You paid $275 for a repair. Two months later, the same part fails. Who pays for the second fix? That depends on the warranty your repair company offered, and whether you asked about it before the first repair.
Parts-Only vs. Parts-and-Labor Warranty
A parts-only warranty means the company will replace the failed part for free, but you pay labor again ($100-$200). A parts-and-labor warranty means the company covers everything: part, labor, and the return visit. The difference can cost you $200 on a repeat failure. Always ask for parts-and-labor coverage. If a company only offers parts-only warranty, that tells you something about how much they trust their own work.
Standard Warranty Periods
90 days on parts and labor is the industry standard for independent repair companies. Some companies offer 6 months. A few offer 1 year on specific components. Manufacturer-authorized service providers sometimes offer longer warranties because the manufacturer backs the part. At Treasure Coast Appliance Repair, we offer 90-day parts-and-labor warranty on every repair. If the same part fails within 90 days, we return, replace it, and charge nothing.
Your Manufacturer Warranty Might Still Be Active
Most appliances come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Some components have extended coverage: Samsung and LG offer 10-year warranties on refrigerator compressors and washer direct-drive motors. Whirlpool covers sealed refrigerant systems for 5 years. Check your purchase date and warranty documentation before paying for a repair. If the compressor on your 4-year-old Samsung fridge failed, Samsung covers the part. You pay only labor.
Extended Warranties and Home Warranty Plans: Worth It?
Extended warranties from retailers (Best Buy, Home Depot) typically cost $100-$300 and cover 3-5 years beyond the manufacturer warranty. Worth it for high-end brands (Sub-Zero, Viking) where single repairs exceed $500. Home warranty plans ($400-$600/year) cover all appliances but cap individual repairs at $500-$1,500 and require using their network of technicians, who may not specialize in your brand. The coverage sounds broad, but the caps and restrictions limit real-world value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty should I expect from an appliance repair company?
90 days minimum on parts AND labor. If the same part fails within that window, the company should return, replace it, and charge nothing. Avoid companies that offer parts-only warranty.
Does my appliance manufacturer warranty cover repairs?
Most manufacturers provide 1-year full warranty. Some components have extended coverage: Samsung/LG compressors (10 years), Whirlpool sealed systems (5 years). Check your purchase date before paying out-of-pocket.
Need Appliance Repair on the Treasure Coast?
Same-day service 7 days a week. Diagnostic fee applied toward repair. All brands.