To avoid back-and-forth, put together an after-sales file as soon as the call comes in. To frame your obligations and limit risk, also lean on our article on tradesperson liability in energy renovation.

• Dated photos, rating plate, serial number.
• Fault codes, regulation screenshots, readings (temperatures, pressures, flow rate).
• Commissioning report, maintenance record, and handover report.