The Real Cost of “Peace of Mind” in Appliance Repair

We get it. Nobody wants to spend money on appliance repairs.

And when that warranty salesperson promises “complete coverage” for just a few bucks a month, it feels like a no-brainer.

But here’s the thing most people don’t find out until it’s too late:

Warranties are built to protect the warranty company — not your wallet.

As an appliance repair company serving Chicago homeowners and property managers every day, we’ve seen firsthand how warranties sound better in theory than in reality.

This isn’t scare tactics. This is the fine print no one reads… until they have to.

Let’s break it down.

What Warranties Really Cover (and What They Absolutely Don’t)

Most appliance warranties only cover:

  • The part that failed
  • The basic labor to replace it
  • After you’ve jumped through multiple hoops and provided every receipt you’ve ever touched

But here’s what warranties almost never cover — and this is where people get surprised (and frustrated):

1. Access Issues = Out of Pocket Costs

That beautiful stacked washer and dryer setup? Looks great — costs more.

Why? Because warranties don’t cover the extra labor to access your appliance.

Same goes for:

  • Over-the-range microwaves that need to come down
  • Built-in appliances that need cabinets disassembled
  • Heavy refrigerators that need two techs to move

If it takes extra people or time to safely get to your appliance? That’s on you — even with a warranty.

2. Pre-Appointment Paperwork (Hope You Like Email Tag)

Warranty companies love documentation.

Be prepared to provide:

  • Proof of purchase
  • Model and serial numbers
  • Photos of the appliance
  • Sometimes this same info multiple times — to different people

All before you even get an appointment.

Compare that to calling a local repair company that just books your visit and shows up.

3. Wait Times (Especially for Parts)

Warranty companies use their own preferred parts suppliers — not always the fastest or local options.

This means you could be waiting:

  • Days (if you’re lucky)
  • Weeks (more common)
  • Or in backorder limbo (it happens more than you think)

And if you need something urgently? Paying out of pocket to get it faster is often your only option.

Repairs: Pay for What You Need — When You Need It

Here’s the alternative (and why most of our customers prefer this route):

  • You call us.
  • We diagnose the problem.
  • We explain your options.
  • We fix it with high-quality parts.
  • We stand behind the repair with a real warranty from us.

Simple. Fast. No fine print.

Average appliance repairs in Chicago cost between $250–$600 depending on the issue and appliance.

Compare that to paying $40–$75 per month for years… and still having out-of-pocket costs for access, delivery, and convenience.

So — Are Warranties Ever Worth It?

Sometimes, yes.

We recommend considering a warranty if:

  • You’re buying an expensive built-in or luxury appliance
  • You live in a rental with heavy use or high turnover
  • You want to budget your repair costs more predictably (even if it’s not cheaper overall)

But for the average homeowner in Chicago?

Save your money. Put a little aside each month in a “home maintenance fund.” And when something breaks? Hire a local company you trust.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Money — It’s About Control

With a warranty company, you’re playing by their rules.

With a local repair company, you’re working with people who care about your experience — and your time.

Want honest advice from real people?
That’s us.
Right here in Chicago.

Call us when you need us — we’ll show up, tell you the truth, and get the job done.

Serving Chicago and Surrounding Suburbs

Wood Dale | Downers Grove | Naperville | and Beyond

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