Every residence, regardless of size, is packed to the brim with home appliances. These appliances run the gamut from microwaves and toasters to furnaces and central air units. Since larger appliances generally represent sizable investments, it behooves cost-conscious individuals to put protective measures in place. While you may not care much about a toaster breaking, you could find yourself in a very perilous position if your central air unit gives out in the middle of a heat wave. Fortunately, keeping your appliances in working condition doesn’t have to be a cumbersome chore. Utilizing the following pointers can ensure that your most important appliances remain up and running for years to come.
Invest in Extended Warranties
It’s easy to understand why so many people are hesitant to invest in extended warranties when making large purchases. After all, if you’ve just sunk thousands of dollars into a heavy-duty appliance, the last thing you want to do is spend even more money. However, while saying no to an extended warranty may benefit one’s bank account in the short-term, it ultimately stands to cost them a lot more over the long run.
Large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines should be viewed as investments, and to get the most out of an investment, one has to periodically put money into it. With this in mind, think long and hard about whether you’re doing the right thing the next time you’re tempted to turn your nose at an extended warranty. In addition to purchasing extended warranties for large appliances, make a point of regularly renewing those warranties as needed. Even if you’re lucky enough to never experience a problem with a certain appliance, knowing that a warranty is in place can provide you with tremendous peace of mind. This is particularly true in the case of home warranties for HVAC systems and kitchen appliances.
Confirm That a Manufacturer’s Warranty Is in Place
Even in the absence of extended warranties, people often wind up paying for repairs unnecessarily. Many large appliances come with manufacturer warranties that buyers are unaware of and therefore unable to take advantage of. The exact details vary by manufacturer and appliance, but many of these warranties last between six months and one year. Unfortunately, since they want customers to purchase extended warranties, some retailers won’t even bother to mention manufacturer warranties. Luckily, a quick look at the owner’s manual should reveal whether a manufacturer’s warranty is in place, as well as any relevant terms and conditions. It’s always a good idea to protect your appliances with extended warranties, but if you absolutely can’t afford to do so, make sure to confirm that a manufacturer’s warranty has expired before sinking money into costly repairs.
Buy Personal Property Coverage
Some disasters are unavoidable. While there’s a lot you can do to prevent fires and electrical malfunctions, these measures won’t prevent your home from being damaged by powerful storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters. In addition to causing structural damage to your residence, Mother Nature can destroy the things inside, most notably your appliances. This is why it’s important to invest in personal property coverage when buying homeowner’s insurance. As the name suggests, this type of coverage insures home appliances and other important personal effects, making it an absolute must for cost-conscious homeowners.
Guard Against Lightning
Lightning is among the leading causes of bricked appliances. If your home experiences a power surge while certain appliances are plugged it and/or turned on, considerable damage can occur. In the quest to protect your appliances from the ravages of lightning, make a point of turning them off and unplugging them whenever powerful storms hit. Furthermore, installing transient voltage surge suppressors can help limit voltage, thereby making your appliances less susceptible to lightning damage.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a modern-day household that isn’t swimming in appliances. The pricier the appliance, the more likely it is to play an important role in your life. Considering how much money people spend on heavy-duty appliances, keeping these items in prime condition should be among every household’s foremost priorities. Luckily, getting years of dependable use out of your appliances isn’t nearly as daunting as you may think.
