The smooth operation of your home may be greatly attributed to the different appliances you have in your possession. From your washing machines to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, they all work in harmony to make your home what it is now or could be. However, if one of your appliances is not working as it should, it could throw the entire system off. Therefore, it is important to know what to do when an appliance breaks down; you can minimize the damage and keep your home running smoothly.
Laundering, cleaning, cooking, and other household affairs are simpler because of such appliances. However, when buying them, the chances of receiving a defective unit, although slim, are still very much present.
There are a few things to keep in mind when availing of home appliance warranties. First, take note of the coverage. Most home appliance warranties would cover one year from the date of purchase, but some cover two years or more. Therefore, it is essential to know how long the warranty is good for to take advantage of it while it is still active.
Second, be aware of the conditions that void the warranty. For example, some home appliance warranties would be voided if the appliance is used for commercial purposes. Others will also be rendered null and void if the appliance is tampered with or repaired by an unauthorized person. Be sure to read the fine print to know what to do and not to do to keep the warranty valid.
Third, file a claim as soon as possible. Some home appliance warranties would require that claims be filed within a certain number of days from purchase. Others would also require that the purchaser submit proof of purchase, such as a sales receipt, before processing a claim. Be sure to comply with the requirements to get your money back or have the appliance replaced as soon as possible.
Fourth, ship the defective appliance back to the company. Most home appliance warranties would require that the item be shipped back to the manufacturer or retailer for inspection and repairs. Be sure to package the appliance properly to avoid further damage. Include a note explaining the problem so the company would know what to do with the unit.
Last, keep all documentation related to the purchase and warranty. These include the sales receipt, warranty card, and any other documents with the appliance. These would be needed when making a claim or requesting repairs.
What is an Appliance Warranty, and What’s in it for You?
As companies and manufacturers try to avoid it, malfunctions and impairments are inevitable. Appliances go through various rigid screening processes before they are released, but some things are simply beyond control.
However, it is good to note that corporations have overcome this by utilizing home appliance warranties as inevitable as defects are. So, what are these, and what do they entail?
Manufacturers write home appliance warranties guarantee to replace or repair appliances (should they prove defective) within a specified time. But, more than anything, these are made to correct what could have been a misstep in producing an appliance. In other words, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to make sure that their product meets the standards they have set.
It is through warranties that the virtue of companies and patrons is honored. For one, an item’s quality is secure under the assurance of replacement or repair, and companies are thus allowed to live up to their name and reputation. You can be confident in paying for the best.
What Do Home Appliance Warranties Cover?
Truthfully, it is more comforting not to have to use a warranty. This implies an efficient, perfectly working model in everyone’s best interest. However, one must know the scope and limitations of warranties should the need arise.
Warranties ensure that a product meets specific standards and performs as intended. They are not, however, infallible. There are a few key things to keep in mind when using or relying on a warranty (although terms and conditions may vary according to each company):
- Parts and labor that are free of charge in case an appliance is defective by nature of production
This means that units, which are defective due to neglect, wear and tear, or improper use does not fall under the category of failure in craftsmanship. You cannot use warranties to fix or change appliances of this sort.
For example, if the warranty does not cover accidental damages and someone spills water on the laptop, it is unfair to try and claim a replacement. The best way around this is to purchase insurance for these types of accidents, which will save a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
- The validity of three months to over a year
As mentioned above, this is subject to change for different companies. However, you should note that warranties generally last for about a year for most home appliances.
After a year, you have the option of investing in extended warranties.
Simply put, it prolongs that warranty for your appliance. While the debate is still up as to whether or not these are a good investment, professionals recommend them primarily for large appliances and ensure the smaller ones are well taken care of simply.
If you choose to buy an extended warranty, do your research first. Not all warranties are created equal, and some may not cover certain parts or repairs. So be sure to read the fine print and know exactly what you’re getting before purchasing.
Perhaps a more forward-looking and promising investment is maintenance. You can hardly go wrong when calling up a professional to check up on your HVAC unit, such as your refrigerator or washing machine. In which case, they have top-of-the-line equipment and more than sufficient knowledge to keep your appliances running smoothly.
If something does go wrong with one of your appliances, you’re more likely to have a warranty that will cover the repair costs. And even if you don’t have a warranty, paying for a one-time repair is almost always cheaper than buying a new appliance.
However, if your appliance confirms inefficiency and faultiness, do not hesitate to call upon your manufacturer and use your warranty. You must learn to claim your right to good-quality appliances and services.
So there you have it: a few reasons why investing in appliance maintenance makes good sense!
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.