There’s nothing like the comfort of knowing your appliance is still under warranty. That peace of mind when something suddenly stops working? Yeah, it’s priceless. You don’t really have to worry about much, no fear of repairs, no fear of repair myths, just none of that, right? Well, until, of course, the fine print swoops in to ruin everything. Yeah, well, it turns out, not everything is covered, and some everyday decisions might be enough to wipe that warranty out entirely.
Now, sure, appliance warranties might seem like solid protection, but they come with strings. And ignoring those strings can leave someone footing the repair bill alone. Yeah, far from ideal. So, with all of that said, here are some of the easiest ways to accidentally void that warranty and make things way harder (and more expensive) than they need to be.
Trying to Fix it Alone without a Licensed Technician
It’s tempting to roll up the sleeves, grab a few tools, and play repair person for the day. After all, how hard could it be to fix a leaky dishwasher or a fridge that’s not cooling right? The internet is full of tutorials, and DIY fixes can look easy, until they’re not. Okay, so what’s the problem here? Well, opening up the appliance, poking around, and making adjustments without a certified technician can void the warranty completely. Manufacturers want licensed professionals doing the work. If the appliance ends up more broken than it started, the company isn’t going to cover the damage.
Installing it Wrong (Even Just a Little)
Believe it or not, warranties can get tossed out the window just because an appliance wasn’t installed properly. That includes hooking up a washing machine without leveling it or connecting a gas stove with the wrong type of line. Even things that seem small, like placing a fridge too close to the wall and blocking airflow, can come back to haunt you.
Installation errors are one of the top things warranty companies point to when rejecting claims. If the setup goes sideways, even slightly, it’s all on the owner, and unfortunately, there’s no refund for “honest mistakes.” Sure, it’s not fair, but that’s also why you should have the store, a contractor, or the manufacturer install it for you.
Using Non-Approved Parts
Not all parts are created equal. It might feel like a win to find a cheaper version of what’s needed, especially when the name-brand replacement has a bit of sticker shock. But cutting corners on parts can completely void the warranty, even if everything still works after the fix.
Using off-brand parts or random components from the internet can mess with performance and create safety issues. Now, it really can’t be stressed enough that just sticking with approved replacements like LG OEM fridge parts is a smarter call if your fridge is broken, for example. They’re designed to fit, function, and keep that warranty valid.
Failing to Register the Appliance
It sounds silly, but skipping that little registration postcard (or online form) can cause real problems later. Some brands require registration to activate the warranty in the first place. Others extend the coverage period if the product gets registered on time.
Now, sure, it’s easy to forget when things are busy, but leaving the registration incomplete can turn into a technicality that voids the warranty entirely. And unfortunately, “I meant to do it” won’t cut it with customer service.
