Remember how, on Monday, we got the A/C fixed? Well, on Friday it started acting up again. It was set for 76 and ended up at 82 as the day progressed. When I checked the vents, the air coming out of there was barely cool and the flow was weak.
Sears offers a 90-day warranty on any repair service, so they came back out free of charge.
Turns out there was a bad cable that was interfering with the thermostat’s efficiency. They didn’t notice it before because the cable had to be accessed through the attic. On the first trip, they did notice and repair some corroded wires leading to the unit. This one had to be accessed by the attic, so it wasn’t obvious that there was a problem.
They were able to do the repair for only$45. Which made me a happy camper.
Then Sears called on Sunday to offer us a protection plan. It would be $220 and would include the yearly inspection we’d have to pay for anyway.
Normally, I’m wary of extended warranties. They rarely turn out to be worth the money — especially on a unit that’s only a year old.
Here are the thoughts rattling around in my brain:
- On the one hand, it’s new and so any more repairs are unlikely.
- Then again, it did just cost us $300 in repairs.
- Then again, what are the chances a new unit will have problems twice in one year?
- Then again, given our luck, what ARE the chances a new unit will have problems twice in one year?
- Also, a yearly inspection costs $170. So it’s only $60 more and would provide some peace of mind.
- Then again, the inspection wouldn’t happen for a year, when $170 (or $230 if I buy the plan then) would be far easier on the wallet. (Did I mention the $300 we just paid, plus $150 for Tim’s dentures?)
- Then again, if something *does* break, I’ll be furious with myself.
- Then again, if we get the plan and something goes wrong that’s not covered, I’ll be furious with Sears.
So I guess a large part of my decision will hinge on how good the plan is. Which means I need you folks to chime in. Has anyone out there had a protection plan? What was your experience?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
sorry, i can't help. every extended warranty i've bought i didn't end up needing; every appliance i refused the extended plan on, ended up being a good candidate for it. but it's nice to know someone else's brain works like mine.
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How handy are the residents in your household? Given Arizona heat, how long could you be without a/c if it has problems again? Because it gets a good workout throughout the year, your 1 yr. old a/c isn't the same as a 1 yr. old a/c in Seattle/Tacoma or Vermont. Do you know how to maintain it throughout the year? Is it even something you want to add to your list of "worry about" items? In other words, $60 might well be a good investment for peace of mind.
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I would be very careful with Sears. Google reviews of their service.
My latest find among AC contractors here in the Valley is Accredited Appliance (1-877-915-7400). They don't seem to be crooks, at least no more than your average AC contractor. Think they're somewhat more honest, so far. You could also try Premier, 623-826-3398. Ask around. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Please check: I think you can get a better deal on the 2xyear service fee (and even if it IS new, if you want it to keep running you oughta have it checked and serviced at least once year), and I know that in terms of ethics there's a wide range of behavior out there.
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