Warranty length is only the headline number. What actually gets covered, what voids it, and whether it transfers if you sell the device matter just as much.
The 30-Second Answer
Current standard manufacturer warranties on new AEDs run from 7 to 8 years depending on brand and model: ZOLL AED Plus at 7 years, Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 at 7 years, and Philips HeartStart (current models), Cardiac Science Powerheart G5, HeartSine samaritan PAD, and Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 all at 8 years. The battery is almost always covered by a separate, shorter warranty (commonly around 4 years), not the full device term. Refurbished units carry reseller warranties, typically 1 to 4 years. Nearly every major manufacturer's warranty is non-transferable to a subsequent owner.
Warranty length is the number every AED product page leads with, and it is genuinely useful for comparing brands at a glance. It is also the least complete picture of what you are actually buying. Two AEDs with an identical 8-year warranty can differ meaningfully in whether the battery is covered separately, what voids coverage, whether repairs include labor or just parts, and whether that protection follows the device if you ever sell or transfer it.
This article compares warranty terms across the four brands buyers ask about most, plus Physio-Control and Defibtech, using figures verified directly against manufacturer warranty documentation rather than marketing pages alone.
What This Article Covers
- Warranty length by brand
- Does the warranty cover the battery?
- What voids an AED warranty?
- Is an extended warranty worth it?
- New vs refurbished warranty comparison
- How to file an AED warranty claim
- Does the warranty transfer if you sell the device?
- Shipping, loaner units, and repair turnaround
- Frequently asked questions
1. Warranty Length by Brand
| Brand and Model | Device Warranty | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| ZOLL AED Plus | 7 years | Standard consumer battery (Duracell CR123A), no separate medical device battery warranty needed |
| ZOLL AED 3 | Typically 7 years, confirm current terms | Varies by configuration |
| Philips HeartStart OnSite / Home / FRx (current) | 8 years | 4 years, separate from device warranty |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 / G3 Plus | 7 years | 4-year battery guarantee, separate from device warranty |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | 8 years | 4-year battery guarantee, separate from device warranty |
| HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P / 360P / 450P | 8 years | Combined into the 4-year Pad-Pak cartridge (pads and battery in one component) |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 | 8 years | 4-year battery life, separate from device warranty |
| Refurbished units (any brand) | Typically 1 to 4 years, reseller-issued | New battery included, warranty term set by refurbisher |
Some older pages and third-party listings still advertise a 10-year HeartSine warranty. HeartSine's current official warranty terms specify 8 years. If you see a 10-year figure quoted elsewhere, confirm directly with the manufacturer or an authorized distributor before relying on it for a purchase decision.
2. Does the Warranty Cover the Battery?
Usually not under the same term as the device, and this is one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of an AED warranty. Most manufacturers issue a separate, shorter warranty specifically on the battery, commonly around 4 years, distinct from the 7 to 8 year device warranty. An 8-year device warranty does not mean the battery is protected for 8 years; it typically means the battery has its own separate coverage window that usually expires well before the device warranty does.
The ZOLL AED Plus is a partial exception. It uses standard, off-the-shelf Duracell CR123A lithium batteries rather than a proprietary medical-grade battery pack. Because these are inexpensive, widely available consumer batteries rather than a specialized warranted component, the concept of a separate multi-year "battery warranty" is less relevant; you simply replace them affordably as needed, typically every 5 years.
When comparing warranty terms across brands, always ask specifically about the battery coverage window, not just the headline device warranty number. A battery that fails in year 5 of an 8-year device warranty may or may not be covered, depending on the battery's own separate warranty term.
3. What Voids an AED Warranty?
Manufacturer warranty documents share a consistent set of exclusions across brands. The following are drawn directly from published manufacturer warranty terms.
- Unauthorized repair or service Opening the device case or performing repairs through anyone other than the manufacturer or an authorized service provider voids coverage on every major brand reviewed.
- Non-OEM pads, batteries, or accessories Using aftermarket or incompatible consumables, including batteries not manufactured or approved by the original brand, is an explicit exclusion in Cardiac Science's published warranty terms and is standard practice across the industry.
- Purchase from an unauthorized distributor HeartSine's warranty terms specifically state that purchasing a samaritan PAD from anyone other than an authorized distributor voids the warranty entirely. This is a meaningful reason to confirm authorized-distributor status before buying from any AED seller.
- Improper or inadequate maintenance Failing to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, documented in Philips's published warranty terms as a specific exclusion, can affect coverage.
- Use outside labeling and instructions for use Operating the device in a manner inconsistent with its FDA-cleared labeling and the manufacturer's instructions is excluded across all major brands.
- Physical abuse, accident, or damage in transit Standard exclusions for damage not caused by a defect in materials or workmanship.
Beyond the general risk of counterfeit or grey-market products, buying from an unauthorized seller can void your warranty outright on some brands regardless of whether the device itself is genuine. Total AEDs is an authorized distributor for every brand referenced in this article. Call (855) 286-6384 if you want to confirm authorized status on a specific listing before purchase.
4. Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
Extended or service warranties are commonly available as optional paid add-ons from distributors, extending coverage beyond the standard manufacturer term. Whether one is worth purchasing depends on a few factors specific to your situation.
Consider an Extended Warranty When
You plan to keep the AED in service for its full 8 to 10 year expected lifespan and want coverage through the later years when component failures become more likely; you are purchasing a refurbished unit with a short 1 to 4 year base warranty and want longer protection; or your organization has a strict budget-predictability requirement that favors converting an unpredictable repair cost into a fixed known expense.
Skip an Extended Warranty When
You are buying a new unit with an 8-year standard warranty and typically replace equipment on a shorter cycle anyway; the extended warranty cost approaches a meaningful fraction of a full replacement device, at which point replacement may be the more sensible long-term move; or your program already has budget flexibility to absorb an occasional out-of-warranty repair without financial strain.
5. New vs Refurbished Warranty Comparison
| Attribute | New AED | Refurbished AED |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty issuer | Original manufacturer | Refurbisher (reseller), not the original manufacturer |
| Typical warranty length | 7 to 8 years | 1 to 4 years |
| Battery and pads | New, full original coverage | New, covered under refurbisher's warranty terms |
| Coverage scope | Defects in materials and workmanship, per manufacturer terms | Varies by refurbisher; confirm scope and any exclusions in writing |
The original manufacturer's warranty does not transfer to a refurbished unit's subsequent buyer; the refurbisher's own warranty replaces it entirely. See our full comparison in New vs Refurbished AED for the complete decision framework beyond warranty alone.
6. How to File an AED Warranty Claim
- Confirm the issue is warranty-eligible. Review your specific manufacturer's exclusions (see Section 3) before initiating a claim to avoid an unnecessary shipping round-trip for a non-covered issue.
- Gather your documentation. Have your device serial number, original proof of purchase, and maintenance log ready. Manufacturers may request evidence the device was maintained per their guidelines.
- Contact the manufacturer or your authorized distributor. Total AEDs customers can start a claim by calling (855) 286-6384 rather than contacting the manufacturer directly; we handle the coordination.
- Obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Most manufacturers require an RMA before accepting a returned unit for warranty service; do not ship a device back without one.
- Confirm shipping cost responsibility before you ship. Policies vary by manufacturer and distributor on who covers return shipping for a warranty claim; confirm this before sending the device.
- Ask about loaner availability. Loaner units are not a universal manufacturer warranty benefit; availability varies. Ask specifically rather than assuming one will be provided automatically.
7. Does the Warranty Transfer If You Sell the Device?
Generally, no. Published warranty documentation from both Cardiac Science and HeartSine explicitly states their warranties apply only to the original purchaser and may not be assigned or transferred to a subsequent owner. This pattern is consistent across the AED industry, not specific to these two brands.
If your organization is acquired, merges with another entity, or you are purchasing a used AED from a previous owner (outside of a formal manufacturer refurbishment program), do not assume the remaining warranty term carries over automatically. Contact the manufacturer directly to confirm current status, and treat any AED acquired secondhand outside an authorized refurbished-resale channel as effectively unwarrantied until confirmed otherwise.
8. Shipping, Loaner Units, and Repair Turnaround
These logistics vary meaningfully by manufacturer and distributor, so treat the following as general guidance to confirm before you need it, not a universal guarantee.
- Return shipping costs Some distributors cover return shipping for warranty claims; others require the customer to cover shipping to the service center, with the manufacturer covering the return leg after repair. Confirm this specifically before shipping a unit back.
- Loaner units during repair Free loaner AEDs are a common feature of AED rental and subscription programs, but are not a standard, universal feature of manufacturer ownership warranties. Some distributors offer loaners as a premium service tier or paid add-on. Do not assume one is included; ask explicitly when filing a claim, especially if the location cannot go without AED coverage during the repair window.
- Repair turnaround time Turnaround varies by manufacturer, the specific issue, and current service department volume. Ask for a current estimate when you file the claim, and ask whether an interim solution (loaner, or temporary relocation of a backup unit from another site) is available if your location cannot go without coverage.
- Labor vs parts coverage Standard manufacturer AED warranties (repair-or-replace terms) typically cover both parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship. Confirm this explicitly for your specific brand and situation, since coverage scope can vary for issues outside a straightforward manufacturing defect.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Which AED has the longest warranty?
Among current production models, Philips HeartStart, Cardiac Science Powerheart G5, HeartSine samaritan PAD, and Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 all carry 8-year standard manufacturer warranties, currently the longest among mainstream brands. ZOLL AED Plus and Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 carry 7-year warranties. Warranty length alone should not be the deciding factor; also compare what the battery warranty covers separately and what voids coverage, both detailed in this article.
Does AED warranty cover the battery?
Usually not under the same term as the device. Most manufacturers issue a separate, shorter battery warranty, commonly around 4 years, distinct from the longer 7 to 8 year device warranty. The ZOLL AED Plus is a partial exception since it uses standard consumer Duracell CR123A batteries rather than a proprietary medical battery pack, making a dedicated multi-year battery warranty less relevant. Always confirm the specific battery warranty term separately from the device warranty term. See Section 2 for detail.
What is the standard warranty on a Zoll AED?
The ZOLL AED Plus carries a 7-year manufacturer warranty on the device. The battery is a standard consumer Duracell CR123A cell rather than a proprietary component with its own separate multi-year warranty. Confirm current terms for the ZOLL AED 3 directly, as configuration can affect specifics.
Is an extended warranty worth it for an AED?
It depends on how long you plan to keep the unit and your organization's tolerance for an unpredictable repair cost. An extended warranty is most worth considering if you plan to run the AED through its full 8 to 10 year expected service life and want protection through the later years, or if you purchased a refurbished unit with a short 1 to 4 year base warranty. It is less compelling for organizations that typically replace equipment on a shorter cycle regardless of warranty status. See the decision framework in Section 4.
What voids an AED warranty?
The most common exclusions across major brands are: unauthorized repair or service, use of non-OEM pads, batteries, or accessories, purchase from an unauthorized distributor (a specific HeartSine warranty term), improper or inadequate maintenance, use outside the device's labeled instructions, and physical abuse or accidental damage. See the full list with sourcing in Section 3.
How do I file an AED warranty claim?
Confirm the issue is warranty-eligible, gather your serial number and proof of purchase, contact the manufacturer or your authorized distributor, obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before shipping the device back, and confirm shipping cost responsibility and loaner availability before you ship. Total AEDs customers can call (855) 286-6384 to start a claim rather than contacting the manufacturer directly. See the full step-by-step process in Section 6.
Does the warranty cover the battery if it fails before its expiration date?
If the battery fails due to a genuine manufacturing defect within its own separate battery warranty period (commonly around 4 years for most brands), it is typically covered. If the battery simply reaches its normal end-of-life expiration (a scheduled replacement, not a defect), that is standard consumable replacement, not a warranty claim. The distinction is defect versus expected expiration; confirm which situation applies with the manufacturer before filing a claim.
Are there any hidden shipping costs if I have to send the AED back for repair?
Possibly, and this varies by manufacturer and distributor rather than following one universal rule. Some cover return shipping both ways for a valid warranty claim; others expect the customer to cover shipping to the service center while the manufacturer covers the return trip after repair. Confirm this specifically before shipping a unit back, since assuming free shipping when it is not covered is a common source of surprise cost.
Will I receive a loaner AED while mine is being serviced under warranty?
Not automatically in most cases. Free loaner units are a common feature of AED rental and subscription programs, but are not a standard, guaranteed feature of a manufacturer's base ownership warranty. Some distributors offer loaner units as a premium service tier or paid add-on. If your location cannot go without AED coverage during a repair window, ask specifically about loaner availability when you file the claim rather than assuming one is included.
Does the warranty automatically transfer if our company is acquired or the device is sold?
Generally, no. Published warranty terms from Cardiac Science and HeartSine both explicitly state the warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable and unassignable to a subsequent owner. This is standard practice across the AED industry. If your organization is being acquired or you are buying a secondhand AED, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm current warranty status rather than assuming coverage carries over. See Section 7.
What specific maintenance logs do I need to keep to ensure the warranty remains valid?
Keep a dated record of monthly visual inspections, pad and battery installation and replacement dates, any firmware or software updates applied, and documentation of any actual use or deployment. Manufacturer warranty terms commonly require the device to have been "properly maintained" per their guidelines as a condition of coverage, so a documented log is your evidence that this condition was met if a claim is ever disputed. See our AED Inspection Checklist for a maintenance log template.
Is labor included in the warranty, or just the cost of the replacement parts?
Standard manufacturer AED warranties are typically structured as repair-or-replace terms that cover both parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship, not just the cost of replacement components. Confirm this explicitly for your specific brand, since exact scope can vary, particularly for issues that fall outside a straightforward manufacturing defect.
How does the warranty for a refurbished unit compare to a brand new one?
A new AED carries the original manufacturer's warranty, typically 7 to 8 years. A refurbished unit carries a warranty issued by the refurbisher (reseller), not the original manufacturer, typically 1 to 4 years. The refurbisher's warranty replaces the original manufacturer coverage entirely; it does not extend or combine with whatever was left on the original warranty. Confirm the refurbisher's specific coverage scope and any exclusions in writing before purchase. See the full comparison in Section 5.
What is the typical turnaround time for a warranty repair in the United States?
Turnaround time varies by manufacturer, the specific issue, and current service department volume, so there is no single reliable industry-wide figure to quote. Ask for a current estimate directly when you file the claim, and ask whether an interim solution is available (a loaner unit, or temporarily relocating a backup device) if your location cannot go without AED coverage during the repair window.
Total AEDs ships free on orders $149 and above within the contiguous United States. See our full shipping policy and return policy before ordering, or call (855) 286-6384 to confirm current warranty terms on any specific model before you buy.
