Heat Pump Warranty: What's Covered?

A heat pump should last 20-25 years. Your warranty protects you for the first 5-12 of those. Knowing what is covered, what is not, and what actions void your warranty gives you confidence that if anything does go wrong, you will not be left out of pocket.

This guide explains how heat pump warranties work, what the major manufacturers offer, what your installer's warranty covers separately, and whether extended cover is worth the extra cost.

Manufacturer Warranty

The manufacturer's warranty covers the heat pump unit itself — the outdoor unit, compressor, controls, and key components. Warranty periods vary by brand:

Specific brand warranties vary — check with your installer for the exact terms of the model they recommend.

What the manufacturer warranty covers

• Compressor failure
• Control board defects
• Refrigerant circuit components
• Fan motor failure
• Manufacturing defects in all parts

What it typically does not cover

• Normal wear and tear
• Damage from incorrect installation (hence the importance of MCS-certified installers)
• Damage from external factors (flooding, lightning, vandalism)
• Cosmetic damage
• Components replaced during normal servicing

Installer Warranty

Separate from the manufacturer warranty, your installer may offer their own workmanship warranty covering the quality of the installation itself:

• Typical period: 2-5 years
• Covers: Pipework connections, electrical work, radiator installations, system design issues
• MCS consumer code: All MCS-certified installations come with consumer code protection, which provides insurance-backed guarantees even if the installer ceases trading

The hot water cylinder has its own separate warranty — typically 5-25 years depending on the brand and model.

What Voids Your Warranty

Protect your warranty by avoiding these common pitfalls:

• Skipping annual servicing: Book your service every year without exception
• Non-MCS installation: Installation by an uncertified company may void manufacturer warranty
• Unauthorised modifications: Do not attempt DIY repairs or modifications
• Incorrect electrical supply: Voltage issues or poor earthing can damage the unit and void warranty
• Failure to register: Some brands require online warranty registration within 30 days of installation

Extended Warranty Options

Several options exist for extending your warranty beyond the standard period:

• Manufacturer extended warranty: Paid upgrade at time of installation, typically adding 3-5 years for £200-£500
• Installer maintenance packages: Annual service plans that include extended warranty as part of the package
• Third-party warranty providers: Independent policies that cover the heat pump and installation — compare terms carefully

Whether extended warranty is worth it depends on the cost relative to likely repair expenses. Heat pumps have few moving parts and are generally very reliable — but compressor replacement can cost £1,500-£3,000, making extended cover potentially good value.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

1. Contact your installer first — they can often diagnose and resolve issues under their own workmanship warranty
2. If the issue is a component or manufacturing defect, your installer will contact the manufacturer on your behalf
3. Have your MCS certificate, commissioning record, and service history available
4. If your installer has ceased trading, contact the MCS consumer code body for insurance-backed protection
5. Document the fault — photographs, temperature readings, and a clear description of the problem

If you are also managing solar panel warranties, keep all renewable energy documentation together for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a typical heat pump warranty?

Standard manufacturer warranties range from 5 to 7 years. Extended options reach 10-12 years. The compressor often has a longer specific warranty.

What voids a heat pump warranty?

Failure to carry out annual servicing, installation by non-MCS certified companies, unauthorised repairs, and damage from incorrect electrical supply are the most common causes.

Does the warranty cover the whole installation or just the heat pump?

The manufacturer warranty covers the unit. The cylinder has a separate warranty. Your installer offers a workmanship warranty for the installation quality. Check what each covers.

Is extended warranty worth it?

If the extended warranty costs less than £500 for 3-5 extra years, it is usually good value given that compressor replacement can cost £1,500-£3,000.