When buying a new home, many homeowners wonder if the water heater warranty transfers to them. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of warranty, the manufacturer, and the state in which you live.
Types of Water Heater Warranties
There are two main types of water heater warranties:
- Manufacturer’s warranty: This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the water heater and covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty: This warranty is purchased separately from the manufacturer’s warranty and provides additional coverage for a specific period of time.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most water heater manufacturers offer a limited manufacturer’s warranty that typically lasts for 5 to 10 years. This warranty covers the replacement of defective parts and labor costs. However, the warranty may not cover all components of the water heater, such as the heating element or the thermostat.
Extended Warranty
Extended warranties are typically purchased from the retailer where the water heater was purchased. These warranties can provide additional coverage for a specific period of time, such as 5 or 10 years. They may also cover components that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Transferability of Warranty
Whether or not a water heater warranty transfers to a new owner depends on the terms of the warranty. Some warranties are transferable, while others are not.
Transferable Warranties
Transferable warranties allow the new owner to assume the remaining term of the warranty. To transfer the warranty, the new owner must typically provide proof of purchase and the original warranty registration card.
Non-Transferable Warranties
Non-transferable warranties do not allow the new owner to assume the remaining term of the warranty. This means that if the water heater fails after the original owner has sold the home, the new owner will not be able to make a claim under the warranty.
State Laws
In some states, there are laws that govern the transferability of warranties. These laws vary from state to state, so it is important to check the laws in your state to determine if the water heater warranty is transferable.
How to Check if a Warranty Is Transferable
The best way to determine if a water heater warranty is transferable is to check the terms of the warranty. The warranty will typically state whether or not it is transferable. You can also contact the manufacturer of the water heater to inquire about the transferability of the warranty.
What to Do if a Warranty Is Not Transferable
If the water heater warranty is not transferable, the new owner will not be able to make a claim under the warranty if the water heater fails. However, the new owner may be able to purchase an extended warranty from the retailer where the water heater was purchased.
The Bottom Line: Understanding Water Heater Warranty Transferability
Understanding the transferability of water heater warranties is important for both buyers and sellers of homes. By knowing the terms of the warranty, buyers can avoid unexpected repair costs. Sellers can also provide potential buyers with information about the warranty, which can make the home more attractive to buyers.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I transfer a water heater warranty to a new owner if I sell my home?
A: Whether or not you can transfer a water heater warranty to a new owner depends on the terms of the warranty. Some warranties are transferable, while others are not.
Q: How do I transfer a water heater warranty to a new owner?
A: To transfer a water heater warranty to a new owner, you will typically need to provide the new owner with proof of purchase and the original warranty registration card.
Q: What happens if the water heater warranty is not transferable?
A: If the water heater warranty is not transferable, the new owner will not be able to make a claim under the warranty if the water heater fails. However, the new owner may be able to purchase an extended warranty from the retailer where the water heater was purchased.
