Is a warranty right for you?

Buying a new kitchen appliance is a major investment. It's often tempting to protect that investment by taking out an extended warranty to pay for repairs. Before you do, however, it's worth remembering what can go wrong with major appliances, so you can make the right decision.

BREAKDOWNS THAT LEAD TO WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS

Washing machines are perhaps the most commonly protected appliances. It makes sense when you consider what a broken-down washing machine means: endless trips to the launderette or mounting piles of dirty laundry while you decide what to do.

Washing machine breakdowns are often caused by wear and tear, which can be a particular problem in hard water areas. Pipes and metallic elements can become encrusted with lime scale, which leads to poor performance and the need for washing machine repairs to be carried out.

Other common washing machine problems include damage caused by accident, for example, from coins trapped in the washing machine drum or bra wires becoming entangled in the drum mechanism. If you've ever experienced these problems, you might see the benefit of buying a warranty that will protect you in the event of them happening again.

WHAT COULD LEAD TO DISHWASHER REPAIRS?

Many people rely on dishwashers for the majority of their washing up. In fact, modern models can cope successfully with everything from heavy pans to delicate crystal, meaning we can spend less time at the kitchen sink. But what can go wrong with dishwashers?

As with washing machines, lime scale is the enemy of dishwashers. A corroded heating element or inlet pipe can lead to dishwasher repairs, which is why it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions with regard to maintaining your appliance and using the appropriate anti-scale products.

By taking good care of your appliance you will certainly minimise the likelihood of a breakdown. Simple measures such as cleaning the filters and ensuring the arm has enough room to spin above the dinner plates will help prevent damage to your appliance. For more tips on optimising dishwasher performance, check your instruction booklet.

DON'T GET STUCK WITH COSTLY FRIDGE FREEZER REPAIRS

Fridge freezer breakdowns are more common than you might think. Unlike our cookers, washing machines and dishwashers, our fridge freezers are constantly running and are rarely switched off, even when we go on holiday. Take care of your fridge freezer then, and you will be repaid with years of service from this vital appliance.

It may go without saying, but regular defrosting of your fridge freezer will go a long way towards avoiding fridge freezer repairs. The main problem with defrosting your fridge freezer is in being organised: plan to do it and then run down the contents of the fridge freezer so you don't have to throw too much away or store lots of food elsewhere while it's defrosting.

Likewise, following the instructions in your manual will help prevent common problems that lead to breakdowns. For instance, ensure that your fridge freezer is positioned a reasonable distance from the wall and not near any flammable fabrics, as the cooling element at the back can get very hot. It goes without saying that this could be dangerous, as well as making a breakdown more likely to occur.

This is a sponsored posting.

7 April 2011