What Can Void an AC Warranty in Florida?

Reviewed by Richard Morales, Co-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor (FL license CAC1819196)Updated Oct 4, 2026

Two Warranties Come With Every New AC System

When you buy a new AC system, you actually get two separate warranties, and they work differently.

The parts warranty is between you and the manufacturer. The labor warranty is between you and the company that installed the system. The length of the labor warranty depends on the system and is written on your quote. These are two separate documents with two separate sets of rules.

What Voids the Manufacturer Parts Warranty?

Manufacturers write their own terms, so always read yours. That said, these are the most common reasons Florida homeowners lose parts coverage.

Equipment was never registered

Most brands, including Goodman and Daikin, require you to register the equipment within a set window after installation to unlock the full parts warranty. Registered Goodman equipment carries a 10-year parts warranty, and the Daikin Fit carries a 12-year parts warranty. Skip registration and you may fall back to a much shorter base warranty. When Home Therapist installs your system, we register the equipment for you.

Installation by an unlicensed contractor

Florida requires a licensed contractor to install HVAC equipment. If an unlicensed person does the work, most manufacturers will deny a parts claim outright. Our HVAC license number is CAC1819196, and we pull the permit and schedule the inspection on every install.

Mismatched indoor and outdoor components

Manufacturers test and rate their systems as matched sets. Pairing a brand-approved outdoor unit with a mismatched indoor coil or air handler can void the parts warranty and reduce efficiency. Always confirm the components are rated to work together before the install.

Refrigerant or electrical work by an unlicensed person

Adding refrigerant, recovering refrigerant, or doing electrical work on the system without a license can void coverage. In Florida, refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification at minimum. Unlicensed work also creates a safety risk and may violate state law.

Lack of maintenance when the warranty requires it

Some manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid. In Tampa Bay’s humidity and heat, skipping tune-ups is already a bad idea. If your warranty has a maintenance requirement, keep your service records. The ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist is a good reference for what a proper tune-up covers.

Flood or physical damage

Water intrusion from flooding, storm surge, or a drain backup that damages the equipment is typically excluded from parts coverage. Homeowners insurance or flood insurance is the right path for that kind of claim.

Does a Soft Start Kit Void the Warranty?

A soft start kit reduces the startup current draw on the compressor. In general, adding a soft start does not void a manufacturer parts warranty by itself, and many installers use them routinely. However, this is general guidance, not a promise. Read your specific warranty terms and keep the receipt for any add-on device. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer directly before adding anything to the system.

Does a Third-Party Repair Void the Warranty?

A repair done by a licensed contractor who is not the original installer generally does not void the manufacturer parts warranty on its own. What matters most is that the work was done correctly, the right parts were used, and the person doing the work was licensed. Keep all service records and invoices. Again, check your specific warranty document, because terms vary by brand.

How to Protect Your Warranty From Day One

• Confirm the equipment is registered right after install.
• Keep a copy of your warranty document and your install invoice.
• Use a licensed contractor for every repair and refrigerant service.
• Schedule annual tune-ups and keep the service records.
• Do not mix and match indoor and outdoor components without checking compatibility.

A Home Therapy Club membership gives you two AC tune-ups per system every year, which satisfies most manufacturer maintenance requirements and keeps your records in one place.

What Home Therapist Does on Every Install

Home Therapist Cooling, Heating and Plumbing installs and services all brands across Tampa Bay. We register your Goodman or Daikin equipment after every AC installation, pull the permit, and schedule the county inspection. Every visit includes a FREE estimate and FREE diagnosis, at any hour, with no service call fee or trip charge. Call or text us at (813) 343-2212, open 24/7.

Related: What Temperature Should I Set My AC in Florida?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the warranty transfer if I sell my home?

Many manufacturers allow a one-time warranty transfer to a new homeowner, sometimes with a transfer fee and a registration deadline. Check your specific warranty document for the transfer rules. Keeping the original install paperwork makes the process much easier for the next owner.

What is the difference between a parts warranty and a labor warranty?

The parts warranty covers the cost of a defective part. The labor warranty covers the technician’s time to replace it. They are separate documents with separate terms. Both need to be in place for a repair to cost you nothing out of pocket after a covered failure.

Does Goodman or Daikin require annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid?

Warranty terms can change, so always read your current warranty document. In general, documented maintenance is strongly recommended and may be required. Keeping service records protects you if a claim is ever questioned. Contact the manufacturer directly if you need a definitive answer for your specific model.

Who registers my equipment after a Home Therapist install?

We handle registration for you on every Goodman and Daikin install. You do not need to do anything extra.

Can I add a UV light or air purifier without voiding the warranty?

Most add-on accessories installed by a licensed contractor do not void the manufacturer parts warranty on their own. Read your warranty terms and keep the installation receipt. If the accessory causes a failure, the manufacturer may look at whether it was installed correctly and by a licensed person.

Does skipping a tune-up automatically void my warranty?

Not automatically, but if a manufacturer requires documented maintenance and you cannot show records, they may deny a claim tied to a maintenance-related failure. Keeping annual tune-up invoices is the safest approach. See the Goodman vs. Daikin comparison for more on what each brand covers.