If you’ve recently installed a new air conditioning system in your home, you’ll not only enjoy efficient season-long cooling, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your system is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty — which will come in handy if something breaks during the coverage period.

But did you know that if you’re not careful, you could void your warranty and end up paying for expensive parts and service? Here are three ways homeowners could void their manufacturer’s warranty:

• Skipping recommended maintenance intervals: Most warranties stipulate that your system must be repaired and maintained by a licensed contractor. If you think you are saving money by avoiding or attempting maintenance yourself, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise if something breaks. A small investment in a maintenance plan will not only ensure that your warranty stays valid, it will keep your system running at peak efficiency throughout the cooling season.
• Use of improper parts: If you are not using manufacturer’s approved parts in your system, there’s a good chance that you’ll void your warranty. It may be tempting to hire a “guy you know” or a discount AC service to do repairs and maintenance, but many of these unlicensed technicians use inferior parts that will put your warranty at risk. As we’ve stated before, always use a reputable HVAC contractor to perform repairs and maintenance on your system — it’s the best way to keep your warranty intact.
• Skipping product registration: Registering your new system is easy and takes no more than 5-10 minutes of your time, unfortunately many homeowners forget this step. Make it a priority to register once your new system is installed.

Avoiding the mistakes above will keep your air conditioning system fully protected during the warranty period and help you avoid costly repairs.