Appliance Extended Warranty Worth It? With a Nod to Home Warranties

You've just purchased a shiny new appliance, and the salesperson is now offering you an extended warranty. The question on your mind: Is it worth it? Extended warranties have been a topic of debate for years, often causing consumers to ponder the value they offer.

Let's delve into the world of appliance extended warranties, weighing their pros and cons and making comparisons to home warranties. So, is an appliance extended warranty worth it? Let's find out.

Understanding Appliance Extended Warranties

An appliance extended warranty, also known as a service contract, is an agreement that offers additional coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty. It typically covers repairs, parts replacement, and sometimes even replacements for a specified duration. Here are some key aspects to consider.

Pros of Appliance Extended Warranties

Most appliances come with a warranty, usually referred to as the manufacturer's warranty, for a period after the purchase. At one time, these warranties could last as long as 20 years, but in the last two decades, many manufacturers have reduced this to just one year. An appliance extended warranty gives the appliance owner additional months or years after the original manufacturer warranty has ended. Consider these pros to purchasing the extended warranty: 

• Peace of Mind: Extended warranties provide assurance that if your appliance encounters issues beyond the manufacturer's warranty, you won't be hit with hefty repair bills.
• Budget-Friendly: These warranties often come with a fixed, manageable cost, which can be advantageous for budget-conscious consumers.
• Convenience: Many appliance warranties include customer service and repair services, simplifying the process of addressing appliance problems.
• Professional Repairs: Rather than trying to repair the appliance yourself or hoping that the repair company you call truly knows what they're doing, the extended warranty assures you that a qualified professional will fix your appliance.

Cons of Appliance Extended Warranties

While extended warranties serve a purpose, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before spending the extra money on one. Consider these disadvantages:

• Cost-Benefit Ratio: The cost of the extended warranty may outweigh the potential repair expenses, especially if your appliance functions trouble-free during its early years.
• Limited Coverage: Some warranties may include numerous exclusions, and the fine print can be quite limiting, leaving specific problems unaddressed. They also only cover the specific appliance in question, which means spending money on multiple extended warranties to cover all the appliances you want to cover. 
• Shorter Lifespans: With so many advances in technology, including "smart" devices and the different options they offer, many people opt to upgrade to the latest and greatest appliance when the old one breaks down. This can make the extended warranty an unnecessary expense. 
• No Accident Coverage: If the problem or damage is due to an accident, rather than routine use or part failure, an extended appliance warranty is unlikely to cover it. 

Comparing Appliance Extended Warranties to Home Warranties

Is an appliance extended warranty worth it? Or is a home warranty a better option? Home warranties are similar to appliance extended warranties but provide broader coverage for various systems and appliances in your home. Let's compare these two options.

Appliance Extended Warranties

Appliance extended warranties are ideal when you only have a few specific appliances you want to protect, such as a new range hood or a washer/dryer set, or if you don't need whole home protection, such as when you're renting. Consider the following aspects of appliance extended warranties: 

• Focus: Primarily protect individual appliances.
• Cost: Typically lower cost compared to home warranties.
• Coverage: Specific to the insured appliance.
• Benefit: Suitable for individuals who have newer appliances or specific appliances requiring extra protection.

Home Warranties

Home warranties are ideal for those who wish to ensure more comprehensive protection of the appliances and systems in their homes, such as busy homeowners who don't want to have to spend a lot of time finding and scheduling repair technicians. Home warranties cover things such as the electrical or plumbing systems in your home, as well as the appliances. Compare these aspects of a home warranty to those of the appliance extended warranty: 

• Focus: Cover multiple systems and appliances within your home.
• Cost: Higher cost due to the broader coverage.
• Coverage: Comprehensive, protecting various items in your home.
• Benefit: Ideal for homeowners with older appliances and a range of systems and appliances in need of protection.

Determining Value for Appliance Extended Warranties

The worth of an appliance extended warranty varies depending on several factors:

• Age of Appliance: Newer appliances are less likely to require repairs, making extended warranties less valuable.
• Appliance Quality: High-quality appliances might be less prone to issues.
• Cost of Repairs: Consider the potential repair costs for your specific appliance. Consider the cost to replace the appliance compared to the cost of the warranty, too. 
• Coverage Terms: Review the warranty's fine print, exclusions, and limitations.
• Your Risk Tolerance: Assess how comfortable you are with potential out-of-pocket expenses.

If you're thinking of selling your home, you may also want to consider the cost of repairing any nonfunctional appliances before listing your home to determine whether the cost of an extended warranty may help you save money on repairs so you make a bigger profit on the sale of your home. 

Is an Appliance Extended Warranty Worth It? 

So, is an appliance extended warranty worth it? The answer depends on your individual circumstances. If you own older appliances or appliances with a history of frequent issues, an extended warranty might provide peace of mind and financial protection. On the other hand, if your appliances are relatively new, high-quality, and your risk tolerance allows for potential repair expenses, you may find that these warranties aren't necessary.

Comparatively, home warranties offer comprehensive coverage for a range of home systems and appliances, making them an attractive option for homeowners with older homes and numerous appliances.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in an appliance extended warranty should be based on your specific needs, budget, and the appliances you own. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, consider alternative options, and read the fine print before making a choice that aligns with your preferences and financial situation.

If you're ready to remodel your home and debating whether an appliance extended warranty or home warranty is worth the expense, Edesia Kitchen & Bath Studio is here to help. We don't just remodel your home, we're here to help you extend the life of your remodel and get the most from it. Contact us today to discuss your options.