WHEN SERVICE IS INTERRUPTED
You have questions.
You have options.
Local HVAC companies close, retire, change ownership or simply stop answering the phone. When that happens, homeowners are often left with questions about warranties, unfinished installations, prepaid maintenance plans and whether their system is safe to run.
As a member of the North Alabama community for more than 25 years, Annette Hale’s Indoor Comfort Systems created this free guide to help Huntsville and Madison County homeowners protect their equipment, verify contractor licensing and get reliable service, wherever they choose to get it.
Confirm the status of your provider
Before making decisions, get the facts from official sources rather than social media or word of mouth.
- Try the company directly. Call the number on your invoices or service agreement and check its website for customer notices.
- Look up the license. Use the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HACR) to check contractor licensing. If the online search is unavailable, contact the board for assistance.
- Check the business record. The Alabama Secretary of State’s business entity search provides company records. A business registration alone does not confirm an active HVAC license or current operations.
If your company is still operating and can serve you, you may want to stay with it. This guide is for anyone who can’t get the service they need.
Gather your service records
Pull everything related to your system into one place. It makes future service faster and helps you check your warranty coverage.
Your paperwork checklist
If a technician recently worked on your system, write down the date and what was done while you still remember.
What happens to your HVAC warranty?
Changing service providers does not automatically mean losing all your coverage. Start by separating the manufacturer’s warranty from any labor or service agreement.
Manufacturer parts warranty
Parts coverage is backed by the manufacturer and may continue even if the installing company closes. Eligibility and duration depend on your equipment’s warranty terms, installation date, registration and other conditions.
Your next step: Check the manufacturer’s warranty record using your model and serial numbers.
Labor & service agreements
Installer-backed labor coverage may be unavailable if that company closes. Some plans are backed by a manufacturer or a third party, so check who is responsible before assuming coverage has ended.
Your next step: Ask about labor, diagnostic and other charges before authorizing a repair.
Check registration and claim requirements
Many manufacturers require registration within a set time for enhanced coverage. A licensed HVAC contractor may be able to process the manufacturer’s parts warranty claim, depending on the manufacturer and warranty terms. Verify the plan, any dealer requirements and the claims process before authorizing a repair. A covered part does not necessarily mean the entire repair is free.
Carrier warranty informationHave another brand? Use that manufacturer’s official warranty resources or ask our team where to start.
Unfinished work and prepaid agreements
Unfinished installation? Don’t turn it on.
If an installation or major repair was left incomplete, don’t start or operate the system. Have a licensed technician inspect the work before use, including wiring, refrigerant lines and gas connections.
Prepaid maintenance plans are agreements with the original company. Another provider does not automatically take them over. Keep your receipts, contract and a record of any service you did not receive.
- Paid by credit card? Contact your card issuer promptly about services not provided. Ask about the dispute process and deadlines; a refund is not guaranteed.
- Received a bankruptcy notice? Follow the court’s instructions and deadlines for creditors, and consider getting legal advice about your situation.
- Need consumer guidance? Contact the Alabama HACR board or the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division.
Keep your system running safely
If your system is complete and operating normally, these basic steps can help while you arrange service. Follow your equipment manual and leave repairs to a qualified professional.
- Check the filter. Clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s schedule and your home’s conditions.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Remove leaves and loose debris, and maintain the clearance specified by the manufacturer.
- Check the thermostat. Review settings and replace batteries if needed.
- Watch for changes. Unusual noises, short cycling, weak airflow, leaks or persistent burning odors need professional attention.
Smell gas? Leave immediately.
Get everyone outside, then call your gas utility or 911 from a safe location. Don’t use switches, appliances or a phone inside. Keep working carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
Choose your next provider carefully
Whoever you choose, take a few minutes to verify the essentials before work begins.
- An active Alabama HACR contractor license you’ve verified yourself
- Proof of liability insurance
- Required permits for installations and major work
- A local track record and reviews you can read
- Clear, written pricing before work begins
Be cautious about unsolicited “takeover” claims. If someone calls or knocks saying they are taking over your old company’s accounts, verify that claim independently, especially before paying. Look up their license and call back at a number you find yourself.
How Indoor Comfort Systems can help
We’re committed to helping our neighbors keep safe, reliable heating and cooling. Talk with our team about your equipment, your records and the service you need.
Warranty & records review
We can help identify and understand your existing manufacturer warranty coverage.
Safety & quality assessments
Arrange an inspection of incomplete installations or recent repairs.
Equipment repairs
Discuss repairs and the manufacturer’s requirements for covered parts.
Ongoing care
Ask about seasonal maintenance and local emergency service.
Ask about availability, scope and any fees when you call. Our team can explain your options before you authorize service.
LET’S TALK THROUGH YOUR NEXT STEP
Need guidance on your HVAC system?
Questions about your warranty, unfinished work or where to begin? We’re here to help.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Is my equipment warranty still valid if my installer closed?
The manufacturer’s coverage may continue, subject to your specific warranty terms. Check your model and serial numbers with the manufacturer. Review labor coverage separately to see whether the installer, manufacturer or a third party backs it.
Will another company honor my maintenance agreement?
Not automatically. It is an agreement with the original company unless another provider expressly agrees to take it over. Keep your paperwork and review the steps for prepaid agreements.
How do I know if a contractor is licensed in Alabama?
Use the Alabama HACR licensee search. If the search is unavailable or the result is unclear, contact the board directly through hacr.alabama.gov.
Is it safe to run my system if work was left unfinished?
Do not operate a system with an incomplete installation or major repair. Have a licensed technician inspect it first, especially if gas lines, wiring or refrigerant lines were involved.
I paid for work that wasn’t done. What can I do?
Keep your receipts, contracts and communications. If you paid by credit card, contact the issuer promptly about its dispute process. The HACR board and Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division can also provide consumer resources. For advice specific to your legal rights, consult an attorney.
This page provides general consumer information and is not legal advice. Warranty coverage and service terms vary; verify the terms that apply to your equipment and agreement.