Should You Consider Buying An Extended Warranty For Your Air Conditioner?
It is a scientifically proven fact that the earth is getting warmer. The effects of global warming are now more palpable than ever before, and India, being a tropical country, faces harsh summers every year. While there was a time when we had to make do with a portable fan, or an air cooler to keep us comfortable during the sultry, hot summers, today, most of us find reprieve in air-conditioned rooms.
Air conditioners, much like refrigerators or washing machines, are long-term investments. When we purchase an air conditioner, we do thorough research, and see which brand offers the best product at a particular price point.
Furthermore, air conditioners now come with energy ratings, which also gives us a good idea regarding the AC’s energy efficiency, and if the appliance would pay for itself in the long run.
It is thus important to take a closer look at the AC warranty, and if it would make sense to opt for extended warranty for AC. The penetration of air conditioners, at least over the past couple of years, has been steadily increasing in the country, and it is no longer a luxury but a necessity to own air conditioners. So in this scenarios it’s important to opt for extended warranties.
When should you opt for warranty extension?
Not all brands provide the same warranty. For instance, Voltas provides a 5 year comprehensive warranty while buying the Voltas air conditioners, along with a lifetime warranty for the AC’s compressor. However, other brands usually provide a 12 month warranty for the product, offering coverage against damaged electrical parts due to manufacturing defects, along with a separate warranty for the AC’s compressor. Thus, one needs to opt for an additional warranty when the AC’s brand warranty is due to expire.
You can either purchase the extended warranty from the brand (before the expiration of the standard limited warranty), or from a third-party service provider. However, should you buy an extended warranty for an AC that costs anywhere between Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 30,000? What are the factors you have to take into consideration to make the decision?
Given the fact that today, you can purchase an AC for anywhere between Rs. 20,000 (for instance, the MarQ by Flipkart 1 Ton 3 Star Split Inverter AC – White) – Rs. 90,000 or above (such as the Toshiba RAS-18U2KCVP 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC), it is important to know when to purchase an extended warranty. The general rule is that if you purchase an expensive air conditioner, which might cost you more than Rs. 40,000, it is worth investing in an extended warranty. Furthermore, five star air conditioners are relatively more expensive than three star models, but are sturdier, and there are few chances of a five star AC needing regular repairs or maintenance.
Extended warranty benefits
Extended warranties ensure that your air conditioners remain operational years after the expiration of the brand warranties. Furthermore, third-party warranty extension offers complete breakdown support, while covering the costs of labour, service and transport charges! Third-party service providers also offer preventive maintenance visits, which includes dry service and wet service every year.
Brands like Samsung also offer excellent extended warranty benefits, with the brand offering Care Packs, which include comprehensive coverage, along with up to three services (2 dry and 1 wet) during a year. This ensures that your air conditioner remains in top condition throughout the year, and any malfunctions or repairs during the warranty period is taken care of by the brand.
Similar to other appliances, air conditioners too require regular maintenance. If you own a budget-friendly model, then you would be better off taking the AC to a service centre when it breaks down. However, if you have an expensive model, then it is imperative that you opt for an extended warranty, either from the brand, or from a third-party service provider.
