How Long Are Appliance Warranties? A Comprehensive Guide to Coverage

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Understanding appliance warranties is essential for protecting your investment in home appliances. These warranties vary significantly in length and coverage depending on the manufacturer and appliance type, so it's important to read the warranty documentation carefully. Knowing what your warranty covers and for how long helps you make informed decisions about appliance purchases and maintenance. Let's dive into what you need to know about appliance warranties so that you can care for and depend on your appliances in the years to come.

Comprehensive Guide to Types of Appliance Warranties

There are three different types of home appliance coverage to consider — the manufacturer's warranty, extended warranty, and protection plans. They all offer different types of coverage, lengths of coverage, and exclusions. Let's look deeper into each one.

Manufacturer's Warranty

A manufacturer's warranty is the standard coverage that comes with new appliances. Most manufacturer's warranties last between one and five years from the purchase date, with some premium brands offering extended coverage periods. The initial manufacturer's warranty covers parts and labor for defects under normal use. Major parts, such as motors and electronics, are commonly covered under these warranties. For example, post-2017 Maytag appliance warranties cover essential components, such as refrigerator compressors, dishwasher choppers, microwave magnetrons, and cooktop elements.

Keep in mind that manufacturer's warranties often exclude the following:

• Natural wear and tear from regular use
• Cosmetic damage, such as scratches or dents
• Damage from improper installation
• Problems caused by poor maintenance
• Unauthorized repairs or modifications
• Damage from natural disasters
• Parts that require regular replacement

 

Extended Warranty

Extended warranties provide additional coverage that goes beyond the manufacturer's standard warranty period. They can be purchased from either the manufacturer or third-party providers. For example, Whirlpool offers extended service plans that start around $30 to $35. Extended warranties may offer additional benefits, such as accidental damage coverage. Before purchasing an extended warranty, here are the important factors you'll want to consider:

• The appliance brand's reliability record
• The cost of potential repairs versus warranty price
• Coverage duration and terms
• Any overlap with the manufacturer's warranty coverage
• The warranty provider's reputation
• The expected life span of your appliance
• Your comfort level with repair costs

 

Protection Plans

If you want an additional coverage option for your appliances, you can consider a protection plan. These plans go beyond standard warranty coverage and offer additional benefits, such as coverage for accidental damage, multiappliance coverage, priority service scheduling, and discounts on future purchases.

Navigating Warranty Claims

It can be a hassle to deal with broken appliances. To help you get your appliances back up and running smoothly, we've outlined a step-by-step process for you to follow when filing a warranty claim. We also have some handy tips for when repair day comes around.

First, here is a five-step process for filing a warranty claim:

• 1. Find your appliance's model and serial number.
• 2. Do a preliminary check of your warranty information to see if your issue qualifies for coverage.
• 3. Contact the manufacturer's service department and describe the problem in detail.
• 4. If approved, schedule the repair and prepare purchase documentation if necessary.
• 5. Keep a record of all your interactions as you go through the repair process.

 

When it's close to the day of your repair, clear the area around the appliance so that the repair team has easy access and enough room to pull the appliance away from the wall. On the day of the repair, have all of your documentation ready. If you have photos or videos of the problem, this can help further diagnose the issue. Also, ask the service team how long they estimate the repair will take and if they will need to return another day. Finally, keep records of all service visits as you go through the repair process.

Maximizing Appliance Longevity To Protect Your Warranty

There are also some things you can do to protect your warranty and keep your appliances in top working condition. We recommend these tips:

• Follow the cleaning schedule in your appliance's documentation.
• Use appliances as directed by the manufacturer.
• Choose manufacturer-authorized repair services.
• Keep maintenance records.
• Register your warranty promptly.
• Consider professional installation.

 

Automatic Appliance Parts Is Here To Help With Your Appliance Warranty Needs

Warranties provide valuable protection for your home appliances. Understanding your warranty's terms, maintaining proper documentation, and following manufacturer guidelines helps you get the most value from your coverage. For expert advice on appliance maintenance and to explore quality appliance parts, visit Automatic Appliance Parts. If you have any questions related to your warranty or parts for your appliance, feel free to contact us or visit one of our locations in the Chicago area.

Close-up Photo of Dishwasher taken by AS Photography licensed with Pexel License