Overview of a Whirlpool Warranty
A warranty is a service agreement that pays for repairs and replacements of certain types of mechanical and material defects and breakdowns that occur from normal wear and tear. The Whirlpool warranty gives consumers some comfort that if something goes wrong during the warranty period, they won’t have to pay expensive repair costs.
Whirlpool Warranty Coverage
The Whirlpool warranty covers most factory-specified replacement parts and labor charges needed to repair defects in materials or workmanship that occur within the warranty coverage period. The warranty is only valid in the U.S.or Canada and applies only when you use the appliance in the country where you originally purchased it.
Whirlpool Warranty for Dishwashers
With two exceptions, Whirlpool’s warranty covers your dishwasher and its parts for one year from the date you bought it. The dishwasher’s electronic control system has that one-year guarantee and four more years of a limited warranty. And dishwasher filters have a second-year limited warranty.
Whirlpool Warranty for Refrigerators
The Whirlpool warranty for refrigerators covers parts, such as the thermostat, for one year from the date you made your purchase and water filters for 30 days from the purchase date. After the first year, the warranty covers sealed refrigeration parts individually for an additional four years:
- Evaporator
- Refrigerator compressor
- Dryer
- Condenser
- Connecting tubing
The manufacturer’s warranty gives no coverage after the fifth year.
Other Types of Whirlpool Warranties
Several other Whirlpool appliances also come with a limited warranty:
- Washing machines and dryers
- Ranges, ovens and cooktops
- Microwaves
The paperwork that comes with your appliance should spell out the length and terms of any applicable warranty.
Whirlpool Extended Service Plans
Whirlpool offers extended service plans that begin when your initial warranty period expires. Whirlpool’s extended service plans cover 100% of the costs of factory-certified parts and pre-qualified technicians without any deductible.
All extended service plans come with U.S.-based customer service. Plans start at $34.95 and may cover service and parts for major component issues that can cost hundreds of dollars to repair.
Customers who have multiple Whirlpool appliances may be able to save money by bundling coverage for several appliances into one service plan. Additionally, Whirlpool may offer you a discount if you purchase an extended warranty within 30 days of your appliance purchase.
Coverage Exclusions
The Whirlpool warranty doesn’t cover:
- Appliances in non-residential, commercial or multiple-family residences
- Damage to appliances caused by improper installation or installation that does not comply with plumbing or electrical codes
- Instruction on how to use and install your product or in-home installation
- Damage caused by the use of non-Whirlpool brand parts
- Cosmetic damage
- Damage caused by misuse, accident, natural disasters or abuse
- Repairs needed because of unauthorized modifications of the appliance
- Pickup or delivery
- Rust, discoloration or oxidation caused by using the appliance in a corrosive environment
- Conversion of gas products
If a service technician removes built-in fixtures to service your appliance, the warranty doesn’t cover the cost to remove or replace the fixtures.
Registering Your Whirlpool Warranty
Product registration provides easy access to product manuals, tips, replacement parts and other useful information. It also makes the warranty service process easier.
To register your product, visit the Whirlpool registration page. Fill out the requested information, including the model number, serial number, purchase date, purchase price and name of your retailer.
Once you fill in the information about your product, complete the “Your Information” section by filling in your name, email address, phone number and mailing address. The “Quick Question” is optional.
Read the terms and conditions and the privacy notice, then check the box indicating you have read and accepted the terms. Click the “Complete registration” button to submit your completed registration form.
Whirlpool Warranty Service
Whirlpool suggests you visit its Product Help page for troubleshooting information and read the Problem Solver section of the Use and Care Guide before requesting warranty service. If you still need help after reviewing the troubleshooting information, follow these steps to submit a warranty claim:
- Gather proof of purchase information, including the name and address of the retailer that sold you the appliance. Write down the serial number and model number of your appliance and a description of the problem you are having.
- Submit your claim by calling the Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center at 800-253-1301 (for U.S. customers) or 800-807-6777 (for Canadian customers).
- Use the Schedule Service page on the Whirlpool website or call the same customer service number you called in Step 2 to schedule a service call.
Whirlpool only provides warranty service through its authorized Whirlpool Service Providers.
Whirlpool Warranty vs. Home Warranty
A home warranty provides coverage for systems and appliances in your home that may need repairs. However, unlike your Whirlpool warranty, a home warranty covers a variety of appliances and systems regardless of age or brand name.
For example, if you have a Whirlpool stove and refrigerator and a Maytag washing machine and dryer, your Whirlpool warranties only cover your Whirlpool appliances. A home warranty would cover all your appliances plus other household systems, such as your water heater, HVAC units, plumbing and electrical systems.
Some home warranties cover more. Pest control and roof leak protection are examples of added coverage. Home warranties deliver more overall protection against potentially costly home repairs than individual appliance warranties.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Whirlpool Appliances
Our top picks for home warranty coverage are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield.
Liberty Home Guard has a rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars based on almost 2,000 customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. Liberty Home Guard is a customer-friendly company that offers multiple communication channels, a customer survey tool, live-chat support and specialized add-ons.
American Home Shield has more than 50 years of experience and operates in Texas, California and every other U.S. state except Alaska and Hawaii. American Home Shield has a basic plan that starts at $29.99 per month but comes with higher-than-average coverage caps for systems and appliances.
Compare Whirlpool Warranties to Competitors
The average lifespan of a refrigerator is 10 to 15 years. You’re likely to own your Whirlpool appliances long after your Whirlpool warranty expires. If so, you could face hefty repair bills. Buying an extended warranty or a home warranty would give you more years of coverage, but how do these plans stack up?
| Whirlpool Service Plan | Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty | American Home Shield Home Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Cost | Starts at $39.95 per year and varies by appliance, purchase price and age | $49.99 to $59.99 per month | $29.99 to $89.99 per month |
| Service Fee | Some plans have a service fee | Service fees of $65–$125 depending on the home’s size and location | Service fees of $100 or $125 (some states offer a discounted fee of $75) |
| Length | 1 to 5 years; renewable at the discretion of the provider | 1 year; renewable at the discretion of the provider | Annually or recurring monthly until canceled |
| Coverage | Covers only the specific appliances listed in the contract | Three tiers of coverage | Three tiers of coverage |
| Best Features | No deductible | Replacement or buyout if unrepairable | Covers pre-existing conditions, corrosion, rust and improper installations and modifications |
| Payment plan options | Thousands of vetted technicians | No inspection or maintenance records required | |
| Factory-certified parts | Unique coverage add-ons | Replacement or buyout if unrepairable | |
| Worst Features | Must purchase a plan for each appliance | Slower response times | Higher-than-average service fees |
| No add-ons | Coverage cap of $2,000 per item | Limited add-ons |
The Bottom Line: Is a Whirlpool Warranty Worth It?
The purchase price includes the Whirlpool warranty, so there’s no downside to taking advantage of it. While you don’t have to register your product to use the warranty, doing so is easy, and it will make the claims process more efficient.
Most Whirlpool warranties only cover normal wear and tear plus defects in materials or workmanship for one year. If you want more comprehensive coverage or a policy that extends past one year, you must purchase an extended warranty plan.
Whirlpool’s extended service plans protect one or two appliances. However, plans don’t cover as many repairs as the original warranty, and they only apply to specific appliances in your contract. The price rises significantly as your appliance ages. Whirlpool doesn’t warranty appliances more than 15 years old.
A home warranty from one of our preferred providers includes comprehensive coverage for multiple appliances and home systems so that you are better protected against costly repair bills. Visit Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield to get a free quote on the best warranty plan for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard Whirlpool warranty lasts for one year from the date of purchase, although the length varies by product. If Whirlpool replaces your appliance under warranty, the remainder of your initial warranty period will apply to the replacement appliance.
Check the paperwork that came with your appliance. If you can’t find the warranty information for your appliance, you can look up your appliance’s model number, warranty and other product information on the Whirlpool Manuals & Literature Page.
To submit a warranty claim, call the Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center at 800-253-1301 (for U.S. customers) or 800-807-6777 (for Canadian customers). You’ll need your appliance and proof of purchase information.
The Whirlpool warranty for refrigerators covers parts for one year from the date you made your purchase and water filters for 30 days from the purchase date. After the first year, the warranty covers sealed refrigeration parts individually for an additional four years.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Home Warranty Companies
At the Marketwatch Home Team, we’ve created a comprehensive rating system to rank home warranty providers based on objective factors. We researched each company by speaking with representatives, reading sample contracts, and analyzing and comparing consumer reviews, then deepened our knowledge by gaining homeowner insights through surveys and focus groups.
After collecting data, we scored each provider based on what matters most to homeowners: plan options, cost, trustworthiness, customer service, state availability, additional benefits and coverage specifics.
We established each company’s rating out of 5.0 stars, weighing the following factors accordingly:
- Plan options (20%): Companies that offer at least three plan options and various add-ons scored the highest in this category.
- Coverage details (20%): We rated companies based on the total number of home appliances and systems covered in their plans, emphasizing essential systems like plumbing and air conditioning units.
- Plan pricing (18%): Home warranty providers that offer combination plans for less than $50 a month and a service call fee of $75 or less earned the most points in this category.
- Trustworthiness (14%): We evaluated the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, sample contract availability, workmanship guarantee and industry experience to determine the trustworthiness of each company.
- Customer service (16%): Home warranty companies that are available 24/7, 365 days a year, provide emergency services and offer at least two ways to file a claim earned the highest customer service points.
- Additional benefits (8%): Companies with a 30-day free cancellation period earned points in this category, and providers received extra points for offering additional coverage perks and exclusive benefits.
- State availability (4%): Providers that service all 50 U.S. states earned full credit for this category.
Our review methodology for home warranty companies is intended to provide a thorough overview of the best providers nationwide. To learn more, you can read our full home warranty methodology.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.