10 Home Items You Must Get an Extended Warranty On

You can find extended warranty coverage for virtually any consumer product these days, from cell phones to cars. Guaranteed repair is a nice perk, but for most people, purchasing a warranty policy for everything in the home is not realistic. Multiple policies can be cumbersome to juggle—not to mention expensive.

Sometimes, being selective in the home items you protect with extended warranty coverage is the way to go. Liberty Home Guard is here to advise on you the home appliances and equipment that most benefit from robust protection.

What Are Appliance Extended Warranty Plans?

Most consumer goods come with some kind of manufacturer’s warranty. For a limited period—a few weeks to several years, depending on the product—the manufacturer will cover the repair and replacement costs if the product breaks down.

What happens when the manufacturer’s warranty expires? That’s when extended coverage comes into play. Consumers can purchase an extended warranty on appliances and systems to maintain that same or similar degree of protection. Sometimes the original manufacturer offers extended coverage. Other times, consumers must purchase coverage through a third party.

Should You Buy Warranty on Appliances?

Whether or not you should buy appliance warranty coverage is dependent on your personal risk tolerance and budget. You can pass on coverage, but be prepared to pay a high repair bill if your refrigerator or washing machine breaks down.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend extended coverage for items that are especially expensive, challenging to repair, or critical to your everyday comfort.

Which Appliances Need Extended Warranty Coverage?

What items should you buy extended warranties on? Your best bet is to protect your major kitchen and laundry appliances, as well as the pricey equipment you need to keep your home running smoothly on the daily. Here are ten home items that you should seriously considering protecting with extended coverage.

1. HVAC Systems

Your HVAC system functions as the lungs of your home. It filters particulate matter and dust, and it circulates the air to keep your home feeling and smelling fresh. Of course, your HVAC system is also responsible for keeping you comfortable when the weather becomes too hot or cold.

You cannot afford to have a broken down heating or cooling system. A home without heat in the winter in much of the United States is unlivable. HVAC repair can be expensive, and an extended warranty can shield you from that cost.

2. Refrigerators

Can you imagine being without a refrigerator for more than a day? These appliances are mainstays in the modern home for obvious reasons. If your fridge malfunctions, you want to fix it swiftly and—ideally—affordably.

Most major refrigerator manufacturers support their products with strong warranties. It’s not uncommon for the internal cooling system to have up to five years of warranty coverage. But a fridge can and should last you longer than five years. What happens in year six, seven, eight, and beyond?

Today, the cost to repair a refrigerator can be up to $1,000. Even greater costs are possible for high-end appliances. With extended coverage, you’ll pay a fraction of that sum.

3. Washing Machines and Dryers

Laundry appliances take a beating. Washers and dryers are subject to heat, moisture, and vigorous movement with every cycle. Detergent, hair, dirt, dust, and clothing particles can further strain various components.

Malfunctions are quite common among laundry appliances, even among luxury brands. Warranty coverage can provide substantial peace of mind.

4. Televisions

Television prices have come down over the years, but these appliances have become significantly more complex. Larger screens, smart components, and cutting-edge audio and video technology require specialized knowledge for repair technicians, and this has driven up the cost of repair.

You can probably skip warranty coverage on a small, inexpensive television, but it’s worth getting protection for pricier models.

5. Ovens, Stoves, Cooktops, and Ranges

Cooking appliances are another class of home equipment that endure a great deal of wear and tear. High heat, steam, and grease can eventually overwhelm heating mechanisms and electronic components.

Homeowners tend to use cooktops especially on a daily basis, and they expect their cooking appliances to last for many years. Extended coverage is worthwhile.

6. Dishwashers

Dishwashers are among the appliances that are most likely to break down. By some estimates, a third of dishwashers malfunction within five years.

Dishwasher repair and replacement costs aren’t cheap—unless you have warranty coverage.

7. Home Electronics

Laptops, cell phones, and other personal electronic devices are essential to our daily lives. A cracked screen or corrupted hard drive can have an immediate impact on your professional and personal obligations.

Manufacturers’ warranties on personal electronics tend to be short in duration. Extended coverage is good idea for this reason.

8. Generators

Home generators are lifesavers when the power goes out. They’re especially important during the winter months. You want to make sure your generator is functioning properly when you need it, and extended warranty coverage provides that assurance.

9. Well Pumps

If your well pump malfunctions, your entire home could be without water. If a replacement pump is required, you could be looking at a bill in the thousands. Well pumps are expensive and essential—two good reasons for warranty protection.

10. Lawn Mowers

Modern lawn mowers are complex machines, and repair costs for riding mowers especially are high. Warranty coverage will keep your lawn kempt and ensure that you can avoid hiring expensive landscaping services.

Where to Find Extended Coverage

You can find extended coverage from a wide range of third-party providers, but you can simplify things—and save a great deal of money—by bundling coverage for virtually all your home appliances and systems with Liberty Home Guard. We can help you customize a plan that suits your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle. Use our website for a free quote. You can also talk through our plans and policies with our team by calling (866)-432-1283.