Why HVAC Claims Are Different
HVAC issues occupy a special place in new home warranty law. Unlike cosmetic defects, which are typically covered only in the first year, HVAC system defects fall under the two-year mechanical systems warranty in most states — including Utah.
This means a furnace that was improperly installed, ductwork that was incorrectly sized, or an AC unit that was never properly commissioned are builder warranty issues for up to two years after closing.
Builder Warranty vs. Manufacturer Warranty
This distinction trips up many homeowners.
**Builder warranty** covers defects in how the HVAC system was installed or commissioned — ductwork wired incorrectly, a system that cannot maintain temperature in a well-insulated home. These are installation defects the builder must address.
**Manufacturer warranty** covers defects in the equipment itself — a compressor that fails, a heat exchanger with a factory defect. Equipment warranties are typically 5 to 10 years for major components and are handled through the manufacturer, not the builder.
Common HVAC Defects in New Construction
**Undersized or oversized systems:** A system not matched to the home's heat load will run inefficiently, wear out faster, and fail to maintain comfortable temperatures.
**Duct leakage:** Poorly sealed ductwork loses conditioned air inside wall cavities and attics. This is extremely common in new construction and is both a comfort problem and an energy cost problem.
**Improper refrigerant charge:** An AC system not properly charged at installation will underperform from day one. A technician can verify refrigerant charge — low charge is a commissioning defect.
**Drainage issues:** Condensate drains that are improperly pitched or incorrectly connected can cause water damage inside walls or ceilings.
How to Document an HVAC Claim
Start with observable symptoms: rooms that cannot reach temperature, utility bills higher than neighbors in similar homes, unusual sounds, or visible condensation.
Then get a third-party HVAC technician to inspect the system and provide a written assessment. Their report documenting the defect and its cause is far more compelling than personal observations alone.
File your claim in writing with the date of first observation, the symptoms, and the technician's report attached.
Timing Your Claim
Do not wait for your HVAC system to completely fail. If something seems wrong — utility bills higher than expected, rooms with consistent temperature complaints, unusual sounds — have it inspected before the two-year mechanical warranty expires.
The cost of a diagnostic visit is trivial compared to an HVAC repair the builder should have covered.
Know your HVAC coverage. Get it inspected. Document before the clock runs out.