Why Bradford Only Uses OEM Parts
Every motor, capacitor, contactor, and control board Bradford installs is an OEM original manufacturer part — engineered to your system's exact specifications. Not a universal substitute. Not "close enough."
(623) 624-6246 — Ask About Our Parts PolicyOEM vs. Aftermarket: What's the Difference?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by or to the exact specifications of the company that built your HVAC system — Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, or York. Every OEM part is engineered for a specific model with exact electrical ratings, mechanical tolerances, and thermal protection characteristics.
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers and designed to fit a wide range of systems. They are cheaper to produce and cheaper to buy — but "designed to fit many" means "optimized for none." A universal capacitor rated at a slightly different microfarad value, or a universal motor running at the wrong RPM, will cause your system to work harder, run hotter, and fail sooner.
Most manufacturer warranties require OEM parts. Installing an aftermarket part can void your system's remaining warranty — including the compressor warranty, which can be worth $1,500–$3,000 in coverage. Bradford always uses OEM parts to keep your warranty intact.
Bradford's OEM Policy — Part by Part
Here's exactly why OEM matters for each component Bradford replaces.
Condenser Fan Motors
OEM: Exact RPM, torque, and thermal protection for your specific outdoor unit model
Aftermarket risk: Universal motors often run at wrong RPM — reduces airflow, strains compressor, shortens system life
Blower Motors (Air Handler)
OEM: Correct speed profile (PSC or ECM) matched to your air handler's airflow design
Aftermarket risk: Wrong motor type or speed can cause duct pressure imbalance and reduce indoor comfort
Run Capacitors
OEM: Exact microfarad (µF) and voltage rating for your specific motor — not a 'close enough' value
Aftermarket risk: Wrong µF rating causes motor to run hot, draw excess current, and fail prematurely
Contactors
OEM: Correct amperage rating and coil voltage for your system's compressor and fan circuit
Aftermarket risk: Undersized contactors arc and pit faster in Arizona heat, causing repeat failures
Refrigerant
OEM: Correct refrigerant type (R-410A at $100/lb or R-22 at $200/lb) — never a substitute blend
Aftermarket risk: Substitute refrigerant blends can damage compressor seals and void warranty
Control Boards
OEM: Exact firmware and relay configuration for your system's sequence of operations
Aftermarket risk: Generic boards may not support all system features or communicate correctly with communicating thermostats
How Bradford Compares on Parts Quality
Large HVAC companies often use aftermarket parts to reduce costs and increase margins. Bradford's smaller size means we can afford to use OEM parts on every job without the pressure to cut corners.
| Company | Parts Policy |
|---|---|
| Parker & Sons | Uses aftermarket parts on some repairs |
| Service Experts (Canyon State) | Leased equipment — parts chosen by national supply chain |
| Goettl | Large fleet — mix of OEM and aftermarket depending on tech |
| ✓ Bradford | OEM only — every repair, every time |
Based on industry practices and publicly available information. Individual technician practices may vary.
Why OEM Parts Matter Even More in Arizona
Arizona's climate puts HVAC components under stress that most of the country never experiences. Ambient temperatures above 110°F, continuous 16-hour daily runtime in summer, and extreme thermal cycling between night and day create conditions that expose the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts faster than anywhere else.
110°+ Ambient Heat
Motors and capacitors rated for standard conditions run near their thermal limits in Arizona. OEM parts are rated for your system's specific operating range — aftermarket parts often are not.
16+ Hours Daily Runtime
Arizona ACs run longer each day than anywhere in the country. A motor running at the wrong RPM or a capacitor at the wrong µF value will fail faster under continuous high-load operation.
Compressor Protection
The compressor is the most expensive component in your system. Every other part — motor, capacitor, contactor — exists to protect it. Wrong parts = wrong protection = compressor failure.
Bradford's Commitment: OEM Parts, Every Time
Ken Bradford Baker founded Bradford Heating & Cooling on a simple principle: do the job right the first time. That means using the right part — not the cheapest part. Every repair Bradford performs uses the OEM component specified for your system's make and model.
Bradford provides a flat-rate written quote before any work begins. The OEM part cost is included in that quote — no surprises, no upsells after the fact. If your part is under warranty, Bradford checks first and you only pay for labor.
(623) 624-6246 — Get a Flat-Rate QuoteOEM Parts FAQ
Why does Bradford only use OEM parts?+
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Will aftermarket parts void my HVAC warranty?+
Does using OEM parts cost more?+
Which parts does Bradford's OEM policy cover?+
OEM Parts. Flat-Rate Quotes. No Surprises.
Bradford serves Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear & Buckeye. Same-day service. Written quote before we start.
(623) 624-6246