It’s hard to imagine home life without the basic home appliances. From making your morning coffee down to washing your dinner plates, these dependable workhorses make our domestic life simpler. Although we use them from daybreak to bedtime, we tend to overlook their immense help. We’re only reminded of their utility once an appliance unit breaks down. It is also during this unfortunate time when we remember the appliance warranty.
When you buy a new appliance, one of the things to check is the manufacturer’s warranty. This is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the appliance works as expected. In case the unit conks out during the warranty period, the manufacturer will cover its repair. Typically, an appliance warranty covers a limited period of a full year, with some exceptions.
Although warranties are mandated by federal laws, manufacturers often have varying terms and conditions. This makes it important to read an appliance’s warranty immediately upon purchase. While we are familiar with the basic warranty terms, there are few things you probably don’t know.
Here are 5 things you should know about appliance warranty.
You need a receipt to utilize the warranty.
Even if s warranty is mandated, it is not outright. The receipt is an important document you’ll need to present when availing warranty. The authorized service technician will likely ask for proof of purchase. They need this document to claim payment from the manufacturer for the services rendered.
If you’ve lost the receipt, you might find a hard time claiming the warranty. The authorized service company won’t touch your appliance if you lack this requirement. So be sure to keep the receipt if you want the warranty to stay valid.
You need to register the product.
Check your appliance warranty if it has product registration instructions. Some manufacturers have a centralized or online database for all their products. Upon purchase, you will be instructed to enroll your appliance either by sending a return slip to their address via mail or by visiting their website. By registering your product, you can skip the proof of purchase verification process.
All registered products are qualified for in-warranty repairs. When you bring the appliance to a service provider, they will simply check the unit’s serial number from the database. If it is duly registered, they’ll start working on the appliance.
Not all repairs are covered by the warranty.
Contrary to popular misconception, the manufacturer warranty has limited coverage and will not cover all appliance repairs. Appliance warranties only cover defects in workmanship and material under recommended service and use. The manufacturer will provide free of charge the spare parts and labor to repair or replace parts.
The manufacturer warranty excludes repairs arising related to misuse or neglect of appliance, defects due to normal wear and tear, unauthorized or faulty installation, unauthorized repair or tampering of the unit, using the appliance outside the recommended voltage range, and damages due to acts of nature such as fires, floods, and other natural calamities.
Furthermore, the warranty won’t cover cosmetic issues such as cracks in mechanical parts, broken handles, scratches on surfaces, or worn parts. It also excludes repairs of external or detachable accessories such as hoses, filters, trays, bins, shelves, and safety covers. In some cases, the manufacturer might cover cosmetic repairs but only for a very limited number of days after the date of purchase. Read through your owner’s manual for specific details.
Any work or service done after the warranty period or not covered by the warranty will be charged to the owner. Make sure you ask for a detailed and itemized quote from the repair company.
Some parts have extended coverage.
Some companies offer extended warranty coverage for some parts of the appliance. This shows their confidence in their product and an excellent marketing strategy. For example, there are washing machine brands that provide 10-year “Parts Only” coverage. Be sure to read your appliance warranty so you’re aware of these exclusive offers.
Repair companies are third-party providers.
According to Hartman’s Jacksonville appliance repair technicians, one common misconception about authorized technicians is that they are employees of the manufacturer. Appliance repair companies are third-party providers and are not part of the manufacturing company. Likewise, they are also not connected with the retailer.
The work of an authorized repair technician is limited to repairing your appliance. He cannot grant warranty extensions, authorize the issuance of a replacement unit, or provide answers to manufacturer-related concerns. If you are not satisfied with the appliance, you should direct your concerns directly to the manufacturer. The repair technician can only help you get the product working.
Lastly, not all repair companies are authorized by the manufacturer. This means, if you have the appliance fixed by an unauthorized appliance repair company, the manufacturer will not pay for the service charge. You’d be responsible for any repairs done by the appliance technician. So, be sure to verify if the service company is authorized.
