Heat Pump Warranty Checklist Before You Sign

Warranty confusion is a hidden cost. Many homeowners hear “10-year warranty” and assume everything is covered for 10 years. That is rarely how it works.

Before you sign, separate warranties into two buckets:

1. Manufacturer warranty (parts, compressor, sometimes other components)
2. Installer labour or workmanship warranty (the cost to diagnose and repair work the installer is responsible for)

Then get both in writing.

The 12 questions to ask before you sign

Copy these into an email and insist on written answers.

1) What is the manufacturer warranty term for parts and compressor?

Ask for:

• Parts term (years)
• Compressor term (years)
• Any differences between product lines

2) Does the manufacturer require registration? Who does it?

Ask:

• Registration deadline after install
• Who registers (installer or homeowner)
• What proof you will receive (email confirmation or portal record)

3) What exactly is covered under the installer labour warranty?

Ask:

• Labour term (years)
• What labour includes (diagnosis, parts replacement labour, travel time)
• Whether service call fees apply during the labour warranty

4) What are the common exclusions in plain English?

Ask them to explain exclusions that affect real homeowners, such as:

• Improper installation issues
• Electrical issues (power surges, improper circuits)
• Maintenance neglect
• Non-approved components or modifications

5) Who handles the warranty claim process?

Ask:

• If you call the installer first, or the manufacturer first
• Expected response timelines (in writing)
• After-hours policies

6) What happens if the installer is unavailable later?

Ask:

• Can another contractor service the unit under warranty?
• Is labour warranty transferable to another service provider?

7) What maintenance is required, and what proof should you keep?

Ask:

• Filter cleaning schedule
• Outdoor unit care
• Recommended service intervals
• Whether receipts or service logs matter for coverage decisions

8) Is the warranty transferable if you sell the house?

Ask:

• Transfer rules
• Fees
• Time limits

9) What is included in the closeout package?

Ask for a standard closeout package that includes:

• Final invoice with model and serial numbers
• Photos (optional but helpful)
• Manuals and basic maintenance guidance

10) Are accessories covered (thermostats, pumps, controls)?

Ask what is covered and what is not.

11) What happens in extreme weather events?

Ask how service is prioritized during cold snaps, and whether emergency call-outs have fees.

12) What electrical documentation will exist?

Electrical compliance matters. Nova Scotia’s Electrical Safety guidance states electrical installations are to be performed by properly qualified people under a wiring permit and inspected. (See Sources.)

Ask:

• Who pulled permits (when required)
• What inspections were done
• How you can confirm the work record if needed later

Read next: /blog/permits-and-electrical-upgrades-for-heat-pumps

Build a “warranty folder” (10 minutes that can save you thousands)

Create one folder (digital or paper) with:

• Final quote and any change orders
• Final invoice with install address
• Model numbers and serial numbers (photo the labels)
• Warranty registration confirmation
• Manuals and setup notes
• Permit and inspection notes (when applicable)
• Any service receipts or maintenance logs

Paperwork overlap: rebates and warranties

Rebate programs often require model numbers and verification references. Natural Resources Canada’s guidance for eligible product lists emphasizes using the AHRI number and matching model numbers exactly. (See Sources.)

Even if you do not apply for rebates, that same paperwork can reduce warranty disputes later:

• If you can prove the exact system installed
• If you can prove the install date
• If you can prove basic compliance documentation exists

Common warranty failure points (real-world patterns)

These are not “gotchas.” They are predictable disputes.

Missing registration confirmation

Homeowner assumes it was registered, later discovers it was not.

Invoice does not include model numbers

Harder to prove what was installed, and when.

Labour warranty is vague

Homeowner assumes labour is included for 10 years, later finds only parts are covered.

Electrical upgrades were required but not documented

Creates blame games between installer, electrician, and homeowner.

Maintenance misunderstandings

Some maintenance is basic homeowner responsibility. If you ignore it, you may create avoidable failures.

If something fails: the step-by-step claim workflow

1. Check the basics (breaker, settings, filters, error codes)
2. Find your warranty folder and note install date, model, serial
3. Contact the installer with a written summary:
   • Symptoms
   • Photos of error codes if any
   • Install address
   • Your preferred times
4. If you are directed to the manufacturer, document who told you and when
5. Keep a log:
   • Dates of calls
   • Who you spoke with
   • What was promised
6. If service is delayed, ask for a written timeline

FAQ

Is a “10-year warranty” usually parts only?

Often, yes. Labour coverage varies by installer. Get labour coverage in writing.

Can a warranty be voided if the install is not compliant?

Warranty terms vary, but many warranties have requirements about proper installation. Compliance matters.

Do I need to register the warranty myself?

Sometimes. Ask and get proof of registration.

What is a “service call fee”?

Some companies charge a diagnostic fee even if parts are covered. Ask how fees work during labour warranty.

Should I pay for annual maintenance plans?

It depends. Ask what is actually included and whether it is required for warranty.

What documents should I keep forever?

Invoice, model/serial, registration confirmation, and any permit/inspection notes.

Next steps

• How to read a heat pump quote (Nova Scotia checklist)
• Permits and electrical upgrades for heat pumps
• Nova Scotia heat pump rebates in 2026: pick the right path first
• Compare installers in Nova Scotia

Sources (official and primary)

• Government of Nova Scotia, Electrical Safety (wiring permit and inspection): https://novascotia.ca/lae/electricalsafety/
• NRCan eligible product list guidance (AHRI number and exact model matching): https://spl-lpi.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/product/?product=ASHP1_OHPA
• AHRI: reference numbers identify matched systems: https://www.ahrinet.org/certification/cee-directory/how-use-directory