Hiram M. Hamilton graduated university with a BA in Journalism but became a trusted employee at his father’s HVAC company. With 20 years of experience under his belt, Hiram is a specialist in the industry and a self-thought plumber. However, his passion for journalism prompted him to pick up the pen again. Now, he is writing informative articles related to HVAC issues, home services, and plumbing tips and tricks to educate the public and help people become more self-reliant.

Appliance Maintenance Plans: Are They Worth It?

Lately, the prices of appliances have increased tremendously. Whether you need a refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, you’ll have to invest a considerable amount of money and hope that it lasts for many years. However, unlike those built in the ’70s and ’80s, most of these new units do not have a long life span.

Luckily, you can rely on various maintenance plans to help with repairs or part replacements instead of purchasing a new one. Apart from the usual manufacturer’s warranty, consumers can now get extended and home warranties. In case of a breakdown, you won’t have to spend more money. Regular preventative maintenance services will also increase the longevity of your appliances.

Importance of Maintenance Plans

Knowing that your appliance is under a maintenance plan gives you peace of mind. Here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy:

Decreased Utility Costs

When an appliance has problems, it needs to work extra hard to achieve optimum results. For instance, a malfunctioning AC unit takes more time to cool all the rooms in the house, which means it uses more energy. If a technician fixes the problem, you will save on utility bills since the appliance will use low power.

A Caution for Emergencies

At times, an appliance can break down when you are in a bad financial situation. However, if you have an effective maintenance plan, it will spare you the trouble of spending unbudgeted money.

Increased Longevity

As a basic rule, the better you maintain an appliance, the longer you can expect it to last. With scheduled maintenance from qualified experts, you detect problems early enough and fix them.

Improved Efficiency

You need appliances to work as efficiently as possible. For instance, a refrigerator should cool without overworking. If it’s not functioning as expected, maintenance services can assist in fixing the problem.

Cover for Unexpected Costs

Sometimes, the repair costs of an appliance can be too expensive. It gets worse if it’s older than 12 months, and the warranty no longer stands. Fortunately, preventative maintenance services can cover unexpected repair costs.

Do You Need the Coverage?

Nowadays, it is almost impossible for you to buy an appliance without the sales staff trying to convince you to purchase an extended warranty. In fact, a 2020 consumer report showed that at least 68% of customers who bought major brands were advised to do so.

However, it’s worth noting that some repair costs are only slightly more than the average service plan costs. Additionally, the standard product warranty may be a sufficient cover, and an extended one would be a duplicate. Some appliances may never need repairs, while others break down while still covered by the standard warranty.

What You Need to Look For

When considering a service plan, ensure that you know every detail in the agreement. Manufacturers tend to write some information that you only notice once you get home or after a breakdown. Consequently, you may end up paying for the repairs if the affected part isn’t covered.

You also need to know who should make the repairs. Some manufacturers can advise customers to seek assistance from their offices, a preferred third party firm, or the store where they made the purchase. Additionally, check whether there are any associated fees, such as transport costs.

These are some reasons why you may require maintenance services for your appliances. It helps you save on some costs in case of repairs and ensures that the unit works efficiently. However, you also need to scrutinize the manufacturer’s agreement to know the process of making your claim when an appliance breaks down. This way, you can file a lawsuit for failure to make repairs according to the agreement.