Manufacturer Warranty vs Workmanship Warranty: What’s the Difference
These two warranties cover completely different parts of your air conditioning system, and it’s rare for one to cover what the other leaves out.
- Manufacturer warranty: Issued by the brand that built the unit (Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Samsung, and so on). It covers faults in the equipment itself, such as a compressor failure, a faulty circuit board, or a manufacturing defect in the casing.
- Workmanship warranty: Issued by the company that installed or repaired the system, such as Kelvinaire. It covers the quality of the labour: correct pipework, proper refrigerant charge, secure mounting, and compliant electrical and plumbing connections.
A unit can fail for a reason that sits entirely outside the manufacturer’s warranty (a poorly brazed joint, say) while still being brand new. In that case, it’s the installer’s workmanship warranty that applies, not the manufacturer’s.
What Does a Manufacturer's Warranty Cover?
Most split system and ducted units sold in Australia carry a manufacturer warranty of two to ten years, depending on the brand and whether the unit was registered after installation. It typically covers:
- Parts that fail due to a manufacturing defect, such as the compressor, PCB, fan motor, or sensors
- Replacement components supplied directly by the manufacturer
- Labour to fit those replacement parts, in some cases, though many brands only cover the part itself
It generally does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from incorrect use, or faults caused by poor installation. This is also separate from your statutory consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law, which exist regardless of what a manufacturer’s written warranty says, as the ACCC explains.
What Does a Workmanship Warranty Cover?
A workmanship warranty is issued by your installer or repairer, not the manufacturer, and it covers the quality of the work carried out on your system. At Kelvinaire, this applies across split system installation, ducted installation, and repairs. It typically covers faults such as:
- Refrigerant leaks caused by poorly brazed or crimped joints
- Incorrect refrigerant charge affecting performance
- Loose or faulty electrical connections made during installation
- Condensate drainage issues from incorrect pipe falls or blocked drains
- Mounting brackets or isolation valves that weren’t properly secured
A genuine workmanship warranty should be provided in writing, with a clear coverage period, and it should sit alongside (not replace) the manufacturer’s warranty on the equipment.
At a Glance: Manufacturer vs Workmanship Warranty
| Manufacturer Warranty | Workmanship Warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | The equipment brand (Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, etc.) | Your installer or repair technician |
| Covers | Faulty parts and manufacturing defects | Quality of installation or repair work |
| Typical length | 2 to 10 years, brand dependent | Often 1 to 7 years, provider dependent |
| Common claims | Compressor failure, PCB fault, sensor failure | Refrigerant leaks, drainage faults, loose wiring |
| Who to contact | The manufacturer or an authorised agent | The company that did the installation or repair |
What Can Void Your Air Conditioner Warranty
Most warranty disputes come down to one of these avoidable issues:
- DIY or unlicensed installation. Refrigerant handling in Australia requires an ARCtick licence. A system installed or worked on by an unlicensed person can void both the manufacturer and workmanship warranty, and it’s illegal under Commonwealth ozone protection laws.
- Skipping registration. Many brands require the unit to be registered online within a set period (often 30 to 90 days) to activate the extended warranty period. Missing this can quietly reduce a 10 year warranty back to the standard 2 to 5 year default.
- No proof of regular servicing. Most manufacturers require evidence of annual servicing by a licensed technician. A claim can be refused if there are no service records, even if the fault itself is unrelated to maintenance.
- Incorrect sizing or non-compliant installation. An undersized or oversized system, or one installed outside AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules or the manufacturer’s clearance and mounting specifications, can breach both warranty types.
- Using non-approved parts or refrigerant. Topping up with the wrong refrigerant type, or fitting parts not approved by the manufacturer, is a common reason claims are rejected.
- Running the unit outside its rated conditions. Operating a system well beyond its designed temperature range, or connecting it to an unstable power supply, can void cover for resulting damage.
- Water or storm damage, pests, or physical impact. These are almost always excluded from both warranty types and sit under home and contents insurance instead.
- Transferring ownership without notifying the manufacturer. Some warranties are tied to the original purchaser and need to be formally transferred when a property is sold.
How to Keep Your Warranty Valid
- Use a licensed installer for any new system, and keep a copy of their ARCtick licence number and compliance certificate.
- Register the unit with the manufacturer as soon as it’s installed. Set a reminder if the brand requires proof of registration for extended cover.
- Book annual servicing with a licensed technician and keep every invoice and service report, even for minor check ups.
- Ask your installer for a written workmanship warranty that states what’s covered and for how long, not just a verbal assurance.
- Choose an installer who follows manufacturer specifications on sizing, mounting, and clearances. The Victorian Government’s home heating and cooling upgrades guide has useful pointers on vetting an approved supplier.
- Don’t attempt DIY repairs involving refrigerant, electrical wiring, or internal components. If something seems off, book a service and repair instead.
- Keep proof of purchase, installation paperwork, and warranty documents together in one place, digitally if possible.
Warranty Checks and Repairs Across Melbourne
Not sure whether a current fault is covered by the manufacturer or your installer’s workmanship warranty? Kelvinaire’s licensed technicians can inspect the system, check it against your paperwork, and advise which warranty applies before any work begins. Local services include:
- Air conditioning repairs and servicing in Brighton
- Air conditioning service in Bentleigh
- Air conditioning repairs in Mount Waverley
- Air conditioning service in Oakleigh
- Air conditioning in Mulgrave
- 24/7 emergency air conditioning repair
See the full list of suburbs we service across Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does servicing my air conditioner with a different company void the manufacturer's warranty?
No, as long as the servicing is carried out by a licensed technician and you keep the records. Manufacturers generally require proof of licensed servicing, not servicing from a specific brand-approved company, unless the warranty terms state otherwise.
How long does a workmanship warranty usually last in Australia?
There’s no single standard length. Reputable installers typically offer somewhere between 1 and 7 years on labour, separate from the manufacturer’s cover on parts. Always ask for the exact period in writing before work begins.
What should I do if I'm not sure which warranty covers my fault?
Book an inspection. A licensed technician can usually tell within minutes whether a fault points to a manufacturing defect or an installation issue, and direct your claim accordingly.
Can I still get help if my air conditioner is out of warranty?
Yes. Statutory consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law can still apply even after a written warranty expires, particularly for major faults in a product that should reasonably have lasted longer. Kelvinaire also offers paid repairs and servicing outside of warranty.
