(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 14, 2009 )
Appliance makers love to advertise new features, but they won't be hyping the new trend that began in 2005: shorter warranties on refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, and other major appliances.

In late 2005, manufacturers including Frigidaire, General Electric, Maytag, and Whirlpool shortened their warranties on refrigerators, ranges, washers, and other major appliances from two or three years to only one year, and it appears they have no intention of reestablishing the longer coverage.

Shorter warranties went into effect Nov. 1, 2005, for Whirlpool, Roper, Estate, and Inglis brands, and on Jan. 1, 2006, for General Electric, Hotpoint, Americana, Maytag, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Frigidaire, White Westinghouse, Tappan, Gibson, and Kelvinator.

Pricier brands, such as KitchenAid, Jenn-Air and Electrolux, still offer longer warranties on some appliances and their parts. Viking offers a one-year warranty but doubles it if a Viking-certified installer does the work according to Consumer Reports.

In fact, all of the major manufacturers are looking at the data from their pricier competitors. If the numbers are going in the right direction, shorter warrantees may stimulate business for their GE Appliance repairs, their Whirlpool repair men and women; and, it may even bring the Maytag repair man out of retirement.

A typical manufacturer's warranty now covers parts and service for only one year from purchase. If a part breaks after that, you pay. Before the warranties got whacked down, pricey parts-refrigerator compressors and dishwasher tubs, for instance-were usually covered for 5 to 10 years. To get longer coverage today, you'll have to buy a separate extended warranty, which will cost about $100 to $200 for three years.

Some appliance companies insisted that the changes did nothing more than make warranties simpler. One company spokesperson told us that consumers would benefit from this warranty change by having simplified terms and improved product quality and after-sales care. You're probably as confused as we are, but one thing is clear: consumers are getting less coverage for the same price.

This report was prepared by the Active Appliances of Van Nuys with important contributions from Consumers’ Report issued May 2008. Since 1988, Active Appliances has provided dependable service to our customers. Active meets the highest performance standards in the business - from employee training to customer care. Today, we have over 30 skilled technicians, and a knowledgeable office staff to meet your appliance service and repair needs. Active Appliance technicians are trained and authorized by several leading appliance manufacturers such as Frigidaire, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag and many more.

Active Appliances is certified and approved by the California League of Homeowners as well as the Heart and Lung Foundation for air quality. The company has been awarded for outstanding warranty performance in 1998. We look forward in serving you in the future, in anticipation we guarantee your full satisfaction. Please contact our Manager, Arthur Ashkinazi at (888) 88-ACTIVE or his email at arthur@activeac.com Our website will also provide some wonderful information at www.activeappliance.com

This article was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC.

Contact Information:
Active Appliance
Arthur Ashkinazi
Tel: 818-778-1999
Email us


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