Should You Buy Extended Warranties On Major Appliances?
Are Extended Warranties Worth It On Household Appliances?
No matter what appliance you decide to purchase, whether it be a sleek new range for your kitchen, a reliable washer and dryer duo for your laundry room, or a top-of-the-line refrigerator to keep your food fresh, it’s almost guaranteed that the retailer will tempt you with an extended warranty. Now the question arises: should you go ahead and shell out the extra money to protect your investment and gain peace of mind?
Do We Truly Need Extended Warranties?
Regarding the worthiness of these warranties in the appliance industry, opinions vary, and debates arise. It is common for appliances to come with a manufacturer’s warranty that typically covers parts and labor for a specific duration, ranging from a few months to a year or even longer. However, purchasing an extended warranty adds an exciting twist to the equation. It is important to note that an extended warranty may duplicate the protection provided by the manufacturer’s warranty, becoming effective immediately. However, its coverage truly comes into play only after the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty. So, carefully weighing the merits of both warranties becomes crucial for consumers.
According to Consumer Reports, a trusted testing lab renowned for evaluating consumer products, there is a critical perspective on extended warranties. It is argued that these warranties often contribute to the overall cost of products without delivering substantial value. While purchasing a faulty product is possible, statistically speaking, most appliances do not experience breakdowns within the warranty period. Additionally, it is essential to note that many warranties come with loopholes and exclusions that can leave consumers stranded when needing repairs. Based on CR surveys, individuals may have to endure longer wait times for warranty repairs and may ultimately be more dissatisfied with the repair outcomes than when they paid out-of-pocket repairs. These findings shed light on extended warranties’ complexities and encourage consumers to weigh their options carefully before deciding.
Extended Warranties Can Help Minimize Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
Representatives from repair facilities may have different opinions about the value of extended warranties. Having a warranty guarantees:
- That you will be able to access service from a factory-authorized service company
- That you will not have to pay for a service call
- That you may be spared paying out of pocket for most repairs
- That you can put off having to replace a costly washer, refrigerator, or stove at an inopportune time
- That you may be able to have the appliance inspected annually at no charge
Warranties are essential for today’s technologically-advanced appliances, which often have computer boards controlling their operations. The affected parts can cost $200-300 if the electronics malfunction or parts break down. The newer energy-efficient machines have sensors and other components with a high repair rate. Even top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf products are sensitive enough to require regular service calls to keep them running right.
According to one repair professional quoted in Angie’s List, the average refrigerator repair costs $200-400. Since a warranty may not cost much more, you break even with one service call.
Appliance Cost May Influence Your Decision In Buying A Warranty
Any time you buy a washer and dryer or kitchen appliance and an extended warranty is an option, you take a gamble when you do not buy the optional protection. You might be willing to take a chance on a $50 microwave that you would likely discard if it broke, but do you want to take the chance on a $2,500 refrigerator? Buying the warranty upfront or folding its cost into the amount financed is an intelligent investment for an expensive washer, dryer, range, refrigerator, or other big-ticket items.
When deciding whether to invest in a warranty for your next appliance, it’s often advisable to consider certain factors. According to repair professionals, if the appliance costs over $500, it becomes a prime candidate for warranty coverage. This additional protection can provide you with peace of mind and financial security in the long run. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure about whether to proceed with purchasing a warranty, feel free to reach out to us for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed choice.
Let Appliance Cowboys Serve You!
We have been serving Houston and the surrounding area for years with top-quality service, and Appliance Cowboys proudly maintains Bertazzoni, Blue Star, Cove, Dacor, Amana, Bosch, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, Samsung, Sears, Sub-Zero, Viking Woolf, and many more.
When you need warranty or non-warranty service, call (713) -391-4475 or fill out a website form to set up a convenient service appointment.