Protecting your items as a homeowner goes beyond just a home warranty that covers only major damages and accidents. Giving your home the best protection means getting an extra warranty to cover the repair and replacement of appliances, heating systems, and other possessions. Select Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty offers great appliance and systems coverage.
From luxurious cars to appliances such as a stove or toaster, extended warranties are offered on almost every item being bought these days. Asking yourself if the item is worth an additional expense is an important question. For items such as refrigerators that cost an average of $3,000, it may be a good idea to invest a few extra bucks to cover possible damage or replacement in the near future. On the other hand, you may decide to forgo an extended warranty for items such as a hair straightener that costs at least $6.
Extended warranties can save you money, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a product for a long time. Rather than settling for the usual 12-24 months warranty that typically comes with a major purchase, you can choose to add extra protection plans.
If you’re considering buying an item and don’t know if an extended warranty is important, this article is for you. We’ve outlined 10 home items on which you should absolutely get an extended warranty.
» Learn more about how to increase the lifespan of common household appliances.
Appliances You Should Get An Extended Warranty For
1. Refrigerators
Refrigerators don’t come cheap. Some units cost as much as $10,000. In addition, the costs for maintenance, damage, or even replacement of faulty parts can also be quite expensive.
While most of them come with a two-year warranty, a fridge extended warranty can cover damages or maintenance for five to ten years. This makes it well worth it in the long term to get an extended warranty.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost
- Its efficiency and durability
- Your needs
2. HVAC systems
Well-functioning HVAC systems are essential for the comfort of most households. In fact, the Energy Information Association estimates that 87% of houses in the US have air conditioners, and 75% have central units.
Most central heating and AC systems have a warranty of up to two years to cover maintenance and repairs, you may consider getting an HVAC extended warranty for continuous comfort over at least a five-year period.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Long-lasting comfort
- Cost of HVAC systems
- Maintenance and repair costs
» Want help covering the costs of your HVAC’s repairs? Here are the best home warranties for HVAC systems.
3. Televisions
Televisions have come a long way. From the screens to the wide variety of programming packages and high costs, having an extended warranty should be a no-brainer because you could save on potential damages in the future. Why not invest and enjoy fully covered maintenance and repairs?
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of the television
- Design
- Maintenance and repair cover
4. Furniture
Depending on style, design, or size, furniture can come at exorbitant prices. It’s also one of the most used items in the house, resulting in a greater risk of being damaged.
Considering extended warranties for furniture isn’t a bad idea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were lots of furniture damage claims due to children and pets.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of furniture
- Luxury and size
- Kids and pets
» Bought your first house? Here are the most important reasons you should get a home warranty.
5. Sporting Equipment
It’s common for fitness enthusiasts to have sporting equipment in their homes, such as bikes and treadmills. These items may come with the usual one or two-year warranty, but they are generally used for much longer than that. In these cases, getting an extended warranty for your sporting equipment is best.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of fitness equipment
- Risk of damage
- Fitness goals
6. Diswasher
Dishwashers may break down or become faulty over time. The cost of buying a new one can be quite hefty and extended warranties can be an excellent way to avoid such costs. Most dishwasher manufacturers offer extended warranties that cover the cost of repair and maintenance for up to five years. So if you’re wondering, “should I buy a dishwasher extended warranty?” The answer is most likely yes.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Frequency of use
- Cost of repair and replacement
» More: How to clean a dishwasher filter.
7. Lawn Mowers
It’s estimated that $40 billion is spent on lawn supplies and maintenance in the US every year. The latest lawn mowers are highly computerized and require non-electrical units or gas to keep them running. These factors make them expensive. Therefore, purchasing extended warranties won’t be a bad idea.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of new model mowers
- High maintenance costs
8. Stoves
Stoves can be expensive and difficult to maintain and repair. They might come with a manufacturer's warranty, but getting an extended warranty would be a better investment, especially for such an essential item.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- High cost of stoves
- High maintenance costs
» More: Are high-end kitchen appliances worth it?
9. Laundry Machine/Washer
Washing machines are necessary for most households, but they can be quite expensive. So if you're wondering, "should I buy a washer extended warranty," the answer is yes. An extended warranty on your household laundry machine can provide peace of mind when it comes to the possibility of damage or malfunctioning parts.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of laundry washing machines
- Efficiency and durability
- Repair cost coverage
10. Dryer
Similar to your laundry machine, frequent use of your dryer may cause it to break down or become faulty over time. The cost of buying a new one can be quite hefty, so purchasing an extended home warranty can be a great way to save you money in the long run.
Most dryer manufacturers offer extended warranties that cover the cost of repair and maintenance for up to five years, which is four years longer than the manufacturer’s warranty.
Factors That Influence This Decision
- Cost of dryers
- Dryer lifespan
- Efficiency and durability
- Repair cost coverage
Final Thoughts
Depending on the kind of home item you plan to buy, it’s important to get an extended warranty in addition to your usual home warranty. These warranties may not be necessary in all cases, but you should consider all the influential factors to make a good decision.
If you already bought an expensive item with a high risk of getting damaged without considering getting an extended warranty, it’s not too late. You can still get one.
» More: Here are 10 appliances covered by mobile home warranty.
Lucy Adegbe contributes to Top10.com as a distinguished financial writer specializing in personal finance, e-commerce, FinTech, and cryptocurrency. She began her career as crypto trader and advisor at Guru Capital LTD, and has since worked for several blockchain-focused companies. In addition to writing for Top10.com, Lucy has also worked with publications such as The Balance, CRD Network, and DeFi Planet.
