Canadian appliance warranties are frequently misunderstood — both in what they cover and in what can void them. Homeowners often call us believing their appliance is "under warranty" and then discover the warranty doesn't apply to their situation, or that using manufacturer warranty service means a 3-week wait with no loaner. This guide gives you a clear picture of how appliance warranties work in Canada and helps you make smart decisions about when to use warranty service and when an independent repair company is the better call.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Extended Warranty
Manufacturer Warranty
- Typically 1 year parts and labour for most brands
- Some brands offer extended component coverage (e.g., compressor, motor)
- Covers manufacturing defects — not user damage or wear
- Service arranged through manufacturer's authorized network
- Can mean 2–4 week wait times in Toronto for popular brands
- Parts are OEM guaranteed
Extended Warranty (Retailer/Third-Party)
- Purchased at point of sale (Best Buy, Costco, etc.)
- Typically covers years 2–5 or 2–6
- Coverage varies widely — read the fine print carefully
- Some exclude certain component types or have annual claim limits
- Service response time varies by provider
- Some plans include accidental damage coverage
What Standard Warranties Cover — and Don't Cover
Standard manufacturer warranties cover manufacturing defects: a component that fails under normal use due to a material or production flaw. They do not cover:
- Damage from improper installation (e.g., incorrect voltage, unbalanced unit)
- Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents) unless present at delivery
- Normal wear items: door gaskets, filters, light bulbs, drip pans
- Damage from power surges (unless covered by specific surge warranty)
- Use of the appliance beyond intended residential purpose
- Damage caused by a previous repair attempt that was done incorrectly
Extended component warranties to know about: LG offers a 10-year limited warranty on direct drive motors in washers. Samsung offers a 10-year digital inverter compressor warranty on refrigerators from eligible model years. GE appliances have offered 5-year sealed system coverage on some refrigerators. Always check the documentation for your specific model — these warranties require registration in some cases.
Does Using an Independent Repair Company Void Your Warranty?
This is the question we get most often, and the answer requires nuance. In Canada, manufacturer warranties are subject to provincial consumer protection legislation. Generally speaking, manufacturers cannot void a warranty simply because you used an independent repair company. This principle is embedded in consumer protection law across Canadian provinces.
However, there is an important distinction: if an independent repair causes additional damage — say, a technician installs an incompatible part that then damages the control board — the manufacturer is not responsible for that additional damage. The original warranty claim for the pre-existing defect may still stand; the new damage caused by the independent repair does not.
The practical caution: If your appliance is still under the manufacturer's 1-year warranty and the failure appears to be a manufacturing defect, using manufacturer warranty service is almost always the right choice. The repair is free. The only reason to use independent repair during this period is if the wait time for authorized service is unacceptable (a fridge failing with full food spoilage risk, for example) and you're prepared to pay out of pocket.
When to Use Warranty vs. Independent Repair
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Appliance less than 1 year old, clear manufacturing defect | Use Manufacturer Warranty |
| Appliance less than 1 year old, food spoilage emergency | Independent Repair (pay out of pocket for speed) |
| Appliance 1–3 years old, extended warranty active | Check extended warranty terms first |
| Appliance 1–3 years old, no extended warranty | Independent Repair |
| Samsung/LG inverter compressor covered under 10-yr warranty | Use Manufacturer Warranty |
| Appliance 5+ years old, warranty expired | Independent Repair |
| Damage from improper installation or abuse | Independent Repair (warranty won't cover) |
How to Make a Warranty Claim in Canada
- Locate your proof of purchase (original receipt or credit card statement)
- Find the model and serial number (on a sticker inside the appliance)
- Contact the manufacturer's Canadian customer service line (not the US line)
- Request a service work order number before the technician arrives
- Confirm the issue is covered and there will be no charge before agreeing to the service visit
- Document the problem with photos before the technician arrives
For appliances past their warranty period, our appliance repair service in Toronto covers all major brands with same-day availability and transparent pricing — no waiting weeks for an authorized service window.
Appliance Out of Warranty? We've Got You.
Same-day service, honest pricing, and a 90-day repair warranty — better terms than many manufacturer extended plans.