Appliances are a major part of our home. When they break down, it can be costly and inconvenient. It's even worse if they’re out of warranty! Do you know what to do if a major appliance breaks down when it is still under warranty? What about if the warranty is expired? Learn more about warranties, how to handle breakdowns, and when to repair vs replace your appliance.
What Are Your Options When an In-Warranty Appliance Breaks?
If your appliance breaks while it’s still covered under the original warranty, you’re in luck. In most cases, you shouldn’t have to pay for parts or labor. Before contacting the store or shop where you purchased the appliance, read the appliance warranty carefully so you have an idea what to expect.
The store or appliance repair technician is going to do the best they can, but they're only human. They can't know ever detail of every product's warranty. It'll be easier for you to be prepared to explain your warranty's provisions and present your warrant if necessary. If you live in a rural area or purchased the product online, you may have to pay to have the product shipped to an appliance repair shop.
What Are Your Options When an Out-of-Warranty Appliance Breaks?
When your appliance breaks down after the appliance warranty expires, your options are limited. In most cases, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself or purchase a new appliance. However, you may luck into help if you contact the store where you purchased the appliance or the manufacturer. As a customer service, they may offer you discounted repair service.
If they can’t provide help, ask for a list of authorized dealers for your appliance brand. Brand-authorized technicians are required to attend workshops and seminars to keep up with technology. If it has to go into the shop, you'll know they are qualified to repair your appliance. If it's a minor repair, they may be able to suggest DIY options.
Why Some People Choose to Not Use Their Warranties
Sometimes, despite having an appliance warranty, consumers may choose not to use it, particularly if it’s inconvenient. If an appliance was purchased online or far away, you may be required to pay to have the appliance shipped to the nearest service center for the repair. In some cases, you may even be able to find a local appliance repair technician who can repair it for less than the shipping costs.
Shipping a large appliance will be as inconvenient as it will be costly. Some warranties require the owner to pay for labor, which can be another reason to not use the warranty if a less expensive appliance repair method is available.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement – Do the Math
As much as we all like to keep things as long as possible, sometimes they reach a point where it’s cheaper to just buy a new appliance than have it repaired. Parts and labor can be very expensive once the appliance warranty is over. Here are situations where you may want to just replace the appliance:
- Cost of repair is more than half the cost of a new model
- Frequent breakdowns
- Appliance is old and outdated
- Difficult to find replacement parts
