When New AC Units Fail: What to Know

Was this installed wrong? Did the technician do something to mess this up?

It’s one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience: you’ve just spent thousands of dollars on a brand-new air conditioning system, and within a few weeks something breaks. Maybe the blower motor stops working, or a sensor goes bad, or your brand-new unit suddenly isn’t cooling like it should. Naturally, the first thought is, “Was this installed wrong?” or “Did the technician do something to mess this up?” But in most cases, that’s not what’s happening at all.

The truth is that AC systems are made up of many components; some mechanical, some electrical, and like any manufactured product, parts can fail. Sometimes it happens after 10 years, and sometimes it happens in the first few days. It doesn’t mean your system is faulty, and it doesn’t mean the installation was done incorrectly. In fact, this kind of early part failure is common enough that manufacturers include a 5-year parts warranty with almost every new system (some even offer 10-year coverage if properly registered).

Where it gets tricky is with labor costs. While the part itself may be covered under warranty, most manufacturer warranties do not include the labor to replace that part. That means when your contractor comes back to make the repair, you may still be responsible for the technician’s time, even though the part is free. This surprises a lot of homeowners, and understandably so. After all, if it’s a brand-new system, why should any money be coming out of your pocket?

The key here is understanding that the parts warranty is designed to protect you against material defects, not installation issues or service costs. It’s a way for the manufacturer to stand behind the quality of their components; but it doesn’t make the system “all-inclusive” or “no-cost repairs” for the first few years. That’s why some contractors offer extended labor warranties or maintenance packages to help cover those unexpected service calls.

Most likely, your system was installed just fine and you’re simply dealing with a rare (but not unusual) part failure.

If your brand-new AC unit needs a repair early on, it’s normal to feel frustrated - but try not to assume the worst. Most likely, your system was installed just fine, and you’re simply dealing with a rare (but not unusual) part failure.  

If something does come up, feel free to reach out to EnviroAir Systems. We're happy to answer your questions and help you understand any warranty coverage or next steps. Even the best equipment can have the occasional hiccup, and addressing it early helps keep your system running smoothly for years to come.