Over the years, many appliance brands have reduced their warranties, creating a costly conundrum for new appliance owners. However, when investing in high-end brands, there are ways to maintain your appliance warranty using the following nine warranty tips.
What is an appliance warranty?
Appliance warranties, provided by the manufacturer, cover the costs of repairs and replacements for a limited period. Manufacturers test their appliances to understand the expected lifespan for parts and base their warranties on that expectation.
Their goal is to offer the best performance for customers in order to build trust while also mitigating risks of possible manufacturing shortfalls.
What do appliance warranties cover?
Coverage varies from warranty to warranty. However, appliance warranties tend to cover the following issues:
- Motor defects and damage
- Electronic systems
- Parts
- Technology function
Issues not covered include:
- Damage caused by neglect or misuse
- Expected wear and tear from regular use
- Cosmetic damage
- Accidental damage (such as dropping something on a stovetop and cracking the glass)
- Unauthorized modifications and repairs
How long do appliance warranties last?
Warranties vary from brand to brand and often from model to model. Longer warranties tend to indicate a higher-quality appliance. The typical appliance warranty today is usually a year, while higher-end brands can extend as long as five or even 10 years.
Appliance warranty tips: #1 Read your manual
The moment your new appliance arrives, review the basic instructions to understand proper use. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions can damage your appliance, which in turn can void your warranty. Some examples might include:
- Improper installation
- Using the appliance for unintended purposes
- Improper cleaning methods
Appliance warranty tips: #2 Register your appliance purchase
Most appliance brands today require registration to activate the warranty. You will need proof of purchase, the brand name, model, and serial number to register your purchase. The serial number is usually easy to find on the door of fridges, ovens, microwaves, laundry machines, etc.
If you aren’t sure how to register, ask your retailer. At Euro-Line Appliances, we’re happy to assist with these important steps to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your warranty. We can also show you where to find the serial number.
Typically, registration involves one or more of the following steps/options:
- Some brands make it easy using a QR code that takes you directly to their registration portal with a quick scan by your phone.
- Web addresses to the registration portal are also usually provided.
- The manual and instructions often include a registration card that you can fill in and mail.
- There is sometimes a hotline for registration.
Appliance warranty tips: #3 Arrange for professional installation
As mentioned in tip #1, improper installation will void your warranty. When you call service support to schedule repairs, issues related to DIY installation will be quickly spotted by the technician. They will inform you that the warranty is void due to the specific issues related to improper installation, along with a quote for costs to resolve the problem.
Appliance warranty tips: #4 Schedule professional maintenance
Most manufacturers’ user manuals include recommended maintenance schedules. It is worth finding this information and adding a reminder in your phone or on your calendar. Professional maintenance will provide essential services, including cleaning the appliance and a thorough assessment to identify issues.
The costs to repair or replace damaged or worn parts will then be covered by the warranty as long as you have followed the manufacturer’s installation, use, and care instructions. Technicians can often perform required repairs the same day.
Appliance warranty tips: #5 Schedule professional repairs
Manufacturers authorize dealerships and repair companies to perform repairs under warranty. If you fail to use an authorized dealer or try to repair the issue on your own, the manufacturer will not cover any resulting damage, even if the appliance is still under warranty.
Appliance warranty tips: #6 Understand the warranty type
There are different categories of warranties designed to address specific aspects of care and repair. Here are the main categories your appliance warranty might include:
- Parts: A parts warranty often means the manufacturer covers specific parts, but labour costs are not. Coverage tends to include the main elements contributing to function. Exclusions include “consumable” parts such as belts, filters, or fridge and stove light bulbs.
- Limited: Limited warranties have a list of exclusions and limitations that impact what is and isn’t covered.
- Full: The full warranty is the most comprehensive category, covering parts and labour with very few exclusions.
- Extended: Also known as protection plans, an extended warranty prolongs the warranty period. Plans often include value-added features such as additional protection or free service calls. An extended warranty is usually purchased through your retailer, but in some cases, it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Appliance warranty tips: #7 Maintain records
Always keep records of all emails, service calls, installation services, maintenance reports and repairs, and any other related services as proof you have adhered to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can also keep a log of any calls made to service support with the date, name of the representative, and reference numbers provided.
Appliance warranty tips: #8 Don’t delay repairs
When an issue occurs, follow the instructions provided by the warranty to arrange for a service call. Keep the contact information handy so you can reach either the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. If the appliance displays an error code, be sure to provide the code to the representative. Sometimes, error codes can be resolved over the phone.
Delaying repairs can lead to several warranty issues, including:
- Damage to other appliance components.
- Diminished performance and energy efficiency.
- Voiding aspects of the warranty if damage impacts other components.
Appliance warranty tips: #9 Refer to the manual first
Functional issues can occur by inadvertent misuse. For example, you might unwittingly hit the delayed start button when trying to set the timer. This mistake stops the oven from turning on. You can often troubleshoot these common errors without the risk of voiding the warranty by referring to the manual.
Contact the Professionals at Euro-Line Appliances
Our warranty tips will help to ensure you maintain your coverage in order to protect your appliances for a prolonged life.
Euro-Line Appliances specializes in elite European-engineered appliances with superior performance and energy efficiency. Click here to see our latest special offers or to learn more about the brands we carry.
For more information, you can also call us at 1-800-421-6332 or contact us online.